No More Taxation without Representation!

DC Vote is working to secure congressional suffrage for District residents

Where in America are there more than half a million disenfranchised voters? Right where many of you are sitting (and likely call home): the District of Columbia. DC Vote, founded in 1998, is working to change that. With bipartisan support from members of the House and Senate (see sidebars), and awareness-raising events (see the exclusive photos from the DC Vote dinner reception at Patricia Bauman's home below), DC Vote is the leading organization in a coalition formed to support the D.C. Voting Rights Act.

In a historic vote cast on May 18 by the House Committee on Government Reform, the D.C. Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act (H.R. 5388) passed with a 29-4 vote. If passed, this bill would give Washington residents full representation in Congress for the fi rst time. "This mark-up is the crown jewel of the decade for the D.C. voting rights movement," said DC Vote Executive Director Ilir Zherka." We have been inching toward our goal of congressional voting representation for years, and the mark-up of this bill moves us miles closer to the fi nish line."

THE IMPORTANCE OF D.C. VOTING RIGHTS AND DC VOTE
BY SENATOR EDWARD KENNEDY D-MA
"No taxation without representation!" is one of the most famous phrases in American history. As a battle cry, it represents the moment when American independence truly became a revolutionary movement. Unfortunately, citizens of the District of Columbia are still forced to use "No taxation without representation!" as their battle cry. It's shameful that more than two centuries after America gained its independence, citizens who live in the nation's Capital are still denied the right to elect voting members of the House of Representatives and Senate.

I have long been an advocate of full D.C. representation in Congress. In 1978, I worked with Congressman Walter Fauntroy to sponsor a constitutional amendment to provide this basic right. Although the amendment failed to be ratifi ed by three-quarters of the states, as required by the Constitution, I continue to fi ght for this all-important goal. I'm proud to be a sponsor of the No Taxation Without Representation Bill in the current Congress. The issue, as always, is basic fairness. The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. No one should be denied that right– least of all those who live in the nation's capital. I commend DC Vote and its coalition partners for their dedication to this issue. DC Vote is an innovative organization that is both creative and tireless in its attept to bring public attention to this issue. It's gratifying to know that it's working every day to bring democracy to our capital.


Jane and Daniel Solomon	Margot Aronson Levin, Ann Hoff man, Jonathan Rodgers and Royal Kennedy Rodgers


Wade J. Henderson and Rep. Rob Bishop	Patricia Bauman


Joe Horning	Lois and Richard England

RIGHTING A HISTORIC WRONG
BY REPRESENTATIVE TOM DAVIS (R-VA)
For more than two centuries, residents of the District of Columbia have fought and died in wars, paid billions of dollars in federal taxes, and met all the same obligations and responsibilities of citizenship as every other American. But for more than two centuries, these citizens have been denied the most basic, fundamental right of our democracy: a voice in the national legislature. A vote in the People's House. Correcting this historic wrong is the moral force behind H.R. 5388, the D.C. Fair and Equal House Voting Rights Act, sponsored by myself, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and a growing bipartisan coalition of members of Congress. This legislation would grant D.C. a vote in the House of Representatives. We achieve this by increasing the size of the House from 435 members to 437.

With one seat going to the District, the other would go to the next state in line for representation based on the most recent census. That state happens to be Utah. America is indeed the land of red, white, and blue, but politics today is divided among red and blue states. D.C., as we all know, is the bluest of the blue – an overwhelmingly Democratic jurisdiction. And Utah is the as red as they come – it's the state that gave President Bush his largest margin of victory in 2004. While there are no guarantees in life, or in politics, the pairing of a D.C. seat and a Utah seat helps us create a crucial political balance. Because the bill is partisan neutral, it takes political concerns off the table, freeing us to do the right thing. The partisan balance also has roots in our nation's history. Historically, any time Congress has increased in size it has done so in a politically balanced way.

