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...]
Libby’s New Years 2014 Remarks
Below is the full text of Libby's remarks to the Arlington County Board on priorities and outlook for 2014. Also available on the Arlington County website. Watch Libby's remarks by clicking her and skipping to 1:06. Happy New Year to everyone! I would like to add my congratulations to Mr. Fisette and Mrs. Hynes for their new positions as our leadership team. They both bring many years of experience to guide us through 2014. Jay, I look forward to supporting your work meeting Arlington’s challenge this year. My thanks to Mr. Tejada for being our Chair last year. Being Chair … [Read more...]
Libby’s Streetcar Remarks – July 16, 2013
At the July 16, 2013 meeting of the Arlington County Board, Libby presented the following remarks. Watch them here or read on for the full text. … [Read more...]
Libby on the Streetcar
Many folks write wanting to know Libby's stance on Arlington's proposed streetcar line for Columbia Pike. You can read her take in this April 19th Washington Post Editorial: "Arlington streetcars fail the cost-benefit test" And be sure to check out Libby's interview with WJLA (ABc 7) News from May 10th. Full story and more video available here. Finally, be sure to head over to Arlingtonian's for Sensible Transit and sign up today. … [Read more...]
