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.
Tiera J. Fletcher (7E02) has lived in what is now her SMD for three years and in DC for 15. She was born and raised in DC but left when her parents relocated during her middle-school years, returning home after she completed her post-secondary education. Fletcher is an engineer and licensed attorney. Currently, she serves as a patent examiner, reviewing intellectual property applications.
Fletcher said she knows what she’s getting into as a commissioner, having regularly attended meetings of 7E ANC and serving as Secretary of the ANC 7E Economic Development Committee. She said it was that engagement that led her to consider contributing in an elected capacity. “Serving as a Commissioner yields formal authority in decision making and more direct access to information and resources to serve the community,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher literally walked to every residence listed in her SMD, knocking on doors and ringing the bells. With many people home due to the pandemic, she had many far-ranging discussions. “I think my longest conversation was three hours,” she said.
Fletcher said her plan is to respond to the feedback of her constituents. Safety is a key issue in terms of traffic, public space and crime. “7E02 constituents want to see a community that reflects their pride and investment,” she said.
Residents have expressed interest in the installation of traffic-calming measures and in enhancing the community aesthetic through improvement and maintenance as well as increased public patrol. They want to see more engagement with Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on foot or bike patrol, rather than in cars.
Any individuals interested in actively collaborating in the work to enhance 7E02, please contact Commissioner Fletcher at 7e02@anc.dc.gov or tiera.fletcher@anc.dc.gov, starting Jan. 2, 2021. Follow efforts and progress at tierafletcher.com or on Instagram @tierajfletcher.
