In advance of the April 3, 2012, primaries, Smokefree DC sent questionnaires to candidates for D.C. Council. We asked seven questions, designed to assess not only the candidates’ position on tobacco control issues but their knowledge of those issues.
We graded the candidates on a scale of “A” to “F,” with “A” being the highest grade and “F” being the lowest. Candidates who did not return a questionnaire were given a “0” grade. In addition to assessing the answers to the questions, Smokefree DC took into account a candidate’s record if they have been on the D.C. Council previously – in particular a measure passed in September that weakened the law by permitting cigar smoking at certain events in hotels.
Four candidates received “A” grades. Other candidates received grades ranging from “B” to “F.”
Below are links to the questionnaires completed by the candidates, along with the grade each candidate received.
We are very appreciative of the time the candidates spent on the questions. Secondhand smoke is a known health hazard. Although we have a strong smokefree workplaces law here in the District, nonsmokers are still exposed to secondhand smoke every day.
Note: Councilmember Michael Brown (At-Large) was not yet scored; he is running only in the general election.
At-Large
- Sekou Biddle (A)
- E. Gail Anderson Holness (F)
- Vincent Orange (zero)
- Peter Shapiro (A)
- Mary Brooks Beatty (zero)
- G. Lee Aikin (F)
- Ann C. Wilcox (zero)
- David Grosso (A) [Note: David Grosso will not appear on the primary ballot, but will be on the ballot in the general election.]
Ward 2
- Jack Evans (F)
Ward 4
- Muriel Bowser (F)
- Renee L. Bowser (zero)
- Calvin Gurley (F)
- Baruti Jahi (B)
- Judi Jones (F)
- Max Skolnik (A)
Ward 7:
- Yvette Alexander (zero)
- William H ‘Bill’ Bennett (F)
- Kevin B. Chavous (D)
- Dorothy Douglas (zero)
- Don Folden Sr. (zero)
- Ron Moten (zero)
Ward 8:
- Marion Barry (zero)
- Darrell Danny Gaston (zero)
- Jacque Patterson (zero)
- S.S. Sandra Seegars (D)
- Natalie Williams (zero)