Petworthies

It’s Time For A Ward 4 Straw Poll

Who’s ready for a straw poll tonight at Emery Recreation Center?

We are two months and two days away from the D.C. primary election on April 3. Since we live in essentially a unipolar political system, the primary is the only election that matters this year for local representation. To get a sense of where Petworth voters and residents of the other neighborhoods stand, the Ward 4 Democrats are hosting a straw poll and forum tonight from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Emery Recreation Center, 5701 Georgia Ave. NW.

The event is a good test to see how prepared the candidates are for the tremendous burden of governing Petworth and the rest of Ward 4. Here’s a rundown (alphabetical by last name) of the campaign activity leading up to the straw poll and forum:

Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser sent out notices to folks asking them to attend the straw poll and forum and to wear green to show their support. That’s a good color for the candidate with the most cash on hand and the heavy favorite to win the election.

Candidate Renee Bowser (no relation) asked supporters to attend the event on her website and Facebook page. One person liked her announcement on Facebook so far.

Frequent Petworth Action Committee contributor Calvin Gurley has plastered his signs on nearly every intersection on the part of Georgia Avenue that runs through Ward 4 like he is buying homes for cash. His infrequently updated Facebook page makes no mention of tonight’s event and his campaign website doesn’t work.

According to the online calendar of Baruti Jahi, he does not have any events scheduled for today. Our guess is Jahi will be “taking it to the streets” like he promised.

Judi Jones recently campaigned at Island Cafe, but she doesn’t mention tonight’s straw poll and forum on her campaign website.

Max Skolnik, youth organization director and part-time snow shoveler, have also put the word out to his supporters. Thirty-four sent in RSVPs for the event, no word on the dress code. He sums up the stakes of straw poll and forum nicely, “This is an important first step in demonstrating our strength in this race.” — Tom Anderson