She did her homework? Ha ha ha. I studied the Confederacy, but I did not ever feel compelled to side with them.

in other words, throw the book at them, and lock them up for a long long time. there has to be a message sent that this is wholly unacceptable.

That said, aside from how much I disagree with her on issues or not, I just have to say that I have been to her 5A07 meetings and am not impressed. She can be erratic and shrill, I have personally seen her bang on tables, raise her voice, use a dictatorial tone and literally cut off residents (the ones she doesn’t agree with) so that they are not allowed to voice their opinion. Then she transforms into a warm and friendly person by meetings end. I don’t see how this not-ready-for-prime-time lack of professional behavior would or should play on the city council level.

I also find it interesting that she does not attend BNCA meetings, as other ANCs do, especially given that her 5A07 meetings don’t seem very well attended. I would think that she would be interested in what these residents have to say, or at least try to drum up some interest in her own meetings. I have spoken to number of my 5A07 neighbors and not only do they not know who she is, but they were appaled by the actions she took on the gay marriage issue (testifying against) and Col. Brooks issue (signing the petition). This has left me with the impression that she is only informed by the opinions of a small number of residents and 1) doesn’t make an effort to introduce herself to new residents, 2) hasn’t gone out of her way to find out what the majority of 5A07 resident’s opinions are before acting.

Of course, most people don’t go out of their way to go to ANC meetings, and those that do will get their voice heard, and I get that the ANC position is unpaid and therefore outreach is more difficult. But, if Catania “seems effective at representing very narrow interests, and I dont see him work too hard outside those interests” – I really see the same thing in her.

In any case, in my humble opinion, I think she will lose to Catania very badly and lose her ANC 5A07 seat in the process. Have a great day!

One thing I will say about Steptoe is that she works extremely hard, is very smart,is honest, and is not afraid to take on issues. Anyone who watched her on the historic preservation issues in Brookland will understand what I am saying. I dont think that was a specialty area of hers, but it was obvious that she did her homework, times 10, to learn the socio, political and economic implications of that issues. Then, she took that information, brought it square and honest to the people, the special interests, the government officias, and politicians, and got a slam dunk. The communities up in Ward 1 followed her lead, arguments and methods in fighting designation in their communities. She appears to me to care very much about this City, and its residents. This is from someone who does not agree with her on all the issues. I have tried to pin her down on the political spectrum, but have been unable to. She appears very liberal in some instances and conservative on others. I guess she is a true independent.

All this is to say that I welcome her in this race. I dont like Catania and never did. Plus, he always struck me as too special interest, arrogant, and patriarchal. He seems effective at representing very narrow interests, and I dont see him work too hard outside those interests. I’ll examine his record more closely and decide if I am off the mark. I’ll let you know.

Steptoe, to me, will be directed by the people and interests of the City overall. They will set her agenda. Catania’s agenda already is set. Steptoe probably needs to tone it down a bit in her presentations. She can hyberbolize and come off a bit officious when she’s excitied, but otherwise she seems genuine and open. This is just my advice to her. I advise everyone to take a look at her record and her efforts over the last few years before you judge too closely. Of course, if your sole deciding factor is her position on the marriage bill, then I understand you wont like her. But get it right, her issue was the process. Me, I was against the legislation, period.

I’ll stay in touch over the next few months, and share my thoughts. Please done write any silly, or mean spirited stuff. I will ignore you. I read this things and am amazed at how nasty people can be.