Thank you to all of the GW community members and neighborhood residents who have been supportive of my candidacy for the Advisory Neighborhood Commission. It is an honor to have been elected, and I look forward to serving our community.

I established many positive working relationships with current and former members of the ANC, and I hope to work diligently and effectively with all of the newly elected Commissioners to represent the best interests of the entire neighborhood. As a GW student and as a Foggy Bottom resident, I plan to be an objective voice on the ANC. Further, I will work to ensure that every inhabitant of Foggy Bottom is considered equally when important decisions are made.

Over the years, many problems have developed within our community. There have unfortunately been many points of contention in the past between members of the ANC and the University. Many of these problems are extremely complicated and deeply rooted. Unfortunately, problems have also arisen between permanent community residents and students. I believe some of these issues can be addressed through increased communication and proactive collaboration. It is my belief that very few community residents hate or even dislike students. In fact, it has been my experience that many GW neighbors are extremely supportive of students in their academic and professional endeavors. Similarly, I do not believe that most students intentionally set out to be bad neighbors.

My goal is to work with students, permanent community residents and the University toward the realistic alleviation of fundamental problems. I hope to engage people in the process of developing and strengthening our community. I look forward to working as an ANC Commissioner, and I welcome and appreciate the thoughts and ideas of anyone who is concerned about neighborhood issues. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] and come to the monthly ANC meeting to voice your concerns. -Jeff MarootianANC Commissioner-elect