Clark Ray, Democratic Candidate for DC City Council At-Large, today called on the city to include transgender persons in an important health report.

“After years of waiting for an LGBT Health Report that is required by law from the city, I was amazed to find the report lacked any information on transgender persons,” Ray said. “It is imperative that the city reach out to our transgender residents in every way and stop this neglect of a community.”

City Council is holding a hearing today on the health report’s failure to include information on transgender health. Ray said the missing data must be gathered, and new task forces gathered to resolve an important gap in resident care and respect.

“The District includes a vibrant community of transgender residents, many with specific needs, who are entitled to all the available services and benefits granted to all our residents. We have too often seen tragic and hurtful missteps from city agencies, and we know that transgender persons are often more susceptible to violent crime and bias than even other members of the LGBT community.

“While information on transgender health is not appropriately abundant, there are pieces of information available today that could have been included in this report. And for the full picture, I’ll push for funding and research to get that data.

Ray said that, if elected, he would:

1. Push for funding of a needs assessment of DC’s transgender community;
2. Work for an immediate report on transgender health, to supplement the city’s lacking LGB report;
3. Assemble a task force to independently audit all survey questions and other tools currently used in preparing the city’s health report, in order to recommend transgender inclusion.
4. Seek to establish a new cooperative roundtable on transgender issues, with representatives from the community, social service fields, related academia, and others as needed, to review and track challenges across city agencies.

“When I am on the Council, I will focus on the needs of this community and will be looking to have someone from the transgender community officially advising us, so that there is a constant focus on the community’s needs. I will work to end the bias and neglect that is often faced by the transgender community.”

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Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, LGBT, LGBT State of the Health Report, transgender

“Mendelson sits on the agency oversight committee, but has shortchanged youth and seniors.”

Washington, DC — Clark Ray, candidate for DC City Council, At-Large, today called on incumbent Phil Mendelson to explain what Ray calls a shirking of his responsibilities regarding the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR).

Mendelson failed to participate in last week’s confirmation hearing of the latest nominee to lead DPR, Jesus Aguirre. Ray stated that “Jesus has a good resume and a background in education, just as I did, and would make a good Director at DPR. He understands that DPR is far more than just grass and pools. It is a vital programmatic agency serving children, youth and seniors.”

Ray went on to say, “Phil Mendelson sits on the oversight committee for DPR, but his record there has been one of inattention at best, and cynical ‘grudge voting’ at worst according to the Washington Post. Phil never attended a single oversight hearing while I served as Director of DPR, and he failed to show again at last week’s committee hearing for a new Director.” Ray added, “Clearly, attending hearings held by the committees on which he serves is too much trouble for the council member. The people of the District deserve better.”

Mendelson’s Treatment of Hartsock

With the release of a new bilingual piece of campaign literature, Ray has been reminding voters how Mendelson treated former DPR Acting Director Ximena Hartsock. Mendelson cast a controversial vote late last year against Hartsock. The Washington Post called the votes cast by Mendelson and his colleagues “grudge voting,” and reported at the time that “Mendelson (D-At Large) acknowledged the outpouring of support for her and then voted against her.”

In his campaign flyer, Ray tells voters, “I won’t sit by while prominent Latino/a persons are treated so viciously, and I won’t cast ‘grudge votes.’”

Hartsock recently referenced Mendelson’s vote in a statement to the Latino community when she declared her support for Ray. “Clark had the courage to stand with me when others wouldn’t,” said Hartsock. “That is why I am proud to stand with him in his race for Council. This election will be about choices. My friends, please give Clark the consideration that I wasn’t afforded.”

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Tags: DPR, Jesus Aguirre, Phil Mendelson, Ximena Hartsock

Ray stated: “There are artists, collectors, and gallery owners in every ward of this city, and it’s important that the city council take immediate action to protect this part of the economy. The recent Creative Economy report released by the District of Columbia showed how important creatives of all types — including chefs, media workers, and fine artists — are to the local economy.

When I am on the City Council, I will work to support the creative economy. I support passage of The Artist B18-451, the Artists Protection Act, because it will ensure that artists’ work doesn’t fall victim to the economy. I ask that the Council take quick action on this important bill.”

