4C01 gets a write-in candidate, and you should vote for her!
/The boundaries of the new Single Member District 4C01
Advisory Neighborhood Commission Single Member District 4C01 did not have anyone file paperwork to run for the elected position. Then the other week, Danny Kedem announced he would seek the seat as a write-in candidate. Danny wanted to ensure someone ran and that he and his neighbors had representation on the ANC. Around the same time, and unbeknownst to Danny, Casey Swegman also became concerned that no one was running and decided she would run as a write-in candidate.
Coincidentally and separately, both reached out to Petworth News, so we connected them so they could figure out if they both wanted to run and compete. After talking together, Danny Kedem has officially endorsed Casey Swegman and said he will no longer seek the position as a write-in candidate.
We wholeheartedly appreciate that both residents stepped up to take on the role, and the thoughtful way each worked together to determine what worked best for each of them.
So… Petworth News is pleased to endorse Casey Swegman for 4C01 as a write-in candidate. (This means if you live in SMD 4C01, when you vote you have to WRITE her name in for ANC Commissioner — she will not appear on the ballot.)
Here’s some more information about Casey:
Name: My name is Casey Carter Swegman.
What is your ANC and SMD?
4C01. New Commission ANC 4C and SMD 4C01 This newly drawn SMD is bordered by 8th Street NW, Alison Street NW, Arkansas Ave NW, and Taylor Street NW. It includes a lot! Petworth Library, Powell Elementary School, Dorothy Height Elementary School, Sharpe Health (a current DCPS swing space), McFarland Middle School, Roosevelt High School, Upshur Pool, Upshur Street & Petworth Recreation Center, 800 block of Upshur Street
What is the best way for constituents to contact you?
You may reach me via email CaseySwegman4C01@gmail.com or text me at (240) 406-7927.
Introduction:
I was born at Sibley Hospital, raised in Laurel and Burtonsville, MD and as an adult I’ve been living in DC as an adult for the past 11 years. I love this city, and the neighborhood of Petworth, deeply. Some of you might recognize me as the woman who walks Roscoe the 12 year old brown chihuahua with the “funny little leg”.
I’m pretty new to living in 4C01. I’ve been in Petworth since December 2019 so I am by no means the “expert” on our community or all the needs and priorities of my neighbors. Which is why I am eager to find creative ways to listen, particularly addressing the digital divide that exists with our older folks, and to ensure more people have the opportunity to be heard and have their concerns elevated appropriately.
What's a hobby or something fun that you are interested in?
I’m obsessed with movies of all kinds! I live in a pretty small apartment but decided to start using a projector instead of a TV and now feel like my entire “living room” is my own personal movie theater. This past January I hosted a fake film festival “Sundance in your Sweatpants” for a small group of friends. Outside of that I like to read fiction (who needs more of the real world when they are reading?!) and to be outside as much as possible.
What are your qualifications?
I’ve been involved locally with Ward 4 Mutual Aid throughout the pandemic and have gained great insight onto the need of our diverse community through that experience. In my work I have had the privilege of serving as a facilitator of challenging conversations around policy responses to gender based violence in marginalized communities as well as a direct service provider for survivors. For me this work has nurtured conflict resolution skills and radical empathy, two qualities I believe are critical for a successful ANC.
What are the ANC meetings?
As someone who would be a first time Commissioner and with a new ANC Commission being formed this time around I believe we will have further details on meetings after the election.
Are you going to hold SMD meetings?
I hope to yes! Particularly leading up to and after ANC meetings. Meetings will be in person at local establishments or the library. More details to come after the election.
Do you attend other meetings?
As time allows I’ve attended local safety meetings related to Georgia and Webster Ave, Council hearings (virtually), and Ward 4 Mutual Aid meetings and plan to engage much more if elected.
Casey’s Priorities
I am committed to anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches to working and living. That said, I am not perfect and I will likely mess up (hopefully less so now than years ago) and I seek to be the kind of person folks feel comfortable giving feedback to and listening to learn and grow if I get something wrong. I am eager to work alongside like minded folks on behalf of the residents of 4C.
If elected I see my role as a Commissioner as someone who listens and responds by connecting folks to resources and elevating needs and concerns to the right offices and individuals who are in a position to take action.
Some priorities I have are that I really want to get our trash cans put back on Georgia Ave and other streets where they have disappeared and to support efforts to improve trash collection in our community overall as I believe keeping streets clean is related to so many other quality of life and public health issues; I am excited to address the digital divide and find creative ways to keep our seniors and retired folks plugged into ANC updates and goings on; I am eager to support work that address affordable housing/the housing crisis, safe streets; and keeping local businesses thriving.
Editor’s Note: All content is directly from the candidates with only minor edits for simple typographical issues. All photos are from the candidates. No endorsement is implied by these articles — hopefully you learn more about the people who want to represent you. Please vote!
