I’m Audrey Clement, the Independent candidate for Arlington County Board. As a 22-year Westover resident, long time civic activist, and past member of the Transportation Commission, I’m running for County Board because the County has pushed harmful policies resulting in: Escalating taxes; a major increase in petty crime; a high office vacancy rate; lack of affordable housing; a student achievement crisis; and loss of open space.
In 2023 the County rammed through a “Missing Middle”, an ordinance that up-zoned single family neighborhoods throughout the county despite massive opposition from homeowners and the County’s own data showing that moderate income residents cannot afford Missing Middle units. In 2024 ten Arlington homeowners challenged the rezoning in Arlington Circuit Court and won. The County’s reaction? According to anti-MIssing Middle advocacy group Neighbors for Neighborhoods, the County has sunk $1.5 million of taxpayer money into an outside law firm to defend EHO (“The Reality of EHO In Arlington County”, p.25).
I am also concerned about the massive federal layoffs impacting Northern Virginia, including Arlington. I commend Northern Virginia’s elected officials for their efforts on behalf of thousands of federal workers in the wake of DOGE’s unprecedented and illegal axing of their jobs. Much more needs to be done.
If elected, I pledge to:
- Stop taxing residents out of their homes to finance “affordable housing” projects.
- Save Northern Virginia’s economy. Rehire the federal workforce.
- Preserve Arlington neighborhoods. Oppose “Missing Middle” up-zoning.
- Preserve Arlington’s heritage. Stop clearcutting and teardowns for more infill development.
- Seek immediate tax relief for residents and busineses.
- Emphasize basic services.
- Reduce the office vacancy rate.
- Promote real democracy. End one party rule.
If you share my agenda, then:
- Spread the word about my candidacy.
- Donate to my campaign.
- Help make the “Arlington Way” more than an empty phrase.