Meet the ANC 3/4G Commissioners!

Here in Chevy Chase, our Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) 3/4G is composed of seven volunteer commissioners, each representing approximately 2,000 residents in their Single Member District (SMD).

Many residents don't know who their commissioner is, or if they do, they might not know much about the other six ANC 3/4G volunteer commissioners. Since January 2023, I have enjoyed representing SMD-07 and I wanted to share a few thing I have learned and appreciated about my fellow ANC 3/4G commissioners this term. 

Representing SMD-02, Commissioner Bruce Sherman!

Bruce dedicates immense energy engaging his neighbors in ANC matters. In his first year in the role, he held multiple forums and listening sessions on issues of concerns to his SMD. Bruce brings a professional background in research and led the charge in tapping other expert volunteers right here in our ANC to assist with the Civic Core survey. In his second year, Bruce took on the role of ANC secretary and the many duties that come with it. Bruce has one of the most informative and detailed ANC newsletters around. I recommend it to anyone even if you are outside his SMD. As an added bonus to Bruce's service to the ANC, his wife regularly helps the commission in the dash after meetings to pack up and put away the heavy hybrid meeting equipment so we can leave the Community Center on time - it is always much appreciated!

Representing SMD-03, Commissioner Jim Nash!  

Our ANC heard residents ask the ANC to create a transportation committee. Jim not only listened, he worked hard to make it a reality and currently serves as co-chair of this new committee that is buzzing with activity. This includes an ice cream social at Broad Branch Market promoting the committee's transit survey, where Jim kindly paid out of pocket for the ice cream. Jim also stepped up right away to serve in the unglamorous but important job of ANC secretary in his first year. I always admire Jim's moral conscience and empathy that is infused in his perspective. 

Representing SMD-04, Commission Michael Zeldin!

Michael is a terrific neighborhood advocate on many issues, but particularly effective in looking out for Lafayette-Pointer Rec Center and Lafayette Elementary, both located in his SMD. Michael's extensive legal career and knowledge is a great asset for our commission. Also helpful to the ANC are his skills honed as a podcast host - be sure to check out "That Said" with Michael Zeldin! Michael was first elected in 2020, and he has a great understanding of how the DC government operates and how the ANC can best advocate for residents. Behind the scenes, Michael is constantly improving our resolutions with thoughtful edits and making them more impactful. 

Representing SMD-05, Commissioner Peter Lynch!

Peter Lynch brings a lot to our ANC but one thing I particularly appreciate is that he is a dedicated teacher and brings perspective and passion on education. Peter Lynch is also a consistent voice for DC Statehood and connecting that larger issue with the hyper-local issues the ANC routinely encounters. If you've ever appreciated the Community Center sign or the ANC Twitter account telling you when the next ANC meeting is - you have Peter Lynch to thank! One of my favorite ANC outings this past year was a community litter pick up event along Connecticut Avenue that Peter organized and brought neighbors together for a good cause.

Representing SMD-06, Commissioner Peter Gosselin!

Peter Gosselin serves as Vice Chair and has been commissioner for the SMD that borders mine since 2022. I have found him to be a great collaborator on issues that impact both of our SMDs. Peter Gosselin worked doggedly through the ANC to get the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) to fix the intersection at Military Road and Chevy Chase Parkway. DDOT made improvements and crashes have dramatically decreased. Gosselin is quick to help neighbors with issues big and small and works hard helping the businesses within his SMD. As Vice Chair, he does work that is often invisible to the community and thankless - posting meeting notices, booking the community center for meetings, etc. - but is crucial to the functioning of the ANC.

Peter Gosselin also does the heavy lifting, literally, as he took the lead in learning how to unpack, use, and store the expensive and bulky hybrid meeting equipment the Office of ANCs provided earlier this year. Many ANCs don't offer hybrid meetings and instead remain virtual-only, but ANC 3/4G has been able to go hybrid because of Peter Gosselin's help. I track our resolutions, and Peter Gosselin is the most prolific author of successful ANC resolutions this term. He works tirelessly to listen to residents, build consensus, find common ground, and advocate community interests to DC officials. 

Representing SMD-01, and leading the ANC as our Chair, Commissioner Lisa Gore!

Even though Lisa represents SMD-01, I saved her for last because of how hard she works for not only her neighbors as a commissioner, but for the entire ANC as our Chair. 

I serve as ANC Treasurer, and ANC Treasurers and ANC Chairs have a special relationship because those are the only two commissioners that are personally financially liable if things go awry! Lisa and I work closely to ensure the ANC funds are protected and spent properly. Also as Treasurer, I also get a behind the scenes insight into the immense workload Lisa, as Chair, takes on. Any former ANC commissioner can tell you the role can be time-consuming and challenging, but serving as ANC Chair is a whole other level.

Lisa brings decades of law enforcement experience to our ANC and has been proactive in making sure the ANC facilitates constant dialogue between residents and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and DC Office of Attorney General. This includes special ANC meetings, regular updates from MPD, and even hosting neighbors at her home so they talk directly with MPD officers. Lisa also was instrumental in starting and sustaining one of the ANC's most productive and successful committees, the Racial and Social Equity (RASE) Standing Committee. On top of these things she brings to the commission, I just find Lisa to be a generous, joyful, and hardworking person.  

I have the same feeling after every ANC meeting: gratitude that we have Lisa as our Chair. ANCs navigate issues that neighbors feel strongly about, often in opposing directions. In addition to the post-COVID technical challenge of transitioning from Zoom to hybrid meetings, Chevy Chase has seen more than our typical share of polarizing issues this term. Lisa does not try to avoid hard conversations - she is passionate about making sure everyone can be heard in a civil forum. I also appreciate Lisa's son who has volunteered his time to help our ANC meetings on numerous occasions!

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I know none of these commissioners do it for the glamor or because the work is easy, but because they care about the community. 

I hope this has helped residents learn something new about some of the six neighbors serving as their ANC commissioner.