Candidate Profile: James Leroy Jennings For Ward 7 Seat

WASHINGTON, DC — There are 29 candidates running for the D.C. City Council in the June 2 primary. In addition, candidates will face off in a June 16 special election to fill the vacant Ward 2 seat.

Patch asked the candidates to describe their qualifications and visions for the District.

James Leroy Jennings, 64, is a running in the June 2 Primary to determine who will be the Democratic candidate for the Ward 7 City Council seat in the November election.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

2 years college D.C. University of District of Columbia

Occupation

Retired Armed Forces Military Sergeant

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Former D.C. Elected Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Ward 2 and Ward 6

Campaign website

No

What makes you the best candidate for this office?

I have served in public service for home ownership, labor issues, crime in under served communities and better education for the children of Washington D.C.

How will you help the city recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus?

I challenge every candidate who's running for public office as I will if elected to donate 75% of their pay to the communities they serve to make a real difference in rebuilding their communities.

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, Mayor Muriel Bowser has talked about the longstanding inequities that have been exposed by the coronavirus. She also has talked about this being an opportunity for the city to address those inequities. What are your thoughts on this?

I applaud the Mayor Muriel Bowser efforts but need to be done before opening the City is opened; for example thoroughly insured the residents are safe.

What do you see as the biggest issue besides the coronavirus recovery facing D.C.?

The crime and unemployment of our residents

What is your position on statehood for D.C.?

Washington D.C. was not intended to be a "State" by U.S. Congress when i t was created. I can not understand the real benefits of becoming a State now with this corona virus situation.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a DC Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner for Ward 2 under DC Councilman Jack Evans and Ward 6 Councilman Harold Brazil received another awards for my unpaid labor in under served communities. 1) assistance with rebuilding the old Ellen Wilson Project site 2.) being a Board member on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge design with Maryland and Virginia community leaders 3.) Being on the Green line opening Meto Subway to Anacostia

The best advice ever shared with me was:

President John F. Kennedy stated to the American People " Ask not What your country can do for you but what you can do for your country"

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I served as a D.C. Metropolitan Police Reserve Officer unpaid for 20 years, D.C. Protective Services Police Sergeant for 21 years, and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 15 years