I could not let 2011 come to a close without letting you know how much I appreciate all of your support this year. Your early support has been crucial to building the great momentum we have in this campaign heading into 2012. A lot has happened since I launched my campaign for the Council at-large seat on November 4 including a successful first fundraising report.

Below you will find the campaign’s first newsletter on what I have been up to as I campaign across the District and what you can look forward to in the New Year. I look forward to seeing you out on the campaign trail in 2012 as we work together to elect a more responsive and effective Council of the District of Columbia.

Happy Holidays,

Sekou Biddle

Reform in Name Only

It is clear from this week’s passage of sub-standard ethics legislation that the current set of councilmembers are more interested in maintaining the status quo and benefitting themselves than creating meaningful reforms that benefit the residents of the Districts of Columbia.

The council overwhelming rejected proposals that would have shone a light on contribution practices of city contractors and corporations with multiple subsidiaries. It is clear there is something wrong with our political system when elected officials don’t want residents to know where their money and financial support is coming from.

When Sekou testified this at the ethics legislation hearing on November 30, he was joined by the overwhelming majority of residents who came to testify in wanting more transparency and less special interest influence on our Council. This included near unanimous support for abolishing Constituent Service Funds, which is what Sekou advocated to the Council. Unfortunately, this week’s legislation tells us the Councilmembers did not get the message we have been sending them. This means each of us will have to give them the message personally in the voting booth on April 3 by voting for Sekou Biddle.

Sekou In the News

This month Sekou has been in every ward attending ANC meetings, holiday parties and community gatherings to talk about the campaign. Sekou and campaign volunteers have heard great feedback from residents about what issues matter the most. It is clear that residents, regardless of where they live in the District, want to improve ethics, education and public safety.

To read about some of the issues Sekou has been talking about with residents you can read the coverage of one of the ANC meetings he attended in the Georgetown Patch or pick up last week’s Northwest Current editorial praising Sekou’s education policies.

Qualifying for the ballot

The petition signatures to put Sekou’s name on the ballot are due to the Board of Elections and Ethics by January 4, 2012. This means if you have volunteered to collect petition signatures they need to be turned into the campaign by January 3. If you need someone to collect your completed petitions or want to help collect signatures over the next two weeks call Bill Brown at 202-643-1206 or email him at williamebrownjr@gmail.com

Coming up in 2012
New Website -

the campaign will be launching a new website in the new year with more detailed information including policy ideas, news and ways to get involved. If you haven’t signed up to volunteer or contribute yet please visit our current webpage at www.sekoubiddle.org

Host an event with Sekou -

Looking for a way to get involved in the campaign? Starting in January we need supporters to host fundraiser or a meet and greet to introduce Sekou to residents who may not know him. If you are interested in hosting one of these events contact Michelle Fox at michellefox@mac.com