Free states were paired with slave states. Alaska and Hawaii came into the union together. (Back then, Alaska was the Democrat state and Hawaii the Republican stronghold. Repeat: There are no guarantees in politics.) I was extremely pleased that the House Government Reform Committee, which I chair, overwhelmingly supported this legislation when it came to a vote on May 18. The resounding 29-4 victory signaled that members of both parties not only understand the disenfranchisement of more than 500,000 D.C. residents but are willing to work across the political aisle to do something about it. The more members of Congress who learn about this bill, the more support we get. I believe this legislation is historic and fair. It is constitutional, as shown by the legal opinions of Georgetown University professor Viet Dinh, Ken Starr, and others. The Courts have never struck down a Congressional exercise of the District Clause, and there is no reason to think they would act diff erently in this case. It is now a matter of political will, and I believe that will exist.

Who Will be D.C.'s Next Top (Role) Model


	MICHAEL BROWN Attorney, Lobbyist& Democratic Activist	LINDA CROPP City Council Chair, Ex-D.C. Board of Education President & Ex-Teacher	ADRIAN FENTY City Councilman, Attorney & Ex-Congressional Aide	MARIE C JOHNS Ex-Verizon CEO & Education Reform Activist	VINCENT ORANGE City Councilman, Attorney & Accountant
What is your vision for D.C.?	I will secure a seat at the table for all District residents and champion economic empowerment from Anacostia to Georgetown.	To build on our progress, put people fi rst, and have all neighborhoods share in the benefi ts of the city's revitalization.	A world-class economically strong city with high performing, safe, modern schools; secure, environmentally healthy, diverse neighborhoods; and full Congressional representation.	Rebuilding a quality public education system from preschool through college including vocational training that will produce a welleducated workforce.	My vision for D.C. is to produce a safe and peaceful city where one may live, work, play, learn, entertain and have access to health care.
Why are you the best man/woman for the job of Mayor?	As a third generation Washingtonian, I have the experience, historical perspective, compassion, and courage to l ead this city.	I bring a rare combination of vision, passion, experience, competence, integrity, and a proven track record, unlike the other candidates.	I bring energy, intelligence, dedication, creativity and the ability to once again make us one City that works for everyone.	I have the expertise, credibility, commitment, unparalleled experience and record of delivery to run our eight billion dollar city. I will provide protection, education and prosperity.	I am an experienced executive and civic leader who can manage the $10 billion D.C. government and our 30,000 employees.
Who is your favorite protagonist in fiction? Why?	Easy Rollins in Walter Mosely's books because he is cool under pressure.	Detective Spencer. Analytical mind and enjoys life's simple things.	Hal in Henry IV Part II he becomes a great leader.	Sethe in Toni Morrison's Beloved because she is a proud woman.	Virgil Tibbs in In The Heat of the Night for his courage.
What trait do you most dislike in yourself? Others?	Inability to resist talking during movies. Others? Disloyalty	Indulging my adult children. Others? Dishonesty	Fatigue	Sometimes I sweat the small stuff. Others? Should sweat the small stuff more often.	Tardiness
What trait do you most admire in yourself? Others?	Courage Others? Compassion	Resolving confl icts and bringing people together positively. Others? Honesty and integrity.	Endurance	Perseverance Others? Raw talent	Compassion, honesty and courage.
What is your greatest fear? .	Losing loved ones.	District's progress will stall.	Forgetting to laugh.	War	Failing to connect D.C. education to D.C. employment to D.C. economic development
What superhero power would you most like to have and why?	Ability to fl y to avoid D.C. traffic.	To move at warp speed to get more done.	Being able to see into the future.	To cure cancer.	I would love to have Superman's powers. The ability to leap tall buildings with a single bound to avoid traffic and parking would be fantastic.
What is your motto?	Keep the door open and the ladder down for others.	Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you.	I don't have one.	Work hard and give back.	Manly deeds, scholarship and love for all mankind.
What is the best political advice anyone has ever given you?	My Dad (Ron Brown) always urged stick-to-itiveness and perseverance.	Be true to thyself and always honest with constituents.	Michael Bloomberg, mayor of New York City -" Hire good people."	Listen to your gut instincts.	Be true to yourself and never give up.