Leon Andrews

Leon Andrews
Born Leon T. Andrews, Jr.
(born 1975/1976 (age 41–42))[1]
Nationality  United States
Education BA, MA, Phd (expected)
Alma mater Howard University, Carnegie Mellon University
Occupation Professor, urban specialist
Political party Democratic
Board member of NRPA; Healthy Kids, Health Schools;
Spouse(s) Dr. Kristine M. Andrews [2]
Children 3[2]
Website www.andrews4dc.com

Leon T. Andrews Jr. is an American urban planning specialist and civic leader. He is currently a director at the National League of Cities. He has been a candidate to represent Ward 4 on the D.C. Council[3]

Early life and education

Andrews is a native Washingtonian who has lived in Ward 4 since at least 2009.[4] He received a bachelor's degree from Howard University in political science, and attended Carnegie Mellon University where he earned a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management . He is currently enrolled in the Ph.D. program at University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.[2][4]

Career

At the National League of Cities he worked as a fellow at the Institute for Youth, Education, and Families. In that role he headed the City Leadership to Promote Black Male Achievement Technical Assistance Initiative which provides technical assistance to cities launching achievement programs for black males.[5] He believes the success of these empowerment programs is tied to its ability to engage a diverse group of stakeholders.[5] He also led IYEF's youth development work with mayors and other leaders around the country[6]

Earlier, he worked as a legislative assistant to Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski [5][6] and as a case analyst for the United States Department of Justice.[2][5] He has consulted for IBM.[5]

He has taught as an adjunct professor in the Department of Political Science at Eastern Michigan University.[2]

Andrews serves on the boards of the National Recreation and Park Association, the Youth Planners Network, and Healthy Kids Healthy Schools. He is a member of the National Review Group of the Safe Routes to School initiative.[7]

Campaign

2016

Andrews is a candidate for the Ward 4 seat in the June 15, 2016 election, opposing candidate Brandon Todd. In April 2016 it was announced that seven of the opponents in the 2015 special election were united in their support for Andrews.[8] He was endorsed by the advocacy group DC4Democracy.[9]

Positions

Andrews opposed the merger between DC utilities Pepco and Exelon.[10] He appeared alongside Councilmembers Elissa Silverman, Mary Cheh and Charles Allen at a March 2016 rally.[10]

2015

In his unsuccessful campaign during to replace Muriel Bowser in the 2015 special election, Andrews raised $144,225 and was the second-best funded opponent to Brandon Todd, who previously served as Bowser's communication director and spent his entire career in her employ.[11][12]

When asked references by a community group, he was the only candidate who could provide a name of someone outside of D.C., offering the mayors of Philadelphia, New Orleans, Little Rock, and Jackson.[12]

Positions

As part of his platform, he aimed to reopen a Ward 4 middle school faster than Mayor Bowser’s budget proposes and on spurring business development. To fight growing crime, he proposed improving streetscape lighting and lines of sight.[12]

Personal life

He is married to Dr. Kristine M. Andrews and has three daughters – Jessica Austin, Julia Iris, and Joanna Jonas.[2] He resides in the Brightwood neighborhood.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Sommer, Will (May 5, 2016). "Leon Andrews Is Spending Tens of Thousands of His Own Dollars To Oust Brandon Todd in Ward 4". Washington City Paper. Washington DC. Retrieved May 5, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Leadership Bios - Leon T. Andrews, Jr.". nrpa.org. NRPA. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  3. ↑ DeBonis, Mike (February 3, 2015). "Bowser-backed candidates hold big fundraising leads in D.C. Council races". Washington Post. Washington DC. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 Martin-Ewing, Samara (April 28, 2015). "DC Voter's Guide: Special Election for Ward 4 & Ward 8 Council". WUSA9. Washington DC. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Leon Andrews:Helping Cities to Help Black Boys and Men". Blackmaleachievement.org. Campaign for Black Male Achievement. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  6. 1 2 "NCDC". ncdcacademy.org. NDC ACADEMY 2015. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  7. ↑ "Leon T Andrews, Jr.". changelabsolutions.org/. Changelab. Retrieved 21 April 2016.
  8. ↑ Sommer, Will (April 13, 2015). "Former Ward 4 Candidates Unite Around Todd Challenger". Washington City Paper. Washington DC. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  9. ↑ Sommer, Will (April 18, 2016). "Lefty Group Endorses Green Team Foes". Washington City Paper. Washington DC. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  10. 1 2 Sadon, Rachel (April 2, 2016). "'Go Away Exelon': Activists Cheer Latest Twist In Proposed Pepco Merger". DCist. Washington DC. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  11. ↑ Sommer, Will (April 23, 2015). "Mr. Todd’s Wild Ride: Muriel Bowser’s Candidate Coasts in Ward 4". Washington City Paper. Washington DC. Retrieved April 2, 2016.
  12. 1 2 3 "Ward 4 DC Council candidates respond to KSDA Questionnaire". Kennedy Street News. Apr 25, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2016.
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