On Tue, May 15, 2012, the great Ward 5 finds itself in the position to elect a candidate to successfully fill the approx 1 2/3 years remaining in the term before the next General Elections in 2014. The foundation has already been laid for some of the many Ward 5 economic development projects, educational issues, public safety issues, funding for services and programs that affect our Ward.
With 11 candidates vying for this position that each has proclaimed in debates, individual presentations in various arenas, through literature that they best possess the necessary skills and wherewithal to represent our residents, I felt it was important to access each candidate not from the perspective of a single or a few of the issues, but all the issues that interest the whole of Ward 5. This includes whether or not I agreed with the candidate's position.
I will not use sound bites or myths to impress you, citing rhetorical political statements, but the truth to enlighten about whom is best candidate qualified to lead Ward 5 into the future as it's the next Councilmember at this crucial time in our existence. Choosing the next Ward 5 Councilmember should not be taken lightly for it has far-reaching implications.
I first assessed the heartfelt sincerity and prior displayed abilities of each of the candidates, from this their "spirits of intent" in being able to achieve their stated goals based on their life experiences and accomplishments, how this wisdom would be applied as a Councilmember representing all Ward 5 residents; displayed development of their innate and special qualities, how they overcame challenges in their lives; how they would apply these same qualities in this position; their level of respectability; thoughtfulness; sincere love of people; ability to relate to/with all Ward 5 residents, and would seek W5 residents advice first, assessing ours and the District's needs in the legislative decision-making process?
Also, we are aware of the difficult financial times DC is experiencing, the challenges facing our Legislature, the many investigations which have not been completed, the documented stress and strain on the leadership that is being directly and indirectly affected because of the public concerns about the alleged special interest influences, ethical behavior, etc. Therefore, what qualities are needed for the next Ward 5 councilmember to be seen as one not to be included/linked in these discussions, and to be able to successfully navigate the fray, have productive interaction with the current Council members to produce positive outcomes for Ward 5 residents?
Being familiar with the majority of the candidates, there is no doubt that 99% of them are truly good people. Many have years of known dedicated community public service here in W5 which has shown their commitment, especially without pay, but with payback from the appreciation shown by our residents.
to direct them as to what decision to make depending on the matter and who benefits from the desired results?
From this well thought out assessment, this brought me to as we stand in this important time in the history of the District of Columbia, which candidate truly possesses the experiences and qualities, ethical leadership abilities; character; wisdom and intellectual development; to obtain "the greater good for the greater number of W5 and city-wide residents" on our legislative body in the remaining short period of time, and not need to run for re-election as soon as they hit the door?
The answer is Frank Wilds!
Frank Wilds did not "jump" in the race because there was an opening, or from a sense of entitlement. An over 35 year W5 resident, Frank gave this important step/position well thought out consideration before entering the race to fill the Ward 5 Councilmember seat. Frank Wilds knows that it will take a special person with special qualities, who will to be able to hit the ground running, not going through an apprenticeship with more heavy reliance on other people/interests guidance to make very important decision that will impact our Ward & city. He will utilize "balanced consideration", taking full responsibility.
I am aware of Frank's service of over 20 years as a mentor, a strong connection with our youth, which I haven't heard from any of the other candidates. I have seen Frank's committed public service in action, along with his commitment to using his vast first hand life experiences in DC, his firmly rooted Christian faith, and successful business ownership skills, qualities focused that would lift the spirits of Ward 5 residents to levels never before experienced.
Frank's acquired 25 years of successful business operations, planning and financial management skills that no other candidate possesses also cannot be overlooked, which makes him the perfect choice since he has already shown that he is a dedicated public servant with political skills, service as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and chair of the Ward 5 Dems, that will easily transfer over if elected as the next Ward Councilmember. Though Frank's business responded to RFPs, for some reason his business was never awarded a DC contract. Had his CBE revoked for no reason, so he knows the pains and challenges of other ethical, qualified Ward 5 and DC businesses that in good faith went through the process, only to have an outside business be awarded the contract, not do the job right and importantly, not hire DC residents first or any!
How do I know that Frank has such outstanding skills in financial management? An example is the fundraising for this special election campaign, how, what and when the candidates spent this money that was not their own or was their own!
According to published reports, Mr. McDuffie is the leading fundraiser, over $90,000.00. Yet a week before the election he only had a little over $14,000.00 on hand with a staff and future expenses. That's over $60,000.00 spent before the Election Day! Mr. Wilds raised over $60,000.00, and has over $24,000.00 left for the last week with a small staff, only spending a little over a third of his funds up front, utilizing other cost-effective measures, up close and personal contact to reach out to our residents for their vote, displaying appreciation and accountability for the public's trust in the use of these funds.
The question becomes, how would these different financial management styles transfer over if elected in considering legislative and DC budgetary matters for our agencies and the expectations for the use of public funds? How can the person be taken seriously? Very important questions since there are some agencies such as DCPS who are constantly over budget and in need of serious guidance and accountability in using public funds. Who has shown the wisdom and accountability in the use of others or their own funds in this race? Frank Wilds!
Again, not forgetting the devastating circumstances which have brought us to this point, rest assured that along with Frank's faithful years of sincere community service/activism and straightforwardness that brings a high level of understanding that can't be brought when it comes to the issues, the intended goal of Ward 5 having a person of unquestionable integrity, a vast knowledgebase, utilized for all the residents in this position of "Power" would produce the fruits needed to move our Ward and the District forward on common ground and towards unparallel success!
Frank Wilds knows what is truly needed for the residents and holistic growth of Ward 5. As we look to go in a new direction which enhances Ward 5 position in this new century, Frank Wilds possesses the wisdom and knowledge of a seasoned leader that is "Unbrought & Unbossed", with the ability to effectively communicate with, is appreciated and respected by all age groups from the cradle to Golden Years. Along with his skills, and having paid his dues, this makes Frank Wilds the right choice to be elected the next Councilmember for Ward 5!
It just makes sense at this important time in Ward 5's history. Seasoned wisdom; seasoned experienced leadership; legislative knowledge; ability to speak and request free of baggage; ethics; seasoned understanding of the business of government, seasoned & successful business owner, who cares for all the residents of Ward 5 and the city!
Truly look at the tangibles, intangibles, seasoned experiences of Frank Wilds for leadership of Ward 5. Remember, as no other candidate has stated, Frank Wilds is committed, letting his faith in God and truly understanding the people's needs, to utilizing this position of "Power to Empower"!
Vote for Frank Wilds on May 15th for the success and future of Ward 5!
"Let there be Light"
Albrette "Gigi" Ransom
Commissioner, ANC 5C12
Albrette "Gigi" Ransom
Commissioner, ANC 5C12
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