Washington Informer

Hurricane Sandy has come and gone and we are grateful that the damage the storm caused along the way was not worse. We offer our heartfelt concern for those who experienced any loss due to the hurricane and hope that your recovery will be speedy. However, while the storm was a distraction from the impending elections at hand, Election Day is still just five days away. If you did not take advantage of early voting, we encourage you to make your voice heard by getting out to the polls and voting on Tuesday, Nov.6.

For those who still have doubts about who to vote for, we are adding our recommendations to the cacophony of endorsements for the candidates we believe can best represent the interests and concerns of our readers.

We start with President Barack Obama. Not just because he is an African American and we are a newspaper that serves the African-America community, as some would expect, but because we believe he has demonstrated his desire and ability to turn the economy around for the benefit of all Americans. We know how much Americans have suffered over the past four years, and we also recognize that African Americans have been affected the most. We believe if President Obama is re-elected, the middle class he wants to help will include those who need help the most. But as President Obama has cautioned, he cannot do it alone. Each one who makes gains must reach out to others to help bring them along. If Governor Mitt Romney realizes the plight of all Americans, his views and actions proved otherwise and raises concerns that his views will not change if elected.

On the home front, we stand by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton [D] in her re-election bid for her 12th term in office. But we would remind the hard-fighting non-voting representative to prepare a succession plan to take over her seat although we will still need her to stay engaged in the fight for D.C. Statehood. Michael Brown [D] for U.S. Senator and Nate Bennett-Fleming [D] U.S. Representative also have our support.

Chairman Phil Mendelson [D] was in the right place at the right time and his citywide appeal makes him the right person to continue to lead the D.C. City Council, especially at a time like this. We support his election as Council Chair and anticipate that he will do what is necessary to bring respect and ethics to the position he and his colleagues hold.

We spent some time with Mary Brooks Beatty [R] and were impressed with her passion to serve the District after serving several years as an ANC Commissioner in Ward 6. She reminded us of former Council member Carol Schwartz, also a Republican, but Beatty has a ways to go to galvanize support for a seat on the D.C Council, her passion will not equate to votes. David Grosso [I] is also likeable, but seems estranged from the issues affecting residents in the District's poorest wards. Therefore, we remain supportive of the re-election of at-large members Vincent Orange [D] and Michael Brown [D] who have some personal issues that need to be addressed but they both have proven records of support for longtime District residents and the growth of local and small businesses that hold the key to addressing the District's high employment rates.

Jack Evans [D-Ward 1] and Muriel Bowser [D-Ward 4] are running unopposed and have our support. Our only hope is that they will not neglect their constituents while possibly seeking election as mayor in the upcoming 2014 election.

That leaves us with Wards 7 and 8.

This was Yvette Alexander's [D] race to lose in Ward 7 and while she will most likely hold onto her seat, former Peaceoholics co-founder Ronald Moten [R] has proven to be a formidable opponent. While we opt not to endorse a candidate in this race, we expect Moten would bring a relentless passion for opportunities for the District's youth, returning citizens, his newly adopted Republican Party, and the unemployed, while Alexander promises to work harder to bring more economic development to Ward 7. It's up to Ward 7 voters to weigh their priorities. Meanwhile, Marion Barry [D], will likely win the race against Jauhar Abraham [D] in Ward 8.

Among the school board candidates, our nod goes to Mary Lord [At-Large], Jack Jacobson [Ward 2], D. Kamila Anderson [Ward 4], Karen Williams [Ward 7] and Trayon White [Ward 8].

The list of candidates and issues on the Prince George's ballots are long but we urge voters to re-elect Ben Cardin [D] for U.S. Senate and Donna Edwards [D] for U.S. House of Representatives. We also support Questions 6 and 7.

Vote your choice on Nov. 6.

Ballou Senior High School students and community members celebrated “Make a Difference Day” at the 2nd Annual Hoops for Homeless Tournament at the Ballou Senior High School gymnasium in Southeast on Saturday, Oct. 27. In this photo, William Richardson scores two points in the first elimination round of basketball. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

The Hoops for Homeless basketball tournament and fundraiser raises awareness about teen outreach program services. The day’s activities provided students with the necessary support and opportunities to prepare for adulthood through the development of social-emo- tional and life skills, as well as through community service learning projects. In this photo, Joel Gibson goes up to score two points in the second elimination basketball game held on Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Ballou Senior High School gymnasium in Southeast.  /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Sasha Bruce Youthwork is a multi-service nonprofit agency that seeks to improve the lives of homeless and runaway youth in the region. The afternoon activities at Ballou Senior High School in Southeast raised funds for Sasha Bruce Youthwork. In this photo, Tamesha Clark displays her basketball skills in the women’s elimination game. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

Howard University midfielder Brian Monge and William Miller (3) battle for ball possession during the first half of the college soccer game on Saturday, Oct., 27 at Howard's Greene stadium in Northwest. Monge scored his first of two goals in the second minute of the game. During the 6-0 win Howard had 16 shots and three corner-kicks/Photo by John E. De Freitas

Howard University midfielder Mario Martin (9) goes one-on-one with Golden-Beacom goalkeeper Ignacio Farias in the first half of the Central Athletic Collegiate Conference soccer action on Saturday, Oct. 27 at Howard's Greene Stadium in Northwest. Martin scored two of five goals during the first half of the game. /Photo by John E. De Freitas

The Howard University men's soccer team notched a season high five goals in the first half of action to seize a 6-0 victory from Goldey-Beacom College on Saturday, Oct. 27, at Howard's Greene Stadium in Northwest. In this photo Golden-Beacom goalkeeper Ignacio Farias punches a corner-kick from the heads of Howard attackers during the first half. /Photo by John E. De Freitas 

Boxing at George Mason Patriot Center on Saturday, October 27 provided ten rounds of boxing entertainment. The evening's main event lived up to its billing as a beltway brawl as Northern Virginia's Jimmy Lange and Baltimore's Tony Jeter went toe-to-toe. Despite scoring a 1st Round KO and earning four points on deductions to Jeter for low blows and holding against the ropes, Lange was upset by the aggressive Jeter. Lange failed to box and stick to his jab, while Jeter executed his game plan. Jeter improved to 15-3-1, 10 KO's, while Lange lost for the first time in eight bouts, dropping to 38-5-2, 25 KO's. /Photo courtesy Wallace Barron