Alex A. Ormaza
06/03/2005

Courtesy of Fenty's campaign

Adrian Fenty

As this Wednesday Ward 4 Councilman Adrian Fenty announced he's running for mayor on the steps of his childhood home, DC Hispanics were asking the classic questions: “What's in it for us?”

Washington Hoy: Hispanics in DC have the lowest income rates in the city, what are your plans to change that?
Adrian Fenty: I have been a strong advocate for the Latino community, I have pushed and advocated for the improvement of the Language Access Act which makes all services that the District offers available to our Latino community. If there is a family in poverty we have services that should and must be available to all residents to address their concerns. I will advocate for a stronger Latino presence in our local government, the Latino community is thriving in the District and they must be at the table when important decisions are made. I will also take the lead in improving education. Education is the key to success, I will work hard in making education the top priority and improving the ESL program that many Latino youth are in. It is unacceptable to offer a second-class education to anyone. I also work closely with the many local non-profits and charter schools that work within the Latino community. Together we have fought to make sure that these organizations have received full funding from the local government.

WH: HIV is heavily concentrated among Hispanics and African Americans, what's in your agenda to address this problem?
AF: My agenda includes access to better health care and information. The information should be available in different languages and accessible in every community. The District government needs to fully fund and support the neighborhood clinics and clinics such as the Whitman Walker clinic that address this specific issue.
Also prevention is a key. This includes informing our youth and young adult population the resources available to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS.

WH: What is on the pipe to tackle the gang problem in DC?
AF: In recent years there has been an increase in gang activity in Ward 4 and the District. I have chosen to address this issue by working closely with churches, non-profits, the law enforcement community, parents, local government, and schools. My staff regularly attends the Gang Intervention Partnership. This partnership focuses on prevention and extending a helping hand.

WH: Teen's pregnancy and school drop outs is rising at alarming rates, and the Latino community has more than its fare share of it.
AF: This is a very discouraging problem that the city is seeing right now. And sometimes these two issues go hand in hand. But it comes down to students, or young people in general, losing hope with the city. I will put in place more educational and recreational opportunities for our students for after school activities and summer activities so that the children aren't bored after school and will have something to do. I will put into place a policy whereby our teens parent will have access to affordable day care so that they can continue their education.