Meet the Candidates: James Tandaric for 3F05

This is the first installment of our 2022 “Meet the Candidates” series, introducing you to the people running for ANC 3F. As we noted in the series introduction, 3F05 is one of two competitive races. The candidates who will appear on the November 8th ballot for this single member district are Andrew Koval and James Tandaric, whose statement is below.

ANC 3F05 includes UDC and the Howard University School of Law, Burke School, several embassies, and Van Ness businesses on the west side of Connecticut Avenue. Residents live in single-family detached houses, duplexes, and high-rise apartments and condos.

Here is James Tandaric’s statement:

My name is James Tandaric and I am running to be the ANC 3F05 Commissioner. Originally from Chicago, I have lived in DC for the past 7 years. For the past 3 years, my boyfriend and I have called Van Ness home. I have spent most of my career as a DC teacher but I am now working at an Education nonprofit helping high school seniors find internships and teaching them career-based skills. In my free time, I play five instruments and am a member of the DC Different Drummer’s Jazz Band.

I joined the ANC in June 2020 because I wanted to help make positive, social change in the community after witnessing the George Floyd protests. I first joined the Housing & Neighborhoods Committee and learned about the many complex issues affecting Van Ness. I also met and worked alongside many passionate members of the community who want to make Van Ness a better place for all. Due to my extensive education experience, I was asked by the ANC to form the Schools & Universities Committee. Van Ness is intertwined with UDC and many other schools and I jumped at the opportunity to create a far more efficient dialogue between the schools, the neighborhood, and the ANC.

I served as the current ANC Commissioner in June 2021 when I ran and won the special election. During my time, I have voted in favor of resolutions for traffic calming, more buses on Connecticut Avenue, and increased accountability for the Soapstone Valley Project. I have continued to lead the Schools & Universities Committee and provided multiple opportunities for community engagement through gardening on Connecticut Avenue along with advocating for keeping the Ward 3 Food Pantry at UDC.

Due to the pandemic, many of us are under increased stress and need more than what our local government is providing. In my second term, I hope to continue advocating for care in the area by working with DHS and DBH on finding ways to help provide for all residents. I will continue leading the Schools & Universities Committee and work with UDC on finding local businesses to fill up our retail spaces along with continuing community engagement opportunities and increased communications for our schools.

Finally, I want to push for more student and affordable housing at UDC, Howard Law, and the Intelsat Building. I hope to get the vote on November 8 and I can be reached at james.tandaric@gmail.com. Thank you