Candidate Profile: Monte Monash For City Council In Ward 3

WASHINGTON, DC — Monte Monash, a native Washingtonian and the CEO of CEO of Monash Advisory Group, LLC, says public safety is the single most pressing issue facing Ward 3.

Monash is on the ballot for the June 21 Democratic Party Primary. She's running against eight other candidates to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat on the D.C. City Council: Tricia Duncan, Henry Z Cohen, Matthew Frumin, Eric Goulet, Ben Bergmann, Beau Finley, Deirdre Brown, and Phil Thomas. The winner will square off against Republican David Krucoff in the Nov. 8 general election.

Patch has asked each of the candidates running in select races to fill out a questionnaire, sharing facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent their party in November.

Name

Monte Monash

Campaign website

Monte Monash For Ward 3

DC Neighborhood

American University Park

Office sought

DC Council Ward 3

Party affiliation

Democrat

Education

Bachelor's of Arts from Mount Vernon College, Washington, DC

Occupation

CEO of Monash Advisory Group, LLC for 15 years

Family

Todd Monash, husband of 20 years; Joshua Monash, 13 years old - DCPS student (son); Wells Monash, 9 years old - Independent School student (son); Jackson (dog)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

51 years old

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Mayoral appointee to the following: Former Chair of the Board of Trustees for the DC Public Library; ReOpen DC Task Force; and Former Treasurer of the Mayor's Office of Women's Policy Initiatives

Why are you seeking this office?

Ward 3 is changing, just like the rest of the city.

DC faces new challenges brought on by the pandemic, racial injustice, AND economic inequality. We cannot accept the status quo.

I’m qualified to represent Ward 3 because I am a small business owner who has worked with mayors and governors for over 20 years to make city services work better for constituents.

Working with 13 DC government agencies and other state and local governments, I’ve learned to listen first, build trust, and find solutions that respond to constituent needs.
I’m running to focus on public safety, to support mayoral control over our schools, to create space for every child to learn and thrive, to build housing that residents of all incomes and ages can afford, to make our economy more competitive, to update our transportation networks and aging infrastructure and to do our part to meet our 2032 Clean Energy goals.

DC is a great place to live and do business. On the other side of this pandemic, the future of Ward 3 and citywide has to be reimagined with smart growth development, incentives for businesses to grow and stay in DC and to increase the housing stock with affordable 2 -to 3 bedroom units for families, teachers and first responders to continue to grow in an inclusive, connected and communal manner.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is public safety. I intend to support the Mayor and Police Chief Contee's request to fund the increased police force to 4,000 officers with more police visible in the community on bikes and walking. Our police force should reflect the size of our population of nearly 720,000 residents.

I support expanded types of training to respond more appropriately with more proactive and not punitive policing. Add to the force violence interrupters, credible messengers, peer navigators and social workers. Change the posture of policing and create a bond of trust with the community. Address Gun Violence = gun sense is common sense.
There is no acceptable level of crime in our communities. We all deserve to feel safe, citywide.

What is your position on DC statehood?

I strongly support DC Statehood, protecting DC Home Rule and our legislative autonomy with Congressional voting representation. As tax paying Americans, it is our constitutional right to have Congressional representation.

How would you address the problem of gun violence in the District?

Fight for legislation that protects residents and visitors from gun violence. Create common sense laws and policies like a gun owner registry and criminal background check to purchase guns. Work with national and local gun prevention advocates to develop strong gun violence policy in the District and regionally.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am a native Washingtonian. A business owner for 15 years and I understand real world challenges and how to do business in DC. A parent raising two school-aged boys and I share expectations and concerns of what families want from our education system. The drastic changes to our built and natural environment require focus and innovation to continue DC's transition to a net positive and a sustainable city. I am a 20 year professional in the transportation, water, wastewater and energy field. With the unprecedented infrastructure investments, I understand the priority and urgency of getting major projects done to better our communities and city services. I have compassion for DC residents and passion for serving Ward 3 and the District.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

This is an open seat. Mary Cheh has been a responsive councilmember. With change, the opportunity to expand access to in-ward constituent services will better meet the needs of residents in Ward 3.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Additionally, I will focus on equity, education, community engagement, the strength of our economy and achievement of set goals to protect and improve the environment.

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

My professional career of 25+ years working with federal, state and local agencies. Successfully executing projects and working with 13 DC agencies over the past 15 years. My community and civic service on various appointed and voluntary boards in leadership roles.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

"Walk before you run unless you are in a sprint race."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am hardworking, sincere, honest, open to collaborate and ready to advocate for Ward 3 residents.

Related:

Candidate Profile: Ben Bergmann For Ward 3 DC City Council Seat

Candidate Profile: Deirdre Brown For Ward 3 DC City Council Seat

Candidate Profile: Tricia Duncan For DC City Council In Ward 3

Candidate Profile: Beau Finley For DC City Council In Ward 3

Candidate Profile: Matthew Frumin For DC City Council In Ward 3

Candidate Profile: Phil Thomas For Ward 3 DC City Council Seat