ANC COMMISSIONER SPOTLIGHT: William Ellis 8C01
Those of you have kept up to date on the missives of our humble little blog know the excitement that was felt when CHOTR learned that there would be not one but two challengers (Dion Jordan and Elvera Patrick) in the November election for ANC 8C commissioner seats.
With all due respect to the hard working incumbents who sought reelection it was wonderful seeing residents willing to make such a personal commitment in the success of their community. Community interest is the prelude to community participation and community participation is the key to community success. Perhaps it was a byproduct of the presidential election or just the overall feeling of hope felt by citizens in wanting to see their communities succeed.
On Nov. 4th 2008 voters in single member district 8C01 went to the polls and unanimously elected write-in candidate William Ellis as their 8C01 Commissioner (Commissioner Farrell of 8C01 did not run in the 2008 election).
CHOTR was able to review an interview given by Commissioner Ellis to a reporter from Catholic University. Reposting the interview below.
Congress Heights On The Rise is excited for what is yet to come with Commissioner Ellis and the entire ANC 8C board!
Commissioner Ellis Contact Info: 202.872.2644 or 8c01@anc.dc.gov
CU Interview:
William Ellis is a newly elected ANC Commissioner for Ward 8. He is ANC Commissioner 8C-01; his community includes Barry Farms Housing Association, Poplar Point, Martin Luther King Jr. Ave and Anacostia Metro Station, as well as parts of Howard Road, Bowen Road, and Sheridan Ave. He was elected ANC Commissioner on that Historic November 4th 2008 and will be sworn into office January 2nd 2009.
How did you become involved in community activism? I have always believed that if you want something to happen, you have to put your best foot forward and make a positive effort in the change you want to see. At Catholic University where I studied Engineering, helped me focus more on my commitment to my community. At Catholic and being born in D.C. I felt it was my obligation to be a role model for my younger peers. Whether it be tutoring at SAT Programs, work study jobs at DC Reeds, or just talking to them about what obstacles they are going to face in the future. My community involvement Catholic and The National Society of Black Engineers definitely lead me into a role of giving back to the community that played an important role of helping me get to where I’m at today. So after I graduated from Catholic in 02, I then purchased my first home, a Condo in SE in the community where I live at today. So think my involvement in my community just naturally carried over from my community involvement in college.
What were you community activities were you involved in before you became ANC Commissioner? I have been heavily involved with the National Society of Black Engineers since college. I’ve been on the Executive Board for National Society of Black Engineers Alumni Extension DC Chapter since 2005. I wanted to become more involved in my community and show my younger peers that you can have that same status and glamour as an Athlete or Artist by becoming an Engineer. So I’ve been Executive Board of my condo association since 2004 and serving as President for 3 years. Of course over that time I was very active in ANC, PSA and Civic Association meetings as well.
What do you plan to bring to table as ANC Commissioner? One key aspect I plan to bring is my technical skills, to help streamline some of the day to day actions as ANC. I have a Bachelor’s of Electrical Engineering, a Master’s of Science in Engineering Management, and a Master’s of Electrical Engineering all from Catholic University. My hope is that I can use my technical skills to find creative ways to get our message out to the people. There are so many programs and organizations across the District that can help so many people in so many ways, and the challenge is filtering that information down the masses. Another attribute that I think will help me as commissioner is my District heritage of being Born and Raised in DC. Currently I am a Senior Engineering in the System Planning Department of Pepco, my job deals a lot with the future plans of not only the electric system but future development of DC as a whole. I also speak in the community for Pepco Holdings, Inc. as apart of the Speakers Bureau on the subjects of Conserving Energy, the Future of Electricity and so forth. So I think my overall knowledge of DC as a whole will be an asset to me adjusting to my job as ANC Commissioner a little quicker than normal.
What are some of the first things you hope to accomplish as ANC Commissioner? There are so many things that you want to jump head first in, and try to help change in your community. But the first thing that comes to my mind is enthusiasm. I hope build on the enthusiasm that President Obama has sparked across the DC, and hopefully used that as a building block for each and every one of my 2,000 residents in my Single Member District. So hopefully with the power of change, we can indeed make a positive change in our community. Next is to get the information to the people. A lot of times resident can’t make it to every meeting, most work two jobs, have kids to take care of, and a host of other obligations. So it’s my job to make sure that they are still aware of what is going on in their neighborhood. Whether it's by Email or Newsletter and even door to door, it will be my priority that my resident knows what’s happening around them. Lastly I hope to make Ward 8 a little more inclusive but working with other ANC’s on projects, partnering with local and government agencies, and the mayor’s office. We are in this fight together, so have to start working together.
ANC Commissioner is no easy job, how do you expect to adjust to your new duties? With lots or praying and help from my family and friends. I don’t expect to change my community over night. I think it will take a whole of listening to my residents, finding out their concerns and frustrations, as well as learning each and every chance I get from other Commissioners especially my current Chair, Mary Cutbeth. I do have goals I would like to accomplished, realistic goals that I think are very attainable. With help from Council Member Barry, other ANC Commissioners, and my constituents I feel we will have a very successful year for Ward 8 and ANC 8C.
Lastly, do you have any role models? Over the years a couple quotes from Dr. King has always stuck with me. “Our life begins to end the day we become silent about the things that matter most.” That has always given me the courage and zeal to stand up for things I thought was just. Also Dr. King said, “Everyone can be great because everyone can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” For me that’s the greatness I’m trying to achieve in life. So I believe that any one who serves, whether it be their family, their community, their church, those who are under paid and many times not paid at all, those are my role models. Can’t forget mom and dad!!!
