Arlington politicians are preparing for Tuesday night’s annual Civic Federation debate, and whatever their party, they have the same complaint: not enough time.
The number of local races on the ballot in November limit each candidate to two minutes of opening remarks and one minute of closing remarks. In between, they will answer federation delegates’ questions.
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Development and affordable housing are expected to be brought up. Green county board candidate Josh Ruebner has suggested declaring a one-year moratorium on large residential zoning applications, similar to those approved in Prince William and Loudoun counties.
“When you’re on a fast moving train, it’s hard to think and that’s what the county has been on for years,” Ruebner said.
The proposal hasn’t gotten much traction with his opponents.
“It doesn’t make a lot of economic sense to me,” said Mary Hynes, a Democrat who served on the school board.
Hynes will stress that she seeks creative answers to questions about what Arlington should be in the future, she said.
Republican Mike McMenamin said he will raise his theme that the county’s capital projects and infrastructure need better management.
“When you make promises to the community that doesn’t come through for nine or 17 years, costs escalate,” McMenamin said.
Republican Joe Warren’s top concern is transit and traffic. Warren, a three-year member of the county’s Transit Advisory Committee, argues there are serious flaws in the county’s master transportation plan.
Costs haven’t been reported to residents, Warren said. He worries that the proposed Columbia Pike trolley will slow service and gentrify one of the few lower rent areas.
Board Vice Chairman Walter Tejada, who’s running for re-election, says the street car is an exciting opportunity to revitalize Columbia Pike. But he’s also concerned about keeping affordable housing in Arlington. He suggests encouraging cooperatives, where residents can purchase their homes from their landlords.
