Phil Mendelson, a Democrat, is seeking reelection as D.C. Council chairman in the Nov. 3 general election. He faces Republican Abi-Ananiah Prudent.
Background and the office
The Council’s official biography of Mendelson says he was first elected to the Council in 1998 and became chairman in 2012. It lists a bachelor’s degree in political science from American University.
The chairman leads the Council’s legislative work and chairs the Committee of the Whole. Its responsibilities include the District’s budget, public education, planning and zoning. Those responsibilities place the office at the center of decisions on public spending and development.
Environment
Campaign statements recorded in BallotReady’s candidate profile describe Mendelson’s support for legislation protecting the environment and reducing climate change’s effects on the District.
Public safety
Those campaign statements describe public safety as a core government responsibility. Mendelson says residents should be safe in their neighborhoods and on their streets.
Housing
His recorded campaign statements support preserving and expanding affordable housing and considering new approaches to increasing its supply.
Endorsements
BallotReady profile data lists an AFL-CIO endorsement.
This profile draws on BallotReady profile data, campaign statements recorded there and the D.C. Council’s official biography. The policy statements are Mendelson’s stated positions. He had not submitted a Surround Sound News questionnaire response when this profile was prepared.
