Hi, I'm Nate.
I'm running for the Advisory Neighborhood Commission to represent SMD 6E06 in NoMa. I hope I earn your vote.
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Why am I running?
NoMa is dynamic and growing. People and capital are moving in. That means the choices we make right now will shape the character of our area for years. I want to avoid the patterns of development that push disadvantaged people to the side only to demonize them as vagabonds and criminals after the fact.
I want to balance new developments with affordable housing. I want to hold our landlords accountable, fight rent inflation, and assure we're getting what we pay for. I want to reduce crime by addressing its root causes—poverty, displacement, truancy, and lack of public services—while assuring sensible security measures are in place. You can read about my priorities right here.
As a community speaking together, we really can shape the world around us. Anthropologist Margaret Mead said this: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." As your Commissioner, I will work in that spirit: a spirit of constant collaboration, transparency, humility, and determination.
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Who am I?
I was born and raised in northwest Pennsylvania, a son of two teachers. I attended Allegheny College where I received a bachelor's degree in political science and psychology. In 2018, I went to West Timor, Indonesia, to teach English with the Peace Corps. There, I taught middle schoolers and partnered with lots of fine people in my community to launch local development projects.
I've been a citizen of D.C. since early 2021. Before settling in our neighborhood last October, I also lived in Mount Pleasant and Adams Morgan. I'm employed with the Treasury Department where I work in the area of privacy and civil liberties. Outside work, I've spent my time in D.C. volunteering at an organization fighting chronic homelessness and as an English teacher with immigrants.
Here's a quote that guides me in most everything I do. It's from author Haruki Murakami. "What we needed were not words and promises but a steady accumulation of small realities." As your ANC Commissioner, I'll try to carve out opportunities for the "accumulation of small realities" in the lives of everyone, especially those facing discrimination, neglect, villainization, and systemic disadvantage.
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In my down time, I read, write, watch movies, binge on politics, jog, bike, spend time with friends, and explore D.C.'s many excellent restaurants and bars. Let me know if you have recommendations! I'm also a big sports fan, particularly football. (Go Bills!)
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Note: In compliance with the Hatch Act, my campaign is entirely separate and apart from my duties as a federal employee. I'm campaigning only after work hours, off of federal property, and without using government resources. If elected, that same separation will apply to my work as Commissioner. I am an independent candidate unaffiliated with any political party.
