WASHINGTON — D.C.’s primary election is Tuesday, and WUSA9 is getting you ready for the big decision. One local race to watch puts 10 candidates on the ballot who all hope to replace long-time Ward 7 Councilmember and former Mayor Vince Gray.
Gray, who is retiring due to declining health following two strokes, has dominated District politics for two decades.
WUSA9 recently sat down with Mayor Muriel Bowser and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson to talk about the retirement of political giant, former Mayor, and Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray.
There are 10 candidates vying for the job.
WUSA9 recently profiled the top four according to fundraising and polling. Without another party represented, the Democrat who wins the primary will become only the third Ward 7 councilmember in 20 years.
“Definitely want somebody who is committed to the city and who is thoughtful and reflective about policy,” said Chairman Mendelson.
While neither one of the politicians would offer an endorsement, they did talk about priorities for the 90,000 people who call Ward 7 home.
“I think Ward 7 residents want somebody that’s really focused on public safety,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.
The latest numbers released by the Metropolitan Police Department show violent crime is down, but Ward 7 residents remain concerned about shootings, car jackings, and theft in their neighborhoods.
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On the education front
“How we get Ward 7 residents the options that they want in schools closer to home, is important to me,” Bowser said.
According to school data, the largest number of school-aged children live in Wards 7 and 8, but the majority attend school outside their communities, traveling up to an hour to attend classes.
“How can we build strong feeder patterns in school,” Bowser continued. “So I would definitely be looking for a partner in Ward 7 that doesn't want to shuffle the boxes and relitigate the governance conversation but focus on holding the mayor and council accountable.”
On economic development
“We would be looking to work with the next Ward 7 councilmember on economic development agenda that impacts every part of Ward 7,” Bowser said.
The ward has been saddled with stalled projects like Capital Gateway and the former Fletcher Johnson Middle School. And while there has been recent movement to bring an emergency health care facility to Fletcher Johnson and more retail to Skyland, progress for ward projects and its people have moved slowly.
“The work that Vince [Gray] has done is important, but it hasn’t been such that his successor is going to be limited to what’s open for them to do,” said Mendelson.
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