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ETHERLY LAUNCHES COUNCIL CAMPAIGNCurtis L. Etherly, Jr., a former legislative assistant to Councilmember Carol Schwartz, announced his candidacy for the Democratic Party’ nomination to serve as the Ward Six representative on the D.C. City Council. Etherly declared before nearly 100 residents at the historic Syphax School in Southwest, "There is much to be done in the areas of education, public safety and affordable housing in our ward." He added, "This election year will be about some momentous decisions on important issues." The young, Washington native who is the vice president for public affairs with the Mid-Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling Company asserted that, "To be a great ward in a great city means safe streets and strong schools, affordable and quality housing, economic development that provides quality jobs at living wages and adequate health care." He remarked that progress in the District will only be realized when, "The government is responsible, responsive and above reproach in terms of its ethics and efficiencies." He indicated that his campaign will seek to inspire a public conversation on critical issues and viable solutions that "especially reflect the views and wishes of residents in the ward rather than only special interests." Etherly added, "We’re going to demonstrate that a campaign reflecting all people in the ward working together to foster progress without sacrificing the common good will enable us to realize a better tomorrow." He said that he envisioned a more dynamic and brighter future for Ward Six and believed that, through collaborative and inclusive efforts, all residents and businesses of the entire ward can together play a role in determining the course and direction of its future. "Unity and inclusion will be critical central threads in the tapestry of this election year in Ward Six," he emphasized. He remarked, "From education to public health and public safety, from economic development to transportation –Ward Six’ next councilmember must articulate a vision for the entire Ward and all of its residents. I intend to give voice and shape to that vision in my campaign by inviting all of Ward Six to work together as we build a stronger future." Etherly, 37, is a native Washingtonian and a 1986 graduate of Ballou Senior High School. He received his B.A. in Political Science from Yale University in 1990 and his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1995. He has an extensive record of public service on several community nonprofits. He serves on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, D.C. Action for Children and the Greater Washington Urban League. He serves as well as on the advisory boards of two community organizations including Friendship House and the Horizons at Maret School Program. Etherly also chairs the Board of Trustees for the Washington Mathematics Science and Technology Public Charter High School, a nationally acclaimed public charter school located in Ward 6. Etherly’s involvement in public service is complemented by his experience in government at both the state and local levels. He has served as legislative assistant to At-Large Councilmember Carol Schwartz and as a policy advocate on behalf of community-based service providers in New York City. Additionally, he serves as a two-term mayoral appointee on the Board of Zoning Adjustment. He has been extensively involved in public policy issues in his executive role at Coca-Cola that involves working with local and state elected leaders in seven states. "My public and private sector experiences, along with firm grounding in our community have taught me that we have so much to be proud of in Ward Six and throughout the District of Columbia. I intend for my campaign to be as much a celebration of our accomplishments as it is a serious and informed dialogue about the challenge of working together to ensure that all of our residents and communities share in the District of Columbia’ renaissance." For further information, please contact (202) 548-8278. |
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