Q&A with Ward 8 candidate Yaida Ford

Part of our Ward 8 voters guide

What made you decide to run for this position? (response provided in an email)

“I believe that Ward 8 has the greatest potential of any ward in our city. It is the last frontier for economic development. Our residents deserve the opportunity to be a part of the city’s prosperity. … I have represented low-income and underrepresented Ward 8 residents and community associations for 15 years. I have filed and defended more than 340 cases in DC Superior Court alone and hundreds of other cases in federal courts across the country in cases where racial, gender and economic injustice was at the center. Even though I win 90% of my cases, some of the change that needs to happen for more of our residents to experience justice is at the legislative level.“

What differentiates you from others in the race? (response provided in an email)

“I am the only candidate who has any relevant legal and policy experience prior to running for this seat, and I am the only one who is not beholden to special interests or third parties who seek to assert undue influence over the Ward 8 council member. … As a lawyer I work with other advocacy organizations to advance the cause of justice for Black students, parents, teachers and homeowners in wards 7 and 8. Moreover, I have lived in Ward 8 longer than the non-incumbent candidates. I know how to make grounded decisions that make sense for our residents. Most importantly, I know how to meet challenges, form broad-based coalitions, and get results that benefit the whole and not the few.”

What do you hope to accomplish in this position if elected? (response provided in an email)

“If elected, my goal is to implement an equity platform that will provide Ward 8 residents with increased opportunities and supportive resources that will level the playing field for our residents. As the Ward 8 City Council member, I will champion:

• Equitable educational supports for our students and teachers
• A full-service hospital in the Ward
• Expansion of small businesses and increased financial support and business development training
• Two new medium to large-sized full service grocery stores
• Innovative and affordable housing so that residents can stay in place
• Better transportation and housing options for our seniors
• Responsible and accountable economic development that meets the needs of current residents and promotes opportunities for growth”

What are the top three issues you would focus on if elected? (response provided in an email)

1. Education: “I believe that every child should have the same access to a high-quality education regardless as to where they live, the color of their skin, who their parents are, or how much money their parents make. I will advocate for equitable funding for education and infrastructure; for creating safe, nurturing and supportive school environments which ensure that our children have meals available in and out of school so they are not hungry; and fully supporting our educators with pay and tools they need in the classroom for success and creating a thriving learning environment.”
2. Health: “Our community needs more resources and development in the area of healthcare. … We must increase health investments/development in Ward 8 to lower the rates of diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other ailments that have a huge impact in our community. This is directly linked to the lack of affordable healthy food and the lack of grocery store options for our residents. I will advocate and push for legislation that will create a full service hospital in Ward 8, create two new medium to large full service quality grocery stores that provide wholesome and fresh food options, increase health events and services, and create new workout facilities and free community health classes. We have to invest in the Ward if we want to address the health disparities that continue to plague our community.” 
3. Economic and workforce development: “One of the main issues in Ward 8 is creating sustainable development so residents who currently live here can benefit. I will focus on creating policies and advocating for an increase in the number of small businesses in Ward 8 and incentivizing large companies to move to Ward 8 so long as there are firm commitments to hire Ward 8 residents and offer a living family wage. I will also work to increase job training and education, and apprenticeship programs which provide pathways to the middle class.”