Patrick Mara for Council

...BREAKING...

Post 'Enthusiastically' Endorses Patrick!

"Patrick Mara, who upset longtime incumbent Carol Schwartz in the Republican primary, is without question the best choice for the second seat.

"The opportunism that marks the "independent" campaigns [of Brown, Hunter, and Long], and the lack of focus in Ms. Schwartz's long-shot write-in effort, stand in contrast to the clarity of Mr. Mara's message. His priorities are school reform, fiscal responsibility, transparency in government and better regional cooperation. A socially progressive Republican, Mr. Mara favors same-sex marriage and supports a woman's right to choose whether to have an abortion. He has run a smart, disciplined campaign that speaks to the kind of energy and forward thinking he would bring to the council. He has our enthusiastic endorsement."

--Washington Post editorial, October 23, 2008. Read it here.

Patrick's campaign for reform

Aggressive reform to the District of Columbia school system.
New measures to protect our environment.
Restore fiscal responsibility to the D.C. government.
New ideas to increase transparency and hold public officials accountable.

It's a common sense message of change -- and it's what's propelling Patrick's momentous campaign for an At-Large seat on the DC Council. As Patrick has knocked on thousands of doors, visited scores of community meetings, and talked to countless voters, he hears the same thing: It's time for a real reformer on the Council. It's time for a new voice, new ideas, and a renewed commitment to core issues like fiscal responsibility, school reform, and making government more transparent and accountable.

As The Washington Post endorsement of Patrick said, "Mr. Mara, a government relations manager who was a staff member for the late U.S. Sen. John H. Chafee (R.I.), is an engaging candidate who says he would make school reform his priority. Mr. Mara understands the importance of regional cooperation and would bring a much-needed business sensibility to the Council."

Get to Know Patrick

Patrick Mara is a Columbia Heights homeowner, a ten year resident of the District, and Manager of Government Relations for ML Strategies where he works on renewable and clean energy issues.

Patrick has a history of activism and service to our community:
* Former staffer to the late U.S. Senator John Chafee (RI)
* Former consultant on renewable energy to the Department of Energy
* Mentored three young men from DC public schools in the Hoop Dreams Scholarship Fund
* Served as a board member of Hope for Kids, providing clothing, books, and toys for underprivileged DC youth
* Former Eagle Scout