On January 2, 2021, 19 newly-elected representatives were sworn in for the five Ward 7 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs). The ceremony, like much of the campaign, took place virtually, with Ward 7 Councilmember Vincent Gray (D) administering the oath of office.
The large incoming class means that many Ward 7 ANCs will meet in January with a majority of their seven seats filled by new commissioners. They come to a difficult job in a difficult time, meeting virtually to help residents confront the all-too-real issues raised and, in many cases, exacerbated by the pandemic, including issues of health, public safety, education and housing.
Commissioners serve two-year terms without pay. Each commissioner represents a Single Member District (SMD) of approximately 2,000 residents. The ANCs’ main role in the District is to be their neighborhood’s official voice in advising the District government (and Federal agencies) on things that affect their neighborhoods.
Meet your newly elected representative below. Learn more about ANCs by visiting anc.dc.gov.
Milton Hardy (7D04) A Baltimore native, Hardy moved to DC in 2017 to take a role in Human Resources with the District Government, later becoming Director of Human Resources for a large private company. Hardy said that his work has given him an understanding of business and negotiating that can be drawn on as he takes office. “There have been many lessons learned,” Hardy said, “none more important than sometimes to get what you want it takes stick-to-itiveness.”
A retired 25-year-veteran of the U.S. Army, Hardy said he decided to run for ANC as part of a legacy of public service sparked in him by their annual National Night Out events. His work keeping neighbors informed as a volunteer Block Captain with the River Terrance Community Organization (RTCO), led him to believe that he could add value to the community as an ANC commissioner.
A key issue for Hardy is employment. Hardy said he believes everyone who wants a job should be able to find meaningful work. “A job provides us with more sustainable needs than we first imagine,” he said, including engagement with the community. Hardy said he will draw on his background to advocate for employment and plans to hold large-scale job fairs in the area with local private and public employers.
Another issue Hardy cites is traffic, particularly pointing to the intersection of 34th Street with Benning Road and Eads Avenue SE. Calling the situation “a ticking time bomb,” Hardy said that the illegal turns and high speeds of traffic in the area are bound to lead to a serious incident if the situation is not addressed by District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
As Commissioner, Hardy plans to listen to neighbors to develop and implement strategies that will assist the community. “As Commissioner, I want the residents to be assured that I will always listen, and communicate our collective best intentions – without reservation,” he said. “None of us is as strong as all of us.”
Email Commissioner Hardy at 7D04@ANC.DC.GOV.