Tags: B18-451, Clark Ray, Creative Economy, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, The Artists Protection Act

June 18, 2010

Statement by Reverend Willie F. Wilson
Re: His Endorsement of Clark Ray For City Council At-Large

“I have enjoyed both getting to know and working with Clark. He knows that I support full civil equality for all residents of the District of Columbia – including those who comprise the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GLBTQ) Community. I admire his willingness to reach out to all segments of this diverse city, to listen and to engage in discussions that are not always easy. This display of character and leadership is why I am supporting his bid for DC City Council At-Large.”

Statement by Clark Ray
Re: Reverend Willie F. Wilson Endorsement

“I have enjoyed working with Reverend Wilson over the past two years. As an openly gay man, I’ve always been treated with respect and dignity by Rev. Wilson and his family. But more importantly, he has been willing to have discussions with me – not always comfortable or easy – on a wide range of issues, including those that affect the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender & Questioning (GLBTQ) community. On three separate occasions, I have addressed the congregation of Union Temple Baptist Church. It is through friendships and alliances such as the one that I have been able to foster with Reverend Wilson that we, as a city, begin to build bridges, develop an understanding and respect for one another, and discover common ground. This is the type of leadership that I pledge to bring to the DC City Council.”

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Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate

Washington, DC — Clark Ray, candidate for DC City Council, At-Large, made the following statement in reaction to news that Kelvin Robinson intended to drop his bid for DC City Council, At-Large. Robinson, former Chief of Staff to former Mayor Anthony Williams, announced on WPFW’s “DC Politics Hour with Jonetta Rose Barras” that he intended to shift his candidacy to a challenge against Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells.

“Kelvin Robinson’s withdrawal from the At-Large contest sharpens the choice for this seat between myself and the longtime incumbent, Phil Mendelson.

“As we’ve knocked on thousands of doors, attended hundreds of community events, and gained momentum daily, we’ve articulated a choice that’s now clearer than ever: between new ideas and action, or a longtime incumbent who prides himself on the label ‘nitpicker.’

“DC’s challenges deserve more than the politics of squabbling, or being kicked to the curb by nitpicking. I’ll be bringing the contrast between yesterday and the future, between new ideas and stale obstructionism, to more residents of DC.”

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, DC Politics Hour, Jonetta Rose Barras, Kelvin Robinson, Mayor Anthony Williams, Phil Mendelson, Tommy Wells, Ward 6, WPFW

WASHINGTON, DC — Clark Ray, candidate for DC City Council, At-Large, made the following statement regarding the resignation of Dr. Shannon Hader as Director of DC’s Office of HIV/AIDS Administration:

“Filling this vacancy is a nomination emergency, because the HIV/AIDS epidemic remains a crisis in the District of Columbia.

“Dr. Hader was a stabilizing force, and brought her office further along in its struggle to reform and improve operations, but that job is by no means finished.

“In the neighborhoods where I have spent a majority of my time, HIV/AIDS continues to shatter lives and families with a pace usually seen in far less prosperous nations.

“The issues here are complex–everything from housing to mental health services and much more, they’re all integral to people knowing their HIV status, getting access to treatment, and staying on their treatment regimens.

“This is a nomination emergency. The Mayor will have to apply the most rigorous search and nomination discipline possible. This position, above all, mandates collaboration with City Council and impacted communities. There’s been a lot of tension and distrust in our city government, especially in this election year: now’s the time for everyone to put all of that aside.”

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Dr. Hader, HIV/AIDS, Mayor Fenty

The Clark Ray for DC City Council At-Large Campaign today released the following statement re Amanda Hatcher-Lyon.

We celebrate the life and legacy of Amanda Hatcher-Lyon and remember her contributions to the District of Columbia. Amanda was the First Woman elected to Chair the DC Democratic State Party. She also served as Alternate National Committeewoman and was an ANC Commissioner for 4B09. She was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008. “We are sadden to learn of Ms. Hatcher-Lyon’s passing and offer our condolences and sympathy to her family,” Ray stated. “She was an inspiration to many and will be missed by all and we thank her for all of her contributions to the District of Columbia and the Democratic Party.”

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Tags: Amanda Hatcher-Lyon, ANC 4B09, Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, DC Democratic State Party

Clark Ray, Democrat for Council at-Large disagrees with the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute and states; “I oppose taxing every possible service that people use to make their lives healthier and better to balance the current budget. Before we decide if we need to raise taxes there must be a thorough line by line review of the budget.” Ray adds. “If we start down this road of taxing everything and anything, and don’t cut spending, we will never bring our budget into line.”

