I am Barbara Washington Franklin and I’m running as an Independent for D.C. Delegate to end second-class citizenship in the District of Columbia. Now is the time for new leadership. What we tolerate we cannot change. DC Statehood is not a partisan issue – it is a civil rights issue that requires nonpartisan and independent action.
I began my adult work life as a social worker in the New Jersey foster care system. After graduating from Rutgers University Law School, I worked for the New York City Corporation Counsel, then moved to Washington to become Minority Chief Counsel and Staff Director of the U.S. House Committee on the District of Columbia. I then served in the mayor’s office as an Assistant City Administrator before forming my own civil litigation law practice.
The Issues – What I Pledge to Do
DC Statehood & Home Rule – Leverage the symbolism of Congress’s first vote on DC Statehood into a movement that will raise the consciousness of all Americans to demand full citizenship for DC residents.
Public Safety Reform – Demand that public safety be treated as a local issue. Protect DC residents and local law enforcement authority from federal intrusion, especially attempts to militarize community policing. Ensure federal support for law enforcement reform that respects local autonomy.
Strengthening Human Services – Seek increased federal support to address DC’s persistent health disparities and the vulnerabilities of our health systems. Because a good living environment promotes good health, fight to reverse disinvestment in public housing and increase pathways to safe, stable and affordable housing for all DC residents.
Do you like this page?