Thanks to our Mayor, Lyft and Uber will soon cost you more!

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser released her new budget proposal, which includes details on how the District would pay for Metro. More than $80 million would come from increasing taxes on sales, commercial property and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. Under the $14.5 billion budget, DC would raise a handful of taxes to come up with a large chunk of the $178.5 million it would give Metro each year. More than $80 million would come from increasing taxes on sales, commercial property and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft.

Really Mayor Bowser, aren’t DC citizens already taxed enough? City services are terrible, residential parking is all but non-existent, and the ticket writers are like ravenous dogs lurking in the shadows waiting to strike. The city makes zillions from parking, red light, and speed camera tickets. Why are you asking DC citizens foot the bill for rebuilding “METRO” when Metro’s problems were caused by years of DC government mismanagement?

Filed under: Around Town

We’re Back…

Hi folks, we’re finally back after a long summer break. Being volunteers for the most part, some of us were able to take much needed vacations with family and others, who do in fact have regular paying jobs and businesses to attend to, went about their normal daily activities.

We have received your email (lots), and we do plan to investigate and respond to each and every concern mentioned as soon as we get into full swing. We also hope to have a reporter from the Concerned Citizen at every city counsel hearing in the future, so city and agency officials get ready to be put on community Blast.

Filed under: Around Town

DC to help residents pay for surveillance cameras.

Police say surveillance video helped track down the man charged in the shooting on North Capitol Street due to images captured by several Security Cameras on private residences and businesses in the area. Chief Lanier said that the North Capitol Street case is a perfect example where cameras can be extremely useful to police. So, the District has now adopted a Security Camera System Incentive Program that will reimburse up to $500 of camera costs to residents who purchase and install video surveillance equipment. The program was initiated by the D.C. Council earlier this year with a limited pool of resources.

Mayor Bowser said “Our security camera program continues to have funds available and we want people to call us so if we have an incident we can make a swift arrest.” DC residents can contact the program at security.cameras@dc.gov or, by calling 202-727-5124.

The Concerned Citizen urges residents to call the number listed above and take advantage of this program while funds are still available.

Reported by:  Jillian A. Cohen |  ja_cohen@theconcernedcitizen.net

Filed under: Around Town

The Pepco-Exelon Merger

The Concerned Citizen applauds Mayor Muriel Bowser’s decision not to support the merger between Pepco and Exelon. We think this deal is simply not in the best interest of DC residents for the long-haul.

Exelon’s proposed $6.8 billion acquisition of Pepco was approved by regulators in four states and the federal government; however, it hit numerous snags in the District. Attorney General Karl Racine and DC Water’s general manager George Hawkins are the latest to speak out against the settlement. Hawkins said that he opposes the revised settlement because the terms won’t benefit ratepayers. What do you think DC?

Filed under: Around Town

Vince Gray! Back in action?

Last Thursday, Vincent Gray announced that he will run for the D.C. Council, effectively beginning his political comeback. Gray lost his attempt to be re-elected, to current Mayor Muriel Bowser, after a federal prosecutor accused him of having an illegal slush fund that helped him get elected in 2010. Six of Gray’s campaign workers eventually pled guilty to felonies; however, Gray maintains he did not know his aides were breaking any laws.

Mark Plotkin, political commentator and longtime friend of Gray said…

“I think his plan, although he won’t admit to it, is exactly similar to Barry: to serve two years in office and then run for mayor. Vincent is definitely not the president of the Muriel Bowser fan club, and she is not the president of his. They really detest each other.”

Will concerned citizens in the District support Gray for mayor again, what do you think DC?

Filed under: Around Town