April 30, 2025
When Treasurer Shirley Thompson-Wright (7F07) squared off against Secretary Kimory Kso Orendoff (7F07) at the ANC 7F Special Meeting it seemed like anything but the “One Commitment. Our Community.” ANC 7F slogan. In fact it had all the decorum of a street corner argument that often erupts into a fist fight or worse. With all the problems facing D.C., I was left asking the question, “Is this how One Commitment. Our Community” sounds?
It didn’t take long for things to heat up as Commissioner Wright made her discontent clear on how poorly Commissioner Orendoff was performing his duties as ANC Secretary. Ms. Wright dove in with a litany of complaints culminating with the request to remove Orendoff from his position. Given the opportunity to rebut the accusations, Commissioner Orendoff countered with his own barrage of counter punches emphasizing how his lack of access to the information needed to perform his duties was at the core of the problem, and how the Commission focused more on his “grammaticals” than they did on providing the documents he needed to fulfill his role.
My reporting of this meeting is not to take sides with one party or the other. Nor is it to cast aspersions on the members of, or the the work of ANC 7F. It is, however, to ask this question: with all the issues facing DC and the renewed perception of whether the District should be governing itself, is this the way we want to present ourselves? I say, no! With so much at stake for the city – and in fact the nation – do we have time for what sounds like petty squabbles and bickering? Do we have the pleasure of folly and childish tit-for-tat politics? We should expect our representatives to be passionate and diligent in their undertakings. I’m all for a little give and take in the interest of moving things forward. But when it descends into seeming disrespect for ones fellow commissioners or “they’re out to get me,” that’s where a line needs to be drawn.
I was heartened by Commissioners Ashley Renee Ruff and Chanettia Nelson, who suggested that holding such a contentious meeting in public probably wasn’t wise or in the best interest of the Ward 7 residents. They are better served when the Commissioners focus on the challenges that affect residents’ quality of life, disparities in healthcare, education, transportation, and environmental conditions.
As we enter mental health awareness month and the possible displacement that may accompany the Washington Commanders return to the RFK Stadium location in Ward 7, let’s hope the Commission rebounds from this episode to address the needs of the residents of Ward 7 with the ferocity, fervor, and passion it deserves.