Yesterday we reported on a new initiative launched by the D.C. Appleseed Center for Law and Justice through which residents can submit ideas on the city's most pressing problems and propose solutions. We're happy to see that the ideas have started rolling onto the organization's website. After the jump, there's a sampling of what has been offered thus far.

D.C.'s Digital Divide (Ward 3)

The digital divide in D.C. allows for those with access to technology to control the information and retain power over steering political discussion. I propose for free Internet kiosks to be placed around the city as well as the implementation of municipal wireless Internet access. By providing the conduits and hardware for more individuals to connect with information and the government, D.C. would have the potential to become a more democratic and open environment. My proposal would give a voice to each citizen and allow for more than the loudest voices to be heard, but all voices to be heard with minimal sacrifice on the part of individuals and the state. The implementation of this plan is extremely low cost, requires minimal maintenance, and offers an expansive array of benefits.

Car-Less Streets for Cyclists (Virginia)

Bicycle commuting is dangerous when riding next to motor traffic. Designating a few streets as bicycle only commuter routes would encourage many drivers to switch to bicycle commuting. This would reduce auto congestion overall, and provide cleaner air and less gasoline use. An added benefit would be healthier, slimmer people.

Traffic Fees (Virginia)

The District becomes gridlocked during morning and evening weekday rush hours. A fee of $10 per day to drive in downtown D.C. during these hours would reduce traffic volume by providing an incentive to take public transit, bike, or drive in at low volume times. A rear mirror hanger with the date would identify fee payers (a monthly card would get a discount). The people who live and work in the District would benefit by having less traffic and parking pressure at rush hour, there would be less air pollution and people would be encouraged to use bikes or walk, which will be a healthy alternative to driving.

Decriminalize Marijuana (Ward 6)

D.C. lives under the thumb of the feds. No voting rights in Congress or the Senate. We have to beg them for money to upkeep the things they destroy by being here without paying taxes. They try pass laws that few in the city approve of just to use the city as their experiment. The feds in return supply about 25% of the D.C. operating budget. If D.C. wants to be independent, it needs to be able to find another source for that 25%. As a lot of new residents come in to the city, new tax revenue will come which should make up for that shortfall...but...if the city government passed a law decriminalizing marijuana along with taxing it as done in Amsterdam, they might be able to bring in a significant portion of that expense. It would take a toll off of D.C.'s police and jails and probably attract more permanent residents to the city. A measure allowing medical marijuana was already passed a few years back, but a judge disallowed any use of funds directed towards. But it still means that the residents are for this and it could be done.

No More Single-Serving Alcoholic Beverages (Ward 2)

I realize this has been tried in some areas of the District, though the success of the attempt varied by whether one supported or opposed the idea. It was also only tried in one ward, rather than the whole District. The sale of single-serving containers seems to correlate with the number (and drunkenness) of the people who hang out in front of the District's numerous liquor stores. Not only is this drunken loitering a nuisance, it is also a public safety issue when some of these loiterers become belligerent to store patrons and passersby. While one argument against such a ban was that residents would cross into Maryland or Virginia to buy liquor. While I doubt many would travel that far for a beer, even if it were the case, the Council has shown with the smoking ban that the economic considerations of some kinds of District-wide bans are small enough to be outweighed by other, positive aspects. I should also clarify that I support banning the sale of all single serving containers -- one-shot bottles, wines, cheap "magnums," and more expensive kinds of beer and liquor.

Stop the Sale of Crack Pipes in Convenience Stores (Ward 3)

Few people realize that you can buy crack pipes right in the local convenience stores. Store clerks and owners sell them everyday without consequences. And continue to support people in their addiction in a city with an atrociously limited number of treatment options. Small glass vials with roses kept in them are always on stock for the next user to find an easy pipe. Many in the community are starting to recognize this problem but now is time for District government to get involved. District police should work with concerned citizens about what the laws are regarding this and should do public education with business owners around the use of the vials. If "evidence" is needed, they could track the association of these small pipes to actual drug use. D.C. Council and Chamber of Commerce can work together to ensure that business owners are really bringing business and not harm to their communities.

All of the ideas submitted thus far can be seen here.