Neighbors,
The Council of the District of Columbia is at the front-end of our annual budget review process. As difficult economic times continue to put pressure on government budgets around the nation, the District faces problems of its own, with at least a $600 million revenue gap being forecast for next year’s budget.The review period includes an oversight hearing for each agency to determine what the budgetary needs may be for the upcoming calendar year.
With difficult economic conditions affecting the District’s revenue for the foreseeable future, we have no choice but to continue tightening our belts. On April 1, we will have a budget from the Mayor that will propose specific solutions for the budget gap. In the mean time, my Committee, the Committee on Government Operations and the Environment, has held and will hold a total of 8 hearings throughout the budget-review period to closely analyze the spending of each of the 18 agencies within my oversight. To get more information about these hearings, click here.
Take a Look at My New Website
I am happy to announce that my office has launched a new website. The website, at the same URL as my old website (http://www.marycheh.com), will make it easier for me to stay in touch with you. On the site, you will find tools to navigate District government agencies and services, information about my activities, and contact information for my staff.
Hot Chocolate Social
 On Valentines Day, my office held a hot chocolate social for the residents at Chevy Chase House, a retirement facility located on Connecticut Avenue. I was able to discuss of number of my legislative initiatives and found the residents particularly in voting reforms that will take place in the upcoming 2010 election. To view the highlights of this legislation, click here.
PACE Legislation
This month, the Council passed an emergency law and my Committee approved a permanent version of the bill to allow the District to create a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. This program would provide for the sale of revenue bonds and authorize the District to use the proceeds to fund clean energy improvements for commercial and residential buildings in the District. This program is unique because it allows property owners to make energy efficiency home improvements that are amortized through a special assessment that remains attached to the land. I am excited about this program and I believe that it has the potential to open up new markets for energy efficiency projects in the District. To learn more, click here.
Foxhall Citizens Community Association
 On February 24, I had the opportunity to address the members of the Foxhall Citizens Community Association. We had a very interesting and substantive conversation about a range of matters affecting Ward 3, including: fire hydrants, FiOS, parking meters, public transportation, and, of course, snow removal. This is an especially engaged group of citizens and I always appreciate the chance to speak with them.
Ceremonial Resolutions
Over the month of February, my office presented two ceremonial resolutions passed by the Council of the District of Columbia. One resolution was written to recognize the 100th birthday of Margaret Rupli Woodard, a longtime resident of Glover Park. Mrs. Woodard was one of only five female American journalists who reported on World War II from Europe. Additionally, I presented a resolution to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of 3900 Watson Place, a community within Cathedral Heights. If you know of someone deserving of recognition, please let me know.
Chat with Cheh
On February 13th, I hosted my regular “Chat with Cheh” at the Avalon Theatre Café. My office holds these events on a continuing basis to create ongoing opportunities for me to talk to constituents face-to-face. My next Chat will be on March 13 at the Palisades Safeway (4865 MacArthur Blvd NW) from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Hopefully, if you haven’t already, you will consider coming out to a future Chat with Cheh.
Stay in Touch
If you have any questions on these or any other matters, please contact my office at
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or (202) 724-8062.
Thanks and best regards,
Mary M. Cheh
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