On February 12, The student organization Kennedy Political Union hosted a mayoral debate for Washington D.C.’s democratic candidates where the hopefuls, excluding council member Muriel Browser and Mayor Vincent Gray, discussed key city issues.
Not familiar with the leaders running for office? Even if you are not a D.C. voter, here are major takeaways from the event:
1. All support progressive marijuana laws. Jack Evans, a Ward 2 council member, applauded local government’s decision to fine people for possession, instead of arresting them. Evans likened the rise of marijuana decriminalization to laws upholding gay marriage rights – more and more states will advocate it.
2. Free metro passes for college students? Unlikely. When moderator and NBC-4 reporter Tom Sherwood brought up this proposition, council member Vincent Orange said he “doesn’t control the metro system.” Busboys and Poets owner Andy Shallal challenged universities to “invest back into the city” by paying taxes. Smart-growth candidate Tommy Wells also avoided the metro pass question, but he proposed opening a loan forgiveness program for area college students if elected to office.
3. D.C.’s mayor may change, but not the skyline. AU alum and former State Department official Reta Lewis voiced her love for the familiar D.C. landscape. However, Shallal argued that the city should consider easing the height restriction to “bring in more affordable housing” and add “density.” Other candidates hotly disagreed.
4. Down with political corruption. Newcomer Carlos Allen and his competition threw micro-aggressions at incumbent Vincent Gray, infamous for shadow campaign allegations.
The debate failed to gain in-depth commentary from the candidates about the District’s education system – some mentioned how it is still lacking, but none brought up the Promise Act, a bill that would help local high-school students afford college.
The best moments of the night: Sherwood’s annoyance and sassiness when the mayoral hopefuls ignored speech-time limits.