Candidate Profile: Sabel Harris For DC City Council In Ward 1

WASHINGTON, DC — Sabel Harris, a 32-year-old director of marketing who lives in the U Street area, says that Ward 1 needs a voice on the D.C. City Council from someone who knows what it’s like to feel different.

Harris is on the ballot for the June 21 Democratic Party Primary, running against fellow challenger Salah Czapary and incumbent Brianne K. Nadeau for the Ward 1 seat on the City Council. There is currently no Republican challenger in Ward 1 for 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
Sabel Harris

Campaign website

Sabel for Ward 1

DC Neighborhood

U Street

Office sought

City Council, Ward 1

Party affiliation

Democratic Party

Education

BA in History with Econ Minor from George Mason

Occupation

Director of Marketing 3 years

Family

Sabel was raised by her mother, Jackie, a boat refugee from Vietnam who fled there in 1975 with Sabel’s aunts, uncle, and Ong Ngoai and Ba Ngoai (Maternal Grandfather and Grandmother).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

32

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner

Why are you seeking this office?

Ward 1 needs a voice on the Council from someone who knows what it’s like to feel different, whose family lived not knowing where their next meal was coming, and most importantly, from someone who isn’t afraid to fight for everyone here. But as the years have passed, I’ve seen violence increase in our Ward, literal dumpster fires in my alley, rent increases, people losing their jobs, and neighbors telling me they feel isolated and worried. Despite all of this, I truly believe that together we can make the bold changes our community deserves behind a fearless leader. I hope to be her.

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

Public Safety. I have written a 14 page safety which can be viewed on my website.

As Councilmember, I will advocate for a nuanced, layered legislative approach that will call for expanded investments in organizations that work directly in the communities, ways to keep the peace in nonviolent ways, intervention services for the people most at-risk with jobs, services, and mental health support.

What is your position on DC statehood?

We should have had it yesterday!

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

Please see my previous answer.

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

I do not support more funding for the police. I believe in a comprehensive safety approach that does not fall back on the dangerous practices of traditional policing. There are a lot of differences on sustainability. I have a data-driven and proactive approach to constituent services.

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

The incumbent does not show up. There have been 7 shootings on my street and she has never been there or followed up. She has been influenced by corporate money, such as Washington Gas, Pepco, AT&T and developers.

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

Reforming affordable housing including how we calculate MFI and requiring deeply affordable units.

Introducing a district level green new deal and a green new deal for public housing.

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

I am currently serving as ANC and I have lead on the Reeves Center redevelopment. I am currently working on a development across from the U Street metro, negotiated 10 community agreements with new bars and restaurants on U Street. These are hyper-local issues but can be scaled ward wide.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Keep Going!

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

No.

Related:

Candidate Profile: Brianne K. Nadeau For City Council In Ward 1

Candidate Profile: Salah Czapary For DC City Council In Ward 1