PRESS RELEASE: Straight Ticket Voting Equals Taxation Without Representation

Posted

October 8, 2025

Written By

Audrey Clement

October 6, 2025.

I’m Audrey Clement, the Independent candidate for Arlington County Board on November 4.

You may be familiar with the $161 million construction project along Columbia Pike that has impacted both residents and businesses in adjacent neighborhoods for three years. The Pike has been torn up for so long, it resembles Boston’s “Big Dig” tunnel project that took fifteen years to complete and had a cost overrun of almost 100 percent.

NBC News 4 recently ran a news story on the Pike project, quoting Chris Devenney, general manager of the iconic Celtic House, who commented on the replacement of seating and parking in front his establishment with orange barricades, saying:

“I’ve had multiple conversations with Board members for help. Their basic line is ‘We can’t help you. We’re not going to help you. So move on.’ That’s essentially what they’re telling us.”

County spokesperson Claudia Pors advised that construction will be substantially complete by the end of the year. In the meantime businesses can apply for grants from Arlington Economic Development. How these grants can restore a clientele that has moved on is an open question.

Another question is how residents along the Pike feel about it. Based on 2024 election results, which gave 60 percent of the Pike vote to Democratic Party standard bearer J.D. Spain, Sr., the vast majority are okay with the mess along the Pike.

What these voters don’t seem to get is that their inconvenience is part and parcel of straight ticket voting. When the all-Democrat County Board is certain of victory every year, it doesn’t have to address neighborhood concerns. Why should it?

You can turn this retrograde situation around on Election Day, November 4. By electing an Independent like me to County Board, you will have affirmed the need for more responsive government. 

 If elected, I also pledge to:

  • Seek immediate tax relief for residents and businesses.
  • Stop Missing Middle up-zoning.
  • Lobby the federal government to restore the federal workforce.
  • Reduce the office vacancy rate by inducing federal agencies to relocate here.
  • Preserve Arlington’s natural and cultural heritage. Stop clearcutting and teardowns for more infill development.

If you share my agenda, then:

  • Spread the word about my candidacy.
  • Volunteer or donate to my campaign.
  • Help make the “Arlington Way” more than an empty phrase.