More ANC Changes Coming: Jeff Jones Retires; Challenger for Bill Starrels

Another commissioner for the Georgetown-Burleith-Hillandale Advisory Neighborhood Commission has decided not to run for re-election. This time, it is Jeffrey Jones, who represents 2E03 in the center of Georgetown. Jones is supporting candidate Rick Murphy, who is running unopposed for his district position.

For another ANC single-member district, however, a challenger has emerged. In 2E05, which is mostly Georgetown, south of M Street to the Potomac River, another candidate — Lisa Palmer — will file by the Aug. 10 deadline to run on the ballot against veteran commissioner Bill Starrels.

Jones sent a message to the community, parts of which follow.

“I will not be seeking re-election for ANC2E commissioner. It has been an honor and privilege to represent 2E03 for the past six years, and I appreciate the support and cooperation of each and every one of you. I believe there have been measurable improvements in our community over the past six years … I gave it everything I could during this time, but I want to be clear, it is because of the collective efforts of each of you that our community has grown in such a healthy way.

“I would also like to announce the excellent news that Rick Murphy, a long time resident of Georgetown, has agreed to run for my current seat. This is a significant win for our community. Rick and his wife, Karen, have been homeowners in ANC2E03 for over 13 years. In recent years, Rick has been quietly working behind the scenes, participating in the Georgetown Community Partnership, DC Water issues, Historic and Zoning matters and the controversy surrounding the change in flight paths to and from Reagan National Airport. Rick currently serves as counsel to ANC2E. In that connection, Rick is kept informed of issues pending before our ANC. He will be ready to hit the ground running once he is sworn in as commissioner. Rick recently retired from a large law firm where he served as Managing Partner of the firm’s Washington office. . . .”

In the district represented by Starrels, Palmer said that she simply wants to get more involved with the community and feels that she can make a worthwhile contribution. She will hold a casual meet-and-greet at Dog Tag Bakery, Saturday, Aug. 6, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Commissioner Starrels said losing chairman Ron Lewis and commissioner Tom Birch as well as Jones will be tough for ANC2E, but he was grateful for all the work they have done to unite the community — residents, businesses and Georgetown University. “It’s a shame they’re all moving on at the same time,” Starrels said. “Hopefully, change will be good.”

As for his possible opponent, Starrels said, “I’d like to know more about her.”