GLAA has released election year ratings for candidates seeking office in the district.
The Washington, D.C.-based LGBTQ political advocacy group does not endorse candidates, but rates them on a scale of -10 to +10 based on their record of LGBTQ advocacy, agreement with the group’s policy positions, and responses to a comprehensive survey on LGBTQ-related issues. GLAA’s Policy overview Typically emailed to all candidates seeking public office in Washington, DC
The group’s policy positions touch on issues such as Washington, D.C.’s right to self-determination and federal government overreach, criminal justice, infrastructure, housing, food, health care, and access to public benefits.
The district has historically clashed with the D.C. Council and mayor’s office over funding for LGBTQ community programs and proposed cuts to the district’s social safety net. Those concerns are heightened as school districts struggle with federal layoffs, budget impasses and localized economic downturns caused by government shutdowns.
In the mayoral race, only three candidates made it into the ranks. D.C. City Councilmember Janice Lewis George (D-4th District) received a +10 rating and agreed with GLAA on all issues except decriminalization of sex work. GLAA said Louise-George’s responses were “detailed and thorough, demonstrating the practical knowledge and understanding of an experienced policymaker,” noting that she was a leader on many of the issues raised by the organization during her time on the council.
Rini Sampath, director of a cybersecurity company and federal contractor, received a +6.5 rating. GLAA praised the “detailed and thorough” responses that showed “nuance and creativity in her approach to several issues.” However, she did not receive full marks because she was unable to explain her record in detail and did not always make clear connections between her past actions and the issues prioritized by GLAA.
Ernest Johnson, a real estate broker and notary, received a +4.5 rating. Although he agreed with GLAA on most issues, he was penalized for lacking detail in some of his responses and for failing to link his past record of conduct to the issues raised in GLAA’s policy brief. Still, the group praised him for identifying concrete policy actions he would take if elected and concrete ways to increase revenue to fund some of GLAA’s top priorities.
In the At-Large special election to fill the unexpired term of former City Council member Kenya McDuffie (I-At-Large), his successor and former staffer Doni Crawford received a +6.5 rating. But GLAA criticized her for remaining largely silent about her background, even though she worked on policy and legislative issues in McDuffie’s office and before that at the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute. She was praised for not only identifying ways to increase revenue, but also for providing more substantive and concrete plans on several issues.
Former City Councilwoman Elissa Silverman, one of the two candidates running against Crawford, received a +5.75 rating, gave longer answers to “yes” or “no” questions, and agreed with most of GLAA’s priorities except for the decriminalization of sex work. GLAA said it was aware of his past history and positions on various issues, but was looking forward to more details about his votes and actions on the issues prioritized in the policy brief.
For open General Council seats typically held by Democrats, the highest-rated candidate was D.C. Shadow U.S. Rep. Oye Owolewa, who received a +9 rating. GLAA praised Owolewa’s strong response, which provided “clear examples of behavior from his record in response to questions” and demonstrated “a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of the issues in the brief and how they impact the lives of LGBTQ+ people in D.C.”
The next highest-rated candidate was Lisa Raymond, a former Washington, D.C., state board of education commissioner who previously served as chief of staff to former Attorney General Karl Racine. Raymond received a +7.5 rating for answers that delved into his background and background and provided specific answers on policy issues that agreed with GLAA’s desired positions.
Former elementary and middle school principal Dwight Davis agreed with GLAA on all issues, provided detailed and specific policy recommendations, and received a +6.5 rating. However, he failed to demonstrate how his record of conduct aligns with GLAA’s policy priorities.
Deanna Forrester, a labor organizer and former ANC commissioner, received a +6 rating for her understanding of the issues, her support for GLAA’s desired positions, and her track record of working on behalf of the community. However, she did not mention detailed and specific connections between her research and the issues in GLAA’s policy brief.
Fred Hill, a federal contractor and small business owner, received a +5.5 rating for providing clear and definitive answers and providing an overview of his background that puts the answers in context. GLAA’s main criticism was that it could have provided more detail about his background in public service and how it relates to the organization’s priorities.
Three candidates for the vacant District 1 council seat – Rashida Brown, Aparna Raj (gay), and Miguel Trinidade Deramo (gay) – all received 10 points on the GLAA survey, matching Luis George’s score. Each demonstrated extensive knowledge of the issues, linked past advocacy and work to those issues, and identified practical policy solutions and alternatives in response to GLAA’s policy brief.
District 1 candidate and neighborhood activist Terry Lynch received a +5.5 rating, agreeing with GLAA on most issues. The responses, which GLAA characterized as “succinct, passionate, thoughtful and empathetic,” were praised. He also described his past work and performance on a variety of issues and demonstrated in-depth knowledge of some of the issues raised in the policy brief.
In the District 6 race, Councilman Charles Allen received a +6.75 rating for providing thoughtful and clear answers and demonstrating experience in addressing a number of issues. Although he agreed with GLAA on most issues, his answers regarding legal issues and crimes included caveats and partial answers.
In the election for Council President, incumbent Phil Mendelsohn received a +6.5 rating. He was praised for his “generally positive” response in which he “succinctly explained his actions and long-standing record regarding both LGBTQ rights and the issues in the GLAA policy outline.” However, points were deducted for the D.C. Council’s failure to identify creative ways to support access to Alliance, Medicaid, or SNAP benefits in light of federal cuts.
In the attorney general race, Manuel Rivera (whose name is not on the ballot and must be filled out by voters) received a +4.5 rating. Rivera reportedly demonstrated compassion and dedication to the D.C. community throughout his response. Although his answers lacked detail and some could have been clearer, he agreed with GLAA on most issues except the decriminalization of sex work.
GLAA Executive Director Darby Hickey said candidates who were not evaluated failed to submit survey responses by the organization’s deadline.
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
