Write To The Mayor, Help Keep D.C. United
by spoonytunes on Nov 5, 2011 7:16 AM EDT
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On the Keep D.C. United page, there is the option to contact your local rep or the mayor. Although this takes somewhat more effort than just signing a petition, it is more effective. Local politicians hearing directly from people in the District will go a long way in getting them to back our cause. Though I do not live in D.C., I still wrote Mayor Vincent Gray a letter, which you can read below. All you have to do is drop him or your rep a quick line about why you feel it is important to keep D.C. United in the District.
Mr. Mayor,
Although I am a resident of Philadelphia, I am a frequent visitor to your great city. For the past three-and-a-half years, I have made many visits to Washington, each visit planned around a D.C. United game.
It was a D.C. United game that led to me visiting the Jefferson Memorial for the first time. It was a D.C. United game that made me a frequent visitor of the bars in the up-and-coming H Street NE neighborhood. It is because of D.C. United that I have a Metro card in my wallet. It is because of D.C. United that I would drive up to D.C., even when I lived in South Carolina. D.C. United is the reason I have spent more than half of my vacation time for the year in your city. D.C. United is responsible for me spending a day shopping in Georgetown before a game.
D.C. United has a tremendous loyal fan base that contributes so much to the community, whether by bolstering the local economy or through charitable efforts. D.C. United has a remarkable group of people working for their organization. In a lifetime as an Eagles and Flyers fan, I have met two athletes from my favorite teams. In three years as a D.C. United fan, I've met the entire team, the owner, and even got a personal Christmas card from the head coach.
If the District loses D.C. United, it loses more than just a soccer club. It loses a tradition. It loses that loyal fan base. It loses the charity. It loses one of the best ambassadors for the city. And it loses people like me, who may not live in the District, but travel long distances to root for the Black and Red.
We're not asking for public funds to build a stadium. We're asking for vocal, public support from you, sir. Stand with us, and help us Keep D.C. United.
Cheers,
Patrick
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Thanks for sharing, Patrick
I’m wondering if anyone has received a written response from the Mayor’s Office to any of the letters/emails that have been sent. Care to share?
Managing Editor for BlackAndRedUnited.com. Weekly Columnist for SB Nation D.C..
Negative.
I have emailed the Mayor’s office (both independently and through the contact website) and all of the At-Large Councilmen (and their chiefs of staff, communications directors, and constituent services directors) and have not received anything in response. The only responses I’ve gotten were the ones Mayor Gray posted on Twitter the other day.
I did get a response from the office that runs RFK, but it was a generic “Thank you for your interest in RFK stadium.”
IF YOU ARE NOT A CARTOON, STOVE GAS WILL KILL YOU
-Beavis and Butthead
Never wrote a public official
But I will this week. Thanks for posting your letter, I will definitely use it is as a barometer for my own. My gut instinct was to go on a 2 page, expletive-filled rant in all caps, but ultimately I think your more professional approach will be more effective.
Here's my email to Mayor Gray. DC residents: It's especially important that you write!
Mr. Mayor,
I am a longtime DC resident, soccer fan, registered Democrat, and a voter. I supported the Washington Diplomats back in the 80’s and since 1996 I have been a supporter of DC United. I am writing to ask you to help lead the effort to keep DC United in DC.
As I’m sure you know, the team has lost money every year of their existence simply because they do not control revenues from their own stadium. Of Major League Soccer’s 19 teams they are one of only two that does not have a stadium in place or under construction. As mayor of a major American city I would hope that you would understand that the sport of soccer is growing and that there is a reason that these facilities are being built around the country. The demand is only getting bigger. And as mayor of a world capital I would expect you to do your utmost to make sure that DC competes in the “world’s game”.
As a DC resident I do not pretend that a soccer stadium is the most important issue facing our city. It is not more important than good schools or safe streets but it IS an important example of economic development and long-term investment in our community.
I am NOT asking for the city to build a stadium for DC United. I do ask — or expect, in fact — that you will become a vocal supporter of DC United and get creative with ways to help keep this great club in Washington. To be frank, My. Mayor, it is the perception of many DC United fans that you just don’t care about this issue. I read about your recent tweet on this matter and saying that DC “is in a challenging fiscal environment now & a publicly funded stadium not possible” is not only obvious but it does not address what most reasonable fans are asking for. You simply reinforced the view that you don’t care at all. It seems like lip service.
Please help keep this valued institution in Washington, DC. Thank you.
Sincerely,
by KevDC on Nov 6, 2011 7:31 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Economic Impact
As a District resident and supporter who attends the home games – I have a view of the visitors supporting section – they spend money in the District which would be revenue not realized – the visiting team/supporters need a place to rest their heads, eat etc.
Interesting note, during the friendlies with Ajax and Everton this summer met people from all over the country one couple came from Europe for the game and to do a bit of sightseeing!
The youth will suffer most because of the amazing outreach DC United provides along with the supporters groups: La Barra Brava, Screaming Eagles, La Norte and the District Ultras.
All I can say to the Mayor, Michael Brown and Jack Evans is shame for sneaking off to Florida to look at the Buccaneers site!
At least the team I support is proud to call themselves “DC UNITED”
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