Thread by @bzbergmann

Some news:

Earlier this week, I invited the other Ward 3 candidates to join me in calling on the @dcchamber @dcbia @RAMWdc @FedCityCouncil @AOBAMetro @GWBCC to release the recording of the candidates forum that they hosted on May 6. All but one candidate (@EJGoulet) signed on.

Here is the context:

This forum was held on @udc_edu's campus, open to the public/press, & streamed online. After the forum, I asked for a copy of the recording. I thought I did well! But I also wanted to re-watch an answer from @EJGoulet on racial diversity in Ward 3.

I can't recall the exact wording of the question or what he said, which is why I wanted to watch the tape, but it's impossible to forget the reaction from each of the other candidates, most (perhaps all) of whom condemned his remarks. That's pretty notable.

Two hours after the forum, Eric got endorsed by the @PostOpinions. Other establishment groups have gotten behind his campaign, which has included a preemptive commitment to not raise taxes on the wealthy & opposition to paid leave & other progressive ideas

https://twitter.com/bzbergmann/status/1526554838489784320?s=20&t=CbIKekfDVwlZmhIGEjRpFg

When I asked the @dcchamber about the recording, I got a strange response: "We will discuss early next week if, or how the video will be released."

A week later I got this response:

When I asked the other candidates to join a letter to the @dcchamber, @EJGoulet tried to conflate this *public* event held in a *government* building to candidate conversations hosted by @FedCityCouncil, which we were repeatedly told were "off-the-record" & closed to the public.

I am not an election lawyer, but it strikes me as deeply problematic for the @dcchamber to withhold the recording of an event held in a government building, especially when disclosure may negatively impact the preferred candidate of the business community.

Please read this joint letter and statement from me, @deirdreforward3, @henryzcohen, @TriciaForWard3, @BeauFinleyANC3C, @MatthewFrumin, @MonteMonash, and @PhilForWard3DC.

drive.google.com/file/d/1DLIbbz…
drive.google.com/file/d/1AUwE9L…

Letter & Press Release images with Alt Text