A Farewell Update

Dear Neighbors,

It's hard for me to believe that after 16 years, my service on the Council is finally coming to an end. My last legislative meeting will be today, Tuesday, December 20th. I can never fully express my gratitude for your support and faith in me to represent Ward 3, but please accept my sincerest thanks for all of your help and guidance.

I am very proud of the work that I (and we) have done - from modernizing nearly every public school, recreation center, library, and firehouse in Ward 3, to passing major legislation on the environment, food policy, waste reduction, education, health, animals, consumer protection, and more.

Looking forward, I wish my successor, Matt Frumin, the best of luck, and I know Ward 3 will continue to grow and thrive with him as your representative.

Regards,

Mary

Today, Tuesday, December 20th at 12pm: Committee of the Whole Meeting
Today, Tuesday, December 20th at 1pm: Legislative Meeting
Monday, January 2nd: Swearing In Ceremony

On November 30th, I held my final markup of the Committee on Transportation and the Environment, which I have chaired for over a decade. We moved the last few measures out of committee and to the full Council, as well as finalizing the report summarizing the work the Committee has done this Council Period, particularly in the following areas:

Strengthening the District’s environmental protection laws;
Reducing traffic violence and increasing access to public transit; and
Enhancing the health and safety of District residents.

The full report is available here if you're interested.

DC Central Kitchen Tour

I had the pleasure of touring DC Central Kitchen's new facility in Buzzard Point a couple of weeks ago. They are doing such good work, and they deserve a space that reflects that. I am honored to be featured on their Pillars of the Community installation once construction is complete.

GW Law Reception

I have been honored and spoiled by many organizations hosting receptions on my behalf. This one, hosted by GW Law, DC Voters for Animals, and Humane Rescue Alliance, united some of my favorite causes. I have taught at GW Law for over forty years, and will continue to do so after my tenure on the Council ends, and as I'm sure many of you know, I am passionate about animals. Many thanks to all who worked on putting the event together.

One of my favorite projects over the last few years has been chairing the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments' Food and Agriculture Regional Member (FARM) Policy Committee. The committee's purpose is to support development of long-term regional direction and collaboration toward a more resilient, connected food and farm economy (food system) across urban, suburban and rural communities in the metropolitan Washington region that provides more of the region’s food needs.

FARM began as an ad hoc committee in 2020, and became permanent in 2021. I've been honored to chair the committee and lead our bimonthly meetings since its inception, and I chaired my last one on December 9th. I know the committee will continue to grow and do its important work under new leadership.

For a sample of the committee's work, please see the Healthy Food Access Policy Compendium for Metropolitan Washington.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is playing the role of The Merry Widow in the Nutcracker. Many thanks to the Washington Ballet for their wonderful production!

Expanding Food Waste Drop-Off Sites

If you're interested in operating a new food waste drop-off site, apply here before Tuesday, January 31st, 2023.

Excerpts from the articles appear below. To read the full article, click on the headline.

Washington Post: D.C. votes to eliminate Metrobus fares in movement toward free transit

During the first of two votes on the measure Tuesday, Allen said “enthusiastically, yes.” Council member Anita Bonds (D-At Large) chimed in with “another enthusiastic yes.” Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) followed: “dramatically, enthusiastically, yes.”

DCist: DC Council Could Soon Pass Bill That Bans Cat Declawing And Dogfighting Equipment

Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh introduced the bill a year ago along with Ward 1’s Brianne Nadeau, Ward 6’s Charles Allen, Ward 4’s Janeese Lewis George, and Ward 2’s Brooke Pinto. Cheh sees it as a major victory as she approaches the end of her fourth and final term.

“It’s been a bill that I’ve been keen to see pass before I leave the council at the end of December,” Cheh said during a November committee meeting. Cheh has advocated for animal rights throughout her time on the council, working with groups like the Humane Society and D.C. Voters for Animals.

The legislation also authorizes animal control vehicles to use emergency lights and sirens when responding to calls, and provides financial support for the Humane Rescue Alliance when it cares for animals during criminal proceedings. Pet stores will be required to exclusively sell animals from rescue facilities to help prevent the use of puppy farms and other cruel breeding practices.

Lastly, the bill seeks to protect the rights of pets involved in divorce proceedings, allowing judges to consider the best interests of a pet and award joint custody.

“Currently, pets are treated in divorce proceedings like an inanimate asset, such as a bank account or a house,” Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen said during a council session last month. “Many of us have pets or have had pets, and we know they are more akin to family members than a piece of furniture.”

Only a handful of states have considered or passed such protections for pets in divorce cases. Animal advocates and legal experts have called the bill “historic” and “groundbreaking,” according to The Washington Post.

If passed, the penalties for these offenses could result in fines or anywhere from 10 days to two years in prison, depending on the crime. If the council passes the bill after a final reading next Tuesday, it will then require Mayor Muriel Bowser’s signature before moving on to congressional review.

“Being one of the most prosperous and progressive communities in the country, the District of Columbia should embrace any and every opportunity to adopt a compassion-based approach to animal management and care, and I’m eager to see this legislation passed,” Cheh said in a statement.

Our Office is Closing

You may continue to reach us via email or phone through our main line at (202) 724-8062 with legislative ideas, budget requests, and constituent services requests. Because of Council procedures, the Councilmember's office will close on Wednesday, December 21st.