Last week’s presidential primary marked the real beginning of this year’s County Board race. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to greet voters at the polls, reminding them to vote again on June 14th and sharing our campaign message. I look forward to your support throughout the spring as we share our message with Arlington. To celebrate where we have come and where we are headed, I hope you will join me, and hosts Tony Brooks, Mary King, Kay Langenbeck, Mitch Opalski, Pam Pryor, Sharon Stokes, and Alemash Tewolde for An Afternoon on the Pike This Sunday, March 13th 2:00 – 4:00 … [Read more...]
Widening I-66
You may have heard the announcement this morning that VDOT is planning to move ahead with adding tolls on I-66 and is also pushing ahead with widening the highway inside the Beltway, which is a change from the Governor’s original proposal last year. Like many of you, I am concerned about the impact that this widening will have on Arlington’s environment and on our roads. … [Read more...]
You’re Invited: Jan 30 Campaign Kickoff
You are cordially invited to the CAMPAIGN KICKOFF for Libby Garvey for Arlington County Board Saturday, January 30th From 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm At the home of Mrs. Barbara Monroe 5603 1st Street South Arlington, VA 22204 Appetizers and Refreshments Donations are Welcome but Not Required RSVP to info@libbygarvey.com Walk-ins welcome. Free to attend. Donations accepted. … [Read more...]
Libby Announces Reelection Campaign at Jan 6 ACDC Meeting
Below are Libby's full remarks from the Jan 6 Arlington Democrats monthly meeting. “Democrats believe that we're greater together than we are on our own—that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules.” Democrats don’t just hold the value of equality. We actively work to bring about a community, a nation, and a world, where everyone has the same chance for a good life. This is why I am a lifelong Democrat. This is why we work so hard, every year, to put good people with good values in office. And I know … [Read more...]
Libby’s Remarks to the County Board – Jan 1, 2016
Happy New Year! It sure does feel like a new year with two new Board members. What an exciting time to be in Arlington! Clearly, some things are going to be different this year, but a lot will stay the same. We will build on the work of the great Board members who have gone before us, like Mary Hynes and Walter Tejada. Now, Jay Fisette, John Vihstadt, and I will bring continuity to the Board, and two new members will help us see things differently. I’d like to officially welcome Christian Dorsey and Katie Cristol to the Board table. We’re all delighted you are here. … [Read more...]
November Update: Ballston Quarter, Budget Carryover, I-66 Toll and Syrian Refugees
Friends, November was busy with three days of meetings. Here's my roundup of items of interest. Ballston Quarter: The total transformation of Ballston Common Mall into Ballston Quarter was unanimously approved. There are more approvals to come, but I’m pleased this promising and crucial project for the economic health of the Ballston area is well under way. If you'd like to learn more about the project, check out Ballston Quarter's site. … [Read more...]
Housing, School Expansion and a Dentist Office
September was a long agenda with a number of interesting items. Affordable Housing After about 3 years of study and work by citizens and staff, the Board adopted the Affordable Housing Master Plan. We had delayed adoption from our July meeting to give everyone a little more time, and I think it paid off. The plan sets an overall percentage goal of 17.7% of the housing in Arlington to be affordable for people making 80% of the average median income or less. We included percentage goals for affordable housing by area of the County. We set out a number of issues needing future study, … [Read more...]
Save the Date
I hope everyone is doing ok with the winter weather we've been having. It will be good to see spring! Taxes: I hear more every year about how difficult it is for people to afford our ever increasing property taxes. At our meeting last Saturday we advertised the tax rate for next year with an increase of 1.5 cents. By law, we have to advertise the rate now. When it comes time to adopt in April, we cannot adopt a higher rate, but we can adopt a lower rate. Just as a matter of principle, as an elected official, I like to have maximum flexibility for as long as I can. One never knows what … [Read more...]
We Need a School, But We Got a Parking Lot
Our January organizational meeting had the usual speeches and the announcement of the Facilities Working Group that will take a long overdue holistic look at what property and facilities are owned by the County and what needs we will have over the next 20 years. I am hopeful this will help set the stage for a much needed County strategic planning process next year. You can watch all the speeches and the meeting (my remarks are short and are at the 54 min and 35 second mark.) Thomas Jefferson vote and school crowding: Our Regular January meeting was a huge disappointment to me. We … [Read more...]
Libby’s New Year’s 2015 Remarks
Watch Libby's remarks to the Arlington County Board during their 2015 Organizational Meeting on January 1st. … [Read more...]