Some of the suggested services the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute suggested could be taxed include the following:

Admission to cultural events
Carpet and upholstery cleaning
Chimney cleaning services
Dating services
Day spa services
Diaper service
General house cleaning services
Health clubs, tanning parlors, reducing salons
Household errand/”personal shopper”/gift consulting/management consulting services
Installation charges — other than seller of goods
Kennels
Magazines
Massage services
Packing and crating
Personal instruction (dance, golf, tennis, etc.)
Pet grooming
Swimming pool/hot tub cleaning and maintenance services
Vehicle security monitoring services

While some of the businesses providing these services may be large, there are many small businesses providing needed jobs to District residents. This taxation could have a devastating impact and even could force them to close.

The time has come to take another detailed look at the City’s tax burden on individuals and businesses. We need to look at it in comparison with our surrounding jurisdictions. We do not want to revert back to a District of Columbia that is unfriendly to people and to business. In the long run, it will have a negative impact on our bottom line.

Ray stated; “Nuisance taxes and $3 an hour parking meter charges may be an easy way to try to balance a budget year by year but they never provide the long term solutions that are needed. They are also imposed without taking into account a global vision of what is needed in the District to make current residents want to stay here and others want to move here.”

My vision for the District is based on three cornerstones:

• Guaranteeing an excellent public education for our children,

• Guaranteeing the basic health and safety of all our residents. That includes an appropriate safety net for those in need, the right laws on the books and community buy-in to make our streets safe. It also includes a complete review and revamping of our juvenile justice system; and

• Developing an economic policy, including a detailed review of our tax base, that will allow us to build an economy for the future that will benefit all people in the District fully and fairly.
Ray supports the Council’s effort to amend the Home Rule Charter to allow us to tax the income of commuters who travel daily into DC. It is estimated that this commuter tax could bring in up to $500 million annually. In reality, it is unlikely that Congress will allow this to happen and if it does not pass it will not serve to solve our current budget problems.

Ray stated’ “It is time that we stop playing slight-of-hand with the City’s budget. People need to know exactly where we stand with regard to being able to pay for the services they need and demand.” Ray added, “If there was more trust that the government actually used the money we pay in taxes for the services we want and need, there would be less resistance to any tax increase proposed by the Mayor or the Council. I am running because I believe that I can help restore that trust. The conversation over these issues isn’t one that should happen only during an election. It needs to be an ongoing conversation all year long and I intend to have that conversation with my constituents.”

Tags: DC Budget, Nuisance Tax

I am sorry that I won’t be able to join the many people this Friday evening who will gather to celebrate Frank Kameny’s 85th Birthday.

Frank Kameny is an icon in our community who has been a pillar of strength for so many people in our fight for GLBT civil and human rights. From his early days on the picket line to the long deserved recognition that Frank is receiving this year from everyone including the President of the United States, he remains a man of courage, honor and dignity.

I know Frank Kameny is one of the people that my partner Aubrey and I thank for the ability we have to live our lives as open and out Gay men.

I offer a toast to you on your 85th Frank Kameny; may you live many more happy and healthy years and keep up the good fight for all of us.

Tags: Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, Frank Kameny, GLBT

Council Cannot Continue to Ignore DYRS Failures that Allow Violent Youth to Walk in One Door and Out Another and Continue to Prey on the Community

Washington, DC – Today, Clark Ray, candidate for DC Council, At-Large, released the following statement on the arrest, in the killing of D.C. principal Brian Betts, of two teens who had been in custody at a DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facility but had recently escaped:

“This unspeakable tragedy is another stark reminder that the repeated failures of DYRS to prevent violent youth, supposedly in custody, from returning to the streets to commit more violent crime can have deadly consequences. The DC Council must act to prevent further tragedies, and it must act now.

Although my opponent believes crime is not a legislative issue, I know that the Council can and must act to protect the public from violent criminals. DYRS cannot continue to allow violent youth to walk in one door and out another, and the Council cannot continue to ignore these dangerous failures that put us all at risk. This city deserves better.”

Tags: Brian Betts, Clark Ray, DC Council At-Large, DC Council At-Large Candidate, DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, DYRS