The Georgetown Metropolitan

1300 block of 31st St.

Tuesday was a day of upsets it would seem. Here in Georgetown that meant Lisa Palmer successfully defeating Bill Starrels for the ANC seat he’s held since approximately 1842. This was in spite of (or perhaps because of) GM’s endorsement of Starrels. Palmer obviously reached a lot of people with a message of change, so GM heartily congratulates her. GM endorsed Starrels in recognition of his years of experience in the position, but Palmer’s big electoral win suggests that she can hit the ground running. Best of luck to her!

Separately in the race for the open SMD 03 seat, Rick Murphy defeated Greg Miller.

All four were great candidates, and GM hopes to see Starrels and Miller continue to be actively involved with the neighborhood.

Photo by Ron Cogswell.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• If the world doesn’t collapse before, the former head-chef of Minibar is opening a new restaurant on Grace St.
• Letter to the editor of the Post argues against the gondola, but wants to turn the Whitehurst into a parking lot instead.

3000 block of R St.

GM came across this bike on 30th St. just above M St. It’s locked to a small tree, which is a real jerk move.

Someone left a note for the bike owner saying “Trees are not bike racks. Move the bike or it will be considered abandoned and lock will be cut”. This isn’t really the correct use of the DDOT abandoned bike rules, but it is true that you shouldn’t lock bikes to trees. It cuts away at the bark and can seriously harm the tree, particularly if it’s young. Sometimes the tree is so young that thieves simply chop the tree down to get to the bike. Then the bike is stolen AND the tree is dead. Continue reading →

Photo by Mike Maguire.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• GM didn’t realize it was closed, but J. Paul’s is apparently open again.
• The New York Times’ take on Georgetown. (Mostly accurate, by GM’s estimation)

1600 block of 30th St.

You surely do no need GM’s advice about how to vote for the national or even citywide ballot. But you might be looking for guidance on how to vote for the ANC. While six out of the eight Georgetown districts are uncontested, two aren’t. And if you live in those districts (SMDs 03 and 05 on the map above), here is how GM thinks you should vote:

Rick Murphy for SMD 03

GM believes you should vote for Rick Murphy if you live in SMD 03. GM has known Rick for years (GM once worked at the same law firm as Rick, although didn’t work directly with him). In recent years Rick has retired from the firm and dedicated more of his time to community matters. He took the job of counsel for the ANC pro bono and has come quickly up to speed on all the issues that affect his district, particularly town-gown matters and the DC Water proposal for Green Infrastructure. GM believes Rick will serve as an excellent commissioner.

Rick’s opponent is Greg Miller. For several years, GM has worked with Greg on the Georgetown Community Partnership committee on transportation. Greg is a thoughtful participant and GM probably agrees with Greg’s position on most matters (particularly transportation-related). But Greg is an employee of the university. He would be have to recuse himself from all public discussions related to town-gown matters. The relationship between the school and the non-student residents has improved immeasurably in the recent years, but there are still issues that remain. And a commissioner who represents west Georgetown that is prohibited from speaking about the school at public meetings would not be able to fully fulfill his duties.

The city ethics rules would permit Greg to speak about the school in non-public meetings, which is where a lot of the hard work of commissioners gets done. But he’s still be conflicted and would face the impossible decision of weighing his constituent’s interests against his employer’s. It would be an impossible position for anyone to perform in. If Greg were not a GU employee, he’d make a fantastic commissioner. But for now he is too conflicted to adequately fulfill all the duties of the position.

Bill Starrels for SMD 05

If you live in SMD 05 (lower Georgetown) GM believes you should vote for Bill Starrels. GM has not always seen eye-to-eye with Bill and has exchanged heated words with him. But with Bill, you know what you are getting: a tireless advocate for his constituents who knows how to actually get things done and he is well versed in all issues that affect his district.

His opponent is Lisa Palmer. GM has been downright amused at the pressure he’s received from both candidate’s supporters to write something negative about the other. GM has refused because the information alleged was either unverified or inconsequential (or both). GM thinks you should evaluate the candidates on their service to the community and whether that service makes them a worthy candidate or not. Continue reading →

Photo by Scott Horvath.

Good morning Georgetown, here’s the latest:

• Georgetown Glow coming back again (and will be even longer this year).
• You can get truffles at Bourbon Steak.

Georgetown Waterfront