Meet The Candidate: Peter Bolton For DC Council In Ward 2

WASHINGTON, DC — In addition to voting for president and vice president of the United States in the Nov. 3 general election, voters in Washington, D.C., will choose a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives; at-large member of the D.C. Council; member of the D.C. Council for wards 2, 4, 7 and 8; U.S. senator; U.S. representative; at-large member of the State Board of Education; member of the State Board of Education for wards 2, 4, 7, and 8; and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner.

Peter Bolton is a 33-year-old journalist who is running for the Ward 2 seat on the D.C. Council.

As part of its coverage of the 2020 election, Patch has asked candidates in select races in D.C. to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they're the best person to fill the job they're running for.

Candidate

Peter Bolton

Age (as of Election Day)

33

Please specify which DC City Council seat you are running for (Ward 1, At-large, etc.):

Ward 2

Party Affiliation

DC Statehood Green Party

Family

N/a

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

MA, American University; BA, Durham University (UK)

Occupation

Journalist

Campaign website

BoltonforWard2.org

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/a

The single most pressing issue facing the District is evictions, and this is what I intend to do about it.

That is why I support a moratorium on evictions.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Absolutely and defunding the police is a central part of my platform. I also support a law to encourage the police to use non-lethal forms of suspect incapacitation and firearms only as a final last resort.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

Support it unequivocally.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

Yes on both counts. I believe that governments at all levels should take a more proactive stance on trying to contain the coronavirus.

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

They are all either Democrats or former Democrats who are indelibly stained with the failure of the Democratic Party to offer lasting, radical change. I am the only candidate that is offering policies such as public municipal ownership of all utilities and abolition of all WMATA fares.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Brooke Pinto has already voted against raising taxes on the wealthy and opposed rent forgiveness.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I support an aggressive campaign for achieving DC Statehood. This could include disallowing the federal government from using city utilities or from hosting events at DC public schools. I also support both electoral and media reform.

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

I have a long track record as a journalist and have covered some of the major issues facing this city including the failure of the US's for-profit healthcare system, the influence of money in the US political system, and corporate ownership of media. A full portfolio of my work can be viewed at my journalism website – peterboltonjournalist.com.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

If I could bring other Council members on board with policies such as a moratorium evictions and public ownership of utilities, then that would be a success.

Why should voters trust you?

A major focus of my writing has been applying ethical analysis to issues in international affairs and public policy. I would bring expert knowledge and a commitment to promoting ethical governance to the Council.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

I believe that DC needs to move toward a more progressive taxation system and begin taxing wealth. I agree with the now withdrawn Republican Party candidate that spending on debt maintenance is money down the drain. But the problem is not too much spending but rather too little taxation. I support policies including a yearly wealth tax on households with more than $10 million in total assets, raising the income tax rate on earnings more than $300,000, and recouping the losses from the latest round of Trump tax cuts.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"It always seems impossible until it is done." Nelson Mandela

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

My vision for how society should be organized goes well beyond the pro-capitalist reformism of the Democratic Party.