We have offered to post brief statements from all of the ANC candidates running for seats on Capitol Hill and the surrounding neighborhoods that we cover here on The Hill is Home. These statements are not endorsements and have been posted exactly as submitted by the candidates.
Andrew Hysell ANC 6A06
The Northeast Capitol Hill community’s historic character and diversity of residents makes it a unique place of which I am excited to be a member. There are pressing issues affecting our community involving development, transportation, and public safety. Addressing the opportunities and challenges surrounding these issues is best accomplished through active civic engagement by the community. It would be an honor to work with my community as ANC Commissioner for SMD 6A06.
As Commissioner, I will work consistently to listen to the community and promote their interests. The old adage that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” describes aptly the value of an active ANC. The ANC’s powers are strictly advisory, with the commission intended to “ensure input…of the residents of the neighborhoods that are directly affected by government action.” Ensuring that resident opinions are considered and communicated is therefore crucial to ensure government agencies, the Executive Branch, and the City Council make informed decisions.
To date, I have been focused on transportation issues as a volunteer member of the Transportation and Public Space Committee. Under the leadership of Chair Omar Mahmud, the Transportation Committee is active on issues important to neighborhood residents. I personally have had the opportunity to engage with residents on aspects of the Capitol Hill Transportation Study, the H Street Connection Redevelopment, and the District Streetcar Project. All of these issues present terrific opportunities for our community and I look forward to continuing my work on them.
An important strength I will bring to the position of ANC Commissioner is a proven track record of effective advocacy. In my professional life as the Associate Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Save the Children, I work at the federal, state, and local level pushing policy change and ensuring the proper implementation of laws and regulations. I will bring this experience to the ANC to help advocate for our community’s interests.
Already, I have had the opportunity to advocate with my neighbors on an important issue relating to the streetcar project. From my work on the Transportation Committee, I understand the importance of the streetcar to the community. Earlier this year, hearing that funding had been stripped from the budget for the project, I communicated and worked with my neighbors to help generate phone calls and emails to the City Council. After hearing the outcry of many Northeast residents, the City Council reconsidered its decision and restored funding.
I hope this information is useful to you. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 202-812-3054 or email me at ahysell@hotmail.com. Thank you for your consideration on November 2nd!
