2024 DC General Candidates- At-Large

Below are the responses from the candidates on the ballot for the At-Large seat in the 2024 general election. The question proceeds each group of responses.

Candidate Darryl Moch is represented by DM
Candidate Christina Henderson is represented by CM
Candidate Rob Simmons is represented by RS
Candidate Robert White is represented by RW

Q1: What are your plans to make the District a more livable community for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, alike?

DM - The biggest challenge here is having the necessary vehicles and services running to meet the growing demands of the community. My goals would be to review the staffing and service availability in pace and compare that to the needs assessment to plan to increase access, available transport options, and increase the hours of availability to reduce limits on number of options for getting needs met and having a high quality of life.

CH - We need to improve infrastructure that forces cars to slow down, particularly around schools & recs. That’s why I introduced the Safe Streets for Students Amendment Act which expands the crossing guard program & outlines new requirements for safety infrastructure around schools. We also need to get dangerous drivers off our streets. That’s why I contributed to the STEER Amendment Act which among other things suspends the license of persons charged with a DUI or fleeing the scene of an accident.

RS - Candidate did not respond

RW - Remind everyone “Speed kills” and “Twenty is plenty.” DC’s traffic planning must emphasize ways to reduce speed on roadways, for example, by narrowing traffic lanes and utilizing physical solutions such as raised crosswalks and protected bike lanes. In addition, plan multimodal solutions that protect pedestrians (particularly when they are entering and existing buses, and when they encounter speeding bicycles).

Q2: What policies do you support to protect older District residents and their ability to safely age in a place of their choosing?

DM - There are a variety of polices that support the realities of seniors remaining in their homes including assistance for financial support, remodeling, utilities, and remedying mobility access constraints. Programs that bring healthcare and support services into the home would need to be expanded and the office on aging services program staff would need continued support and expansion.

CH - Strengthening the long-term care workforce is a priority for me. We have a growing number of seniors who desire to age in place but may need assistance from nursing assistive personnel. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a decline in this workforce. I introduced the Direct Care Worker Amendment Act of 2023 to eliminate barriers to licensure and certification for certified nurse assistants and home health aides, and establish a new minimum wage for this sector. The Council will vote on the bill this Fall.

RS - Candidate did not respond

RW - I support DC Government programs that finance safety improvements in the homes of older residents with limited financial resources. In addition, I have sponsored legislation to allow several adults to thrive in the same home, as we have seen in the “Golden Girls” television show. I have also worked to improve maintenance at the DC Housing Authority, so residents can live there safely and with dignity.

Q3: What is your plan to increase access to stable, affordable, healthy food options, especially in “food deserts” located in Wards 7 and 8?

DM - This is an issue we can solve. Programs like mobile food services that can be expanded and supported so that residents have greater access; with the government support and supplements we can also insure that these services remain affordable nd have the highest quality foods available for healthy living. We also need to expand our appeal to medium and large box vendors so that more of those chains will be situated in Wards 7/8 as well as maintaining support for smaller and mobile vendors

CH - As chair of the Committee on Health, I’ve increased funding for Produce Plus, Produce Rx, and other food access programs. I authored and helped pass the Give SNAP a Raise bill which provides a 10% increase to SNAP benefits. This year, I funded a new grocery access pilot program that will launch later this year and provide 1,000 residents primarily in Wards 5, 7, & 8 the ability to purchase groceries online without delivery fees.

RS - Candidate did not respond

RW - I strongly support programs such as the ones that Martha’s Table administers to provide fresh produce to those who most need it. In addition, I work to achieve economic diversity so all neighborhoods have a base of consumers strong enough to support stores that sell produce. Finally, I support subsidies for placing produce stores and farmers markets in DC’s food deserts.

Q4: What policies would you put forth to reduce disparities among racial and ethnic groups in accessing affordable, high-quality healthcare?

DM - Policies I would champion include; expanded access to health care; including access to whole-person health initiatives that start early in life and are sustained over the life span with engagement that is suitable to the age and situations of the community members. Addressing disparities cannot be done in silos but require consistent and systemic engagement for change that is sustainable and is relevant and accessible to the people hardest impacted; with intentional systemic change.

CH - I amplified the need for DC to treat the opioid epidemic as a public health emergency, and have funded substance abuse and behavioral health services targeted outreach grants in Wards 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8. We reformed the health insurance prior authorization process to prevent unnecessary delays or denials of needed medications or procedures. And we have worked diligently to expand Medicaid parity to ensure all resident can get access to the health care they need regardless of insurance coverage.

RS - Candidate did not respond

RW - Particularly east of the Anacostia river, DC needs a health care network. The Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center is only a start. That hospital must be part of a health care system that includes neighborhood-based clinics, urgent care centers, pharmacies, and a wide variety of medical, dental and behavioral health providers. I will work to connect all providers into such a network.