The race for the Advisory neighborhood commission seat in 8C03 has grown sour within a few short weeks as Larry Pretlow, amateur rapper and youth rights advocate, has attempted to unseat long-time incumbent Mary Cuthbert. The controversy between Pretlow and Cuthbert, neighbors, began when Pretlow released a barely audible video to news sources early in August, which allegedly captured Cuthbert calling her opponent a "dumb nigger". Cuthbert never denied the claim and was even captured escaping the eye of news media at a Ward 8 Candidates forum held a few days after the story was broken. The story never reflected extremely bad on Cuthbert and the story passed very quickly without threatening her run for reelection. However, it did sour many people's feelings about Pretlow both because of attacks on Cuthbert and their personal interactions with him.
Since the controversy began about a month ago, sites such as www.wehatepretlow.wordpress.com have popped up, citing Pretlow's debatable record, challenging his claims against Cuthbert and doubting his motives for running for the office. His name is a staple of gossip within the Ward. One resident says that when he asked Pretlow the purpose of the ANC, the response and answer was very vague and skimped in detail, giving hint that Pretlow might not know what his job would actually be. Others say that Pretlow was recruited to move to Ward 8 a few months ago by Cuthbert's enemies on the commission to oust her. Even the Mayoral race has made it into this controversy, as many cite that Pretlow has shown support throughout the race for Leo Alexander, while "playing politics" and campaigning for Chairman Vincent Gray.
Despite this, Pretlow is getting some show of support, even recruiting Liz Pecot as his campaign manager, a large supporter and volunteer for Mayoral Candidate Leo Alexander. Which, will make for a contentious and exciting ANC race East of the River on September 14th.
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