Meet the ANC 3F candidates: Dimitrios Vatakis, 3F02

The latest in our series of articles about candidates in the ANC 3F election is a bit different from the others. Voters in 3F02 will open their ballots to find no name printed in the ANC section — but they still have options.

At least one resident of the single-member district is stepping up to run as a write-in candidate for the office. Dimitrios Vitakis introduces himself below.

ANC 3F06 is also in need of a write-in candidate. If you’ve lived in that single-member district for at least six months and are a registered voter, you could throw your hat in the ring. And if you do, please let us know. We’ll publish your statement, too.

ANC 3F02

Dimitrios Vitakis is asking voters in 3F02 to consider writing his name on their ballots. Here is his statement:

I am running as a write-in candidate to serve as Commissioner for ANC single member district (SMD) 3F02, a residential district made up of four large apartment complexes and single family homes. The district is also home to the Forest Hills Playground and Park.

I moved to DC in 2016 and joined the NIH as a Health Scientist Administrator, where I am still currently employed, and our first neighborhood was nearby Cleveland Park. Four years later we moved to Capitol Hill East but as of last March we returned to the area and moved to the Albemarle on the corner of Connecticut and Albemarle.

When I moved to DC, I knew it was a very special place. Not only because of its rich history and culture, but also because of its unique status. “Taxation Without Representation” is not just a slogan but an expression of our daily reality: Washingtonians have to work harder to get and preserve their rights, even the most fundamental one like how our DC taxes are spent. So, once I got settled, I looked for opportunities to give back and support my DC community. I joined the District of Columbia Medical Reserve Corps (DC MRC), which supports DC Health in its lead role for public health and medical emergency preparedness, response and recovery. I also became a member of DC’s Snow Team, where volunteers provide snow shoveling services to homeowners who are seniors and/or living with a disability. Finally, I am a youth mentor with Kid Power Inc.

I got my first exposure to the workings of DC government when I joined the ANC6B’s Public Parks And Recreation Spaces Task Force representing ANC6B07. In addition to addressing the community’s concerns and needs about our public spaces, we advocated for our community on the upcoming rebuilding of the Rumsey Aquatic Center at Eastern Market.

While I was always aware of DC’s jurisdictional maze, I experienced it front and center as a member of this task force. Our ANC, like many others in DC, have numerous triangle parks and parklets. To an outsider, maintenance of these public spaces should be straightforward. Not in the District. When a tree fell or we had snow, our community did not know who cleared the tree or the sidewalks. Is it NPS or DPR? Also safety was an issue; do we call Capitol Police, Park Police or Metro PD?

To address this, the task force began listing the various parks and identifying who they belong to, so our constituents know who to contact. This is why I decided to run. I want to represent the residents of 3F02, addressing their needs and concerns while navigating through the complexities of our local government. I want to work with my fellow Commissioners in promoting safe streets, improving traffic safety, and bringing vibrant small businesses to our corridor. Moreover, I will promote the implementation of traffic calming measures along Connecticut to enhance both safety and our residents’ walking experience. I want to ensure that our parks and trails are well maintained and accessible to all.

On the personal side of things, I enjoy trail runs at Rock Creek Park with my amazing wife Rachel, dabble with various crafts and enjoy photography. I love the Saturday farmer’s market at UDC, a walk to Politics and Prose and quiet time at Soapstone Valley. As Commissioner, my goal is to represent my SMD the best I can, keep our residents informed on DC government affairs, community events and work in making our community even better.

I welcome your ideas and suggestions, so please email me at dimitrios4anc3f02@gmail.com.

The 2026 ANC 3F candidates

3F01 – Manolis Priniotakis
3F02 – No candidate on the ballot, Dimitrios Vatakis is a write-in candidate.
3F03 – Mitchell Baer
3F04 – Tosha Skolnik
3F05 – Spenser H. Dettwyler, Adrian Jesus Iglesias
3F06 – No candidate on the ballot