Ben for Ward 3

I’m Ben Bergmann, an attorney, former elementary school teacher, and the current Chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3D. I am also a parent of two young kids, a kindergartener at our local DCPS school and a two-year old girl in daycare. After two incredibly difficult years, the District faces real and significant challenges. Downtown is at a pivot point and needs to re-imagine itself. Kids, schools, and parents are all navigating new challenges. Housing just gets more expensive. So does childcare. The gaps in our transit system are more obvious than ever. And with rising crime and traffic fatalities trending upward rather than towards zero, Washingtonians are increasingly concerned about safety. I am running for DC Council because I believe that, despite the challenges we face, there is plenty for Washingtonians to be optimistic about. We can build a better DC—a city where everyone can gain a foothold, raise a family, and age in place. But to realize the full scope of our ambition, we need to put an end to the dysfunction and reject the “don’t rock the boat” attitude that defines DC politics. We need to listen to new ideas, be open to creative solutions, and proceed thoughtfully. Now is not the time to be naïve, nor is it the time to be afraid of big ideas. We need a Councilmember who will approach oversight and legislating seriously. A Councilmember that isn’t afraid to pushback on a colleague’s half-baked idea or to hold District officials accountable for their missteps. This is not the time for another “go along, get along” insider. Above all, we need a Councilmember who will be effective and ready to dive right in during a challenging time. I believe that I will be that Councilmember. I hope you will join this grassroots campaign. Let’s dream big. --Ben As a Fair Elections candidate, Ben is not accepting any funds from corporations or PACs. If you are a DC resident, your donation will be matched 5 to 1. This means that a $50