I hope your Thanksgiving was happy and safe. I had a wonderful time with family, and am now looking forward to closing out 2016. With that in mind, please mark your calendars for three upcoming events: Inform: Arlington County Manager Mark Schwartz and School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Murphy are beginning the 2018 budget process with a public forum in which residents will share their priorities and ideas for the FY 2018 budget. The forum is tonight from 6-8 pm at Wakefield High School. I know this is short notice, but if you can't make it, you still can participate via a livestream on … [Read more...]
A busy month for your county government
What a month November has been. I hope that you are all looking forward to time with friends and family next week and to reflecting on everything for which we can be truly thankful. Last week’s presidential election did not go as we had hoped, and I share many justifiable concerns about the direction of federal policy and its impact on the most vulnerable in our society. My colleagues and I addressed these concerns and our commitments to all Arlington residents at our meeting less than 24 hours after the election. I invite you to watch our remarks and to reply to this note if you would like to … [Read more...]
Thank you!
While we are all disappointed and concerned about the outcome of yesterday's national elections, I am honored that I will have the privilege to serve you for four more years on the Arlington County Board. Thank you for your support. I am especially thankful to everyone who worked hard to make this victory happen. First, I must again thank everyone who contributed time, money, and spirit to my primary campaign in the spring. Without you, this general election would not have been possible. A big shout out goes to my manager, Scott Pedowitz, and to key volunteers like Brendan Adams and Fran … [Read more...]
Vote!
Thank you for all of your support throughout my reelection campaign this year. As Hillary Clinton has said, we are Stronger Together, and we have shown throughout our campaign how we can work together to be stronger and to realize our community's potential. Now, at the end of this campaign, I have one request of you: if you have not already, please vote tomorrow! Polls are open tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8th, from 6 am to 7 pm. You vote at your regular polling place. Please remember to bring an acceptable photo ID with you to the polls. We have an extraordinary Democratic ticket from … [Read more...]
Election Day Is Coming: Volunteer & Vote!
Election Day is less than two weeks away. There are two ways that you can help. Volunteer to Elect our Democratic Ticket Our Democratic ticket is racing full steam to victory on November 8th, and it's a team effort. If you can assist by canvassing, phone banking, or greeting voters at the polls, we can use your help throughout Arlington. Please reply to this note if you want to canvass, phone bank, or poll greet and I will connect you with the joint campaign. In-Person Absentee Voting Arlington has in-person absentee voting at three different locations every day (except Sunday) through … [Read more...]
Short-Term Rentals, The Budget, And A Note On Our Democracy
In one sentence of last night’s debate, we heard how much the future of American democracy is at stake in this election. Our nation depends on the peaceful transfer of power. This fall is the fifteenth time I have appeared on a ballot. I have sometimes won and sometimes lost, but every time I have accepted the people’s decision and prepared either to serve or to support the candidate who beat me. This is the essence of how our democracy has worked for 240 years after elections from the White House to the school house. Hillary Clinton is running in this tradition; Donald Trump is not. It could … [Read more...]
Voter Registration Deadline Is Monday; Golden Gala Is Saturday
The election campaign is into the home stretch, and we have a big weekend ahead of us. I want to share three deadlines and activities with you. First, and most important: This Monday is the deadline to register to vote in November’s election here in Virginia. I know that you all are engaged citizens and voters, but this deadline offers one last chance to double check that you are registered at your current address if you recently moved, and that any friends or family who’ve moved, or new 18-year olds you know, are registered. It is possible to register to vote / update your registration … [Read more...]
Affordable Housing, A Fire Station, A Pedestrian Bridge — And You Can Vote Now, Too!
The calendar says October, it finally feels like fall, and the Nats are in the playoffs! We have a busy next five weeks leading up to election day, but before we turn the page, I want to update you on what your County Board was busy doing in September. I have spoken often about our need to maintain a full economic ladder in Arlington, including housing for people of all income levels throughout the county. So, I am pleased that the Board approved a $10.9 million loan from our Affordable Housing Investment Fund to help the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (or APAH) purchase 68 … [Read more...]
Into The Home Stretch…The Voter Registration Deadline Is A Month Away
The weather has finally (maybe?) started to break from the summer heat and the fall campaign is in full swing. After starting off the month with my Democratic ticket-mates at our chili cook-off and participating in the Civic Federation candidates' forum, I am looking forward to a fun weekend of community activities throughout our county. We are also now just one month away from Virginia's voter registration deadline -- October 17th is the last day that we can register to vote in November's election. Do you have friends or family who aren't registered, just turned 18, are new to Virginia, or … [Read more...]
Labor Day Weekend … And Chili!
The approach of Labor Day gives us one last chance to enjoy this wonderful summer. I am looking forward to some time away this weekend, visiting my mother, and I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend. Labor Day also marks the unofficial start of the fall campaign, and the annual Arlington Democrats’ chili cook-off. I’ll be bringing my chili, and there will be many more from candidates, officials, and activists across the county. The cook-off will be Monday from 4-7 pm at the Lyon Village Community House, 1920 N Highland Street, corner Lee Highway. Admission is $40, and … [Read more...]
