From: tac@cheztac.com
Date: Fri, 08/11/06
Smokefree DC Endorses Candidates for Mayor and DC Council
Following is our press release announcing the results of Wednesday
night's endorsement meeting. It was a great meeting -- many of the
candidates came by and explained their committtment to smokefree air.
While in most races it was pretty clear who the top candidate was, Ward
3 was trickier. Most of the Ward 3 candidates supported, in varying
degrees, the goals of Smokefree DC. Prior to the meeting, Smokefree DC's
steering committee narrowed the race down to three candidates who were
all very strong on the issue: Mary Cheh, Sam Brooks and Robert Gordon.
Read on to see the outcome!
While you might think that because the smokefree workplaces law passed
earlier this year, there is nothing more to do, that isn't the case.
Implementing regulations are still being drafted, and there are attempts
by the other side to weaken them. That's why the people we have in
office are so crucial.
During the next several weeks we'll be sending out periodic
announcements: some with messages from the candidates themselves (while
we won't give them this list, we do want to give them an opportunity to
earn your vote), and some about the somewhat wonky but very important
regulatory process. We've come pretty close to winning smokefree
workplaces in DC, but the battle isn't over.
NEWS RELEASE
Aug. 9, 2006
Contact: Angela Bradbery angela@smokefreedc.org
Smokefree DC Endorses Candidates for
Mayor and DC Council Primaries
Fenty, Patterson and Mendelson Get Nod in Citywide Races
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The three original and longtime supporters of
smokefree workplace legislation, all of whom are candidates for citywide
offices, won Smokefree DC's endorsement on Wednesday, as did four other
candidates competing for Council seats in September's primary.
Candidates were selected for endorsement based on their legislative
track records and their responses to a questionnaire.
The three are Ward 4 Councilmember Adrian Fenty, who is running for
mayor; Ward 3 Councilmember Kathy Patterson, who is running for Council
chair; and At-Large Councilmember Phil Mendelson, who is running for
re-election.
Smokefree DC is issuing endorsements because of the importance of this
year's elections. Although the DC Council passed a strong smokefree
workplace law earlier this year, how faithfully the law is implemented
depends on the next mayor. The portion of the law pertaining to bars and
bar areas of restaurants does not take effect until January, when a new
Council is seated. (The portion pertaining to dining areas of
restaurants has already taken effect.) Opponents of the law have been
relentless in attempting to block implementation of the law, and the
next Council might have to respond with additional legislation.
Smokefree DC will encourage its supporters to help the candidates who
were endorsed by volunteering for their campaigns, donating money to
them and helping them on Election Day.
"We thank all the candidates who responded to our questionnaires," said
Angela Bradbery, co-founder of Smokefree DC. "In many races, we were
faced with a difficult choice, as many candidates expressed similar
support for smokefree workplaces issues. However, we believe those who
were endorsed by our members will best protect the smokefree workplace
law that the Council passed in January, and we urge our supporters to
get involved in their campaigns."
Following is a complete list of endorsements, with excerpts from
Smokefree DC's recommendations to members. In all but one race, the
Smokefree DC steering committee made recommendations to members, who
cast a final vote. In the Ward 3 Council race, however, the steering
committee had no recommendation, instead singling out three top
candidates for consideration: Sam Brooks, Robert Gordon and Mary Cheh.
After two rounds of voting, Sam Brooks received the endorsement. To view
the candidates' responses to the questionnaire and a complete list of
recommendations, along with a narrative containing the reasons for the
recommendations, go to www.SmokefreeDC.org <http://www.smokefreedc.org/>
..
Mayor: Adrian Fenty
"There is no question that Democrat Adrian Fenty is far and away the
best candidate for mayor.... As a Ward 4 councilmember, he has been a
strong, early, and consistent proponent of 100 percent smokefree
workplaces and has earned our enthusiastic support."
Council Chair: Kathy Patterson
"She has served as a public champion for our cause and has consistently
shown herself to be a smart leader with strategic vision. Her answers to
our July 2006 questionnaire express emphatic support for our positions,
communicated in terms that demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of
the political process."
At Large Council Seat: Phil Mendelson
He "has been a strong, early and consistent supporter of 100 percent
smokefree workplaces and a friend and ally of Smokefree DC. His support
has been steadfast."
Ward 1: Jim Graham
"In June 2005, incumbent Councilmember Jim Graham conducted a large,
well-attended Ward 1 town hall meeting at the Lincoln Theater and at its
conclusion dramatically announced his support for a smokefree workplaces
law. This well-publicized forum provided an important political boost
for us, and since then he has proven himself a friend and ally of
Smokefree DC."
Ward 3: Sam Brooks
"He has been a friend of Smokefree DC, consistently supported our
positions and ran on a smokefree workplace platform in his unsuccessful
2004 Council race."
Ward 5: Kathy Henderson
She "has earned our support by testifying last year before the DC
Council in support of the Smokefree Workplaces Act of 2005 (B16-0187).
On her questionnaire she declares that she would eliminate all
exemptions and waivers that limit full compliance with the new law, and
would phase out the economic hardship waiver even sooner than Smokefree
DC advocates."
Ward 6: Curtis Etherly
He indicated strong support for most of Smokefree DC's positions in his
questionnaire.
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