July 8, 2017
I’m an Independent candidate in the race for an open seat on County Board in November, and I seek your endorsement.
Although my Democratic opponent Erik Gutshall claims to be a progressive, he was nominated in a “firehouse” caucus, imposed by party insiders that required all voters to sign a pledge that they
“do not intend to support, endorse or assist any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee in the ensuing election.”
It’s bad enough that the “Caucus” was meant to stack the deck in favor of Gutshall, the insiders’ favorite. What’s even worse is that the pledge itself infringes on your right to vote your conscience when you go to the polls in November. How arrogant! Any candidate who benefits from this undemocratic process is progressive in name only.
Politics aside, Arlington County is facing major challenges, including:
- a 20 percent office vacancy rate;
- an estimated 3,000 students in trailers;
- major future Metro shortfalls; and
- the likely disproportionate impact on Arlington businesses and residents of anticipated federal budget cuts this fall.
Meanwhile Erik’s record as a longstanding member of the Planning Commission and its current Chair, indicates that he is content with business as usual.
In fact a survey of recent Planning Commission decisions shows Gutshall endorsed every site plan development project submitted since the beginning of 2016–expressing little concern about the impacts on transportation, schools, parks and other public services.
If you are complacent about the future of Arlington County and content with someone who goes along to get along, then Gutshall is your man. If you feel as I do, that Arlington’s uncertain economic environment requires a more proactive form of leadership–INDEPENDENT LEADERSHIP–then I am your candidate.
If elected, I also pledge to:
- Seek ongoing tax relief for residents and businesses and stop the exodus of federal agencies from Arlington.
- Preserve green space and emphasize basic services like: streets, schools, libraries and public safety.
- Promote transparency by requiring publication of official documents at least 72 hours before board and commission meetings.
- Provide a voice on County Board for all taxpayers.
As a 13-year Westover resident and long-time civic activist–with a Ph.D. in political science and service as a Congressional Fellow–I have both the experience and independence to promote these reforms.
Arlington currently has one Independent on County Board, who is well respected among County residents. Let’s make it two!!!
To find out more about my campaign, visit my website. Better still you can make a difference by endorsing my candidacy.
Together we can make the “Arlington Way” more than an empty phrase.