Monthly Archives: September 2013

Chairman Mendelson Launches New Website

Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announced today the launch of a new website for his personal office and committee.  The new website will allow the Chairman to provide more frequent updates to constituents on Council news and upcoming hearings of the Committee of the Whole.  It also provides more options for following the Chairman’s actions on the Council as well as in the community.

The new website—www.chairmanmendelson.com—is an improvement both aesthetically and substantively.   With the ability to provide frequent updates on the Chairman’s activities and Committee actions, the website is a great resource to keep residents informed about what is happening at the Council.  Notably, the website allows constituents to sign up for regular e-mail updates from the Chairman, delivering breaking news directly to one’s inbox (see http://chairmanmendelson.com/updates/).

“I hope that residents find the new website to be a useful tool for staying informed,” Mendelson stated.  “My goal is to provide timely information about Council activities and upcoming hearings so that residents can better engage with their elected officials.”

The website links to a new community blog as well, “The Mendelson Post.”  This blog will follow the Chairman in the community, and also link residents with Mendelson’s constituent services team if they have a problem that needs fixing or if they would like to report an issue.

 

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New Issue of “Chairman’s Update” (9.18.13)

The newest issue of Phil Mendelson’s newsletter is now available.  The newsletter has been restyled, and has been renamed the “Chairman’s Update.”  But like the predecessor newsletter (the “At-Large Update”), you can find the same great content and news items.

In the September 18, 2013 issue, Chairman Mendelson discusses the budget accomplishments that are to take effect beginning next month, comments on legislation that will impact the first election of the District’s Attorney General, and shares another constituent services story.  The newsletter also contains a list of upcoming hearings of the Committee of the Whole.

You can access the newsletter through this link, 9.18.13 Chairman’s Update, or view the embedded document below.

Statement on Navy Yard Shootings

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson issued the following statement regarding the shootings today at the US Navy Yard:

“The senseless and shocking events of today at the US Navy Yard weigh heavily on our city. My sympathies are with the victims and their families. No one should have to live in fear of the simple act of going to work. And no one should lose a loved one because of a stranger’s hatred.”

“This tragic incident reminds us of the need for a solution to gun violence that keeps firearms out of the wrong hands.”

“I want to thank the Metropolitan Police Department and all of the first responders who stood in the line of fire to protect our citizens.”

Sept. 16 Media Briefing

WHO:        DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson

WHAT:      Legislative Meeting Media Briefing

WHEN:      Monday, September 16, 2013, 10:00 am

WHERE:

John A. Wilson Building, Room 412
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC

Background:

Chairman Mendelson will hold a media briefing to   preview major actions to be taken at the upcoming legislative meeting, which   will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 10 am. For additional information, please call: (202) 724-8032.

Statement on Mayor Gray’s Veto of Large Retailer Legislation

DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson issued the following statement regarding the Mayor’s veto of Bill 20-62, the “Large Retailer Accountability Act of 2013”:

“The fundamental issue with the Mayor’s veto is whether the District’s economic development strategy should be focused on attracting low paying jobs.  Minimum wage should not be our goal.  These are not career building jobs.  A family cannot afford to live in the District on minimum wage.

A sound economic development strategy for a sustainable District of Columbia should not be predicated on low-wage jobs.  The District needs jobs, but they should be decent jobs with decent wages.”

The Council has 30 days to consider whether to override the Mayor’s veto.  However, the Chairman is scheduling the vote for next Tuesday’s legislative meeting.