This month’s Mike Mount creation is more of a graphic than a cartoon.
People in Arlington, like people in many communities, enjoy complaining about certain things. Now imagine a house in Arlington so perfectly configured that you basically have an endless supply of things to complain about. That’s what is depicted above.
See Mike’s local ‘toons in the ARLnow Press Club weekend edition newsletter.
Thanksgiving around the corner means that the most famous shopping period of them all is also almost here.
Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday will bring big deals and throngs of customers to malls, shops and websites in Arlington and across the U.S.
In anticipation of the post-Thanksgiving shopping binge, we’re wondering how many ARLnow readers are actually planning to partake.
Are you planning to shop at some point Friday through Monday? Are you holding off until later? Or are you one of those organized people who have already completed your gift shopping?
Let us know in the poll below.
This week marks the five-year anniversary of Amazon’s decision to locate its second headquarters in Arlington.
The initial plan had HQ2 split between Arlington and New York City, but a few months later NYC was out and Arlington was the sole destination for the tech and retail giant.
In the five years since, Amazon has completed the first phase of its planned office complex and hired about 8,000 Arlington-based employees out of the 25,000 it says will eventually work here. Disappointing fans of the proposed “Helix” tower, however, it has delayed construction on the second phase of HQ2.
Arlington, and the dozens of cities that competed for HQ2, had visions of emerging as another Silicon Valley with the addition of a large Amazon presence. While Amazon certainly has provided a boost to the local tech scene, it’s hard to argue that Arlington is anywhere close to rivaling the Bay Area.
HQ2 is now a gleaming presence in Arlington, and adjacent Metropolitan Park has gotten a big upgrade from its former days as a defacto dog bathroom, but Pentagon City lacks the throngs of security-badged employees that one might expect around a major tech headquarters.
Meanwhile, fears of skyrocketing housing prices have only partially come to fruition. After the HQ2 announcement Arlington real estate prices rose disproportionately compared to the rest of the region, the Washington Business Journal reported, but that has since reversed, calling into question the true impact.
Housing prices and tech employment may be objective ways to measure the local HQ2 impact, but today we’re running a poll that takes a different approach: vibes.
Given your local knowledge, how do you assess the Amazon-driven changes in Arlington? How much of an impact do you think HQ2 has actually had?
Virginia residents have been receiving state tax rebates over the past week or so.
The rebates for those who paid taxes in 2022 — $200 for individual filers, $400 for joint filers — were approved by the Virginia General Assembly in a compromise budget and signed into law by Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Putting aside the eyebrows raised by the checks going out during election week, we were wondering what our readers in Arlington are planning to do with their rebate.
Are you planning to go right out and spend it, invest it for the long term, or something in between?
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from David Henshaw, who is running for the 40th Virginia State Senate District as a Republican. His opponent, Democratic incumbent Barbara Favola, did not submit an essay.
My name is David Henshaw. I’m a Christian, husband, and father of two girls. I was privileged to serve our country as an Air Force pilot for over 24 years, and I remain passionate about fighting for our individual freedom and liberty. If elected to the State Senate, I promise to serve our community and ensure Arlington remains a great place to live.
My top priority is to protect the sanctity of the family by expanding the law to protect parent’s rights in our public schools. I believe parents know what is best for their children and should be at the head of the table. My opponent, Senator Favola, voted to allow students to hide gender dysphoria from their parents and against requiring parental review of sexually explicit material. Notification is required to go on a field trip or provide an aspirin — shouldn’t parents be notified about a major issue like dysphoria?
I also disagree with Senator Favola on whether male students should compete in female sports and use female locker rooms. While we should show compassion and protect transgender students from bullying and harassment, we need to do it in a way that is fair and safe. Males should not compete against girls — it’s not fair; and they should not use female locker rooms — it’s not safe.
Our schools were one of the last in the country to re-open after COVID, driving a tangible loss of learning that is reflected in the lowest 4th and 8th grade math and reading scores in over 20 years. I would provide parents a choice in their children’s education by offering Education Savings Accounts that enable them to use a portion of their tax money to invest in non-public options. I would also fund at least one school in each district with a year-round option, and expand the number of charter schools.
I support free-market policies while my opponent is for bigger government and higher taxes, despite inflation that is out of control and outpacing wage growth. Arlingtonians are tired of high gas prices and grocery bills that are up 27% since 2020. I would lower the corporate tax rate, lower the personal tax rates, and remove excessive regulation. I’d also tie the tax brackets to inflation — they haven’t changed since 1990 — and add brackets to ease the burden on the lower and middle class.
I’d also repeal both the Clean Car law and the Clean Economy Act. Both hurt the lower and middle class while providing miniscule benefit to the environment. Studies indicate that electric cars cost approximately $10,000 more than gas cars, and energy costs will increase $800/month for the average family under these laws.
Crime is up in Arlington every year since the 2020 “Defund the Police” campaign and legislation that my opponent supported. Several Arlingtonians tell me they no longer feel safe to walk alone in their neighborhoods. Crime was up 18% in the latest 2022 report, and the Arlington police chief indicated he’s short 100 law enforcement officers. We must recruit and hire more law enforcement heroes and fully fund our departments.
My goal was to present you with a clear distinction between my policy positions and those of my opponent. I hope you find my views commonsense and pragmatic, and respectfully request your vote on Nov 7th. Together we can make Virginia a beacon of success for the entire country and a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
Sincerely,
David Henshaw (R)
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Adam Ebbin, who is running for the 39th Virginia State Senate District as a Democrat.
Dear Neighbor,
I have represented portions of Arlington, Alexandria, and Fairfax in the Virginia Senate since 2011, and for eight years in the House of Delegates before that. With the coming unprecedented turnover in the General Assembly as a result of retirements and redistricting, I look forward to continuing my service as an experienced progressive leader for Northern Virginia.
Democrats have made important progress. We need to protect it. We made the largest investment in affordable housing in Virginia history, expanded Medicaid to cover more than 700,000 Virginians, gave raises to our educators and first responders, and we took historic action to reduce the damage of climate change. I passed bills that first decriminalized – then legalized – cannabis, banned guns in state buildings, and banned discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
But Governor Youngkin and his fellow Republicans are trying to drag us backwards. They want to repeal the RGGI tax on corporate polluters, repeal criminal justice reforms, gun safety laws, and LGBTQ+ protections, and limit reproductive freedom in Virginia. The Democratic Virginia Senate Majority has defended that progress: we’ve fought Republican efforts to reduce education spending, we’ve blocked Republican bills that would weaken the right to vote, and we have been the Blue Brick Wall protecting the last bastion of reproductive freedom in the Southeast.
That’s why you need to vote. Early voting ends on Saturday, November 4 th . Election Day is Tuesday, November 7 th .
With Governor Younkgin in office until January 2026, there are many things we Democrats can do to keep making progress – not just playing defense. We can protect reproductive freedom in Virginia’s Constitution, and finally repeal the ban on marriage equality that was added to the state constitution in 2006. The General Assembly can approve these constitutional amendments, and send them to the people for their approval without the interference of Governor Youngkin.
But doing that starts with electing a Democratic majority in 2023.
We have critical fights ahead to protect Virginia’s public education and health care systems, as well as our AAA bond rating. I stood strong with my colleagues on the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee this year against Youngkin’s reckless permanent tax cuts for the wealthiest corporations and individuals. Instead, we succeeded in forcing Republicans to invest more in public education and mental health – investments that would be unaffordable with Youngkin’s new permanent tax cuts.
Thank you for the honor of representing you in the State Senate. I’m asking that you again entrust me with your vote, so I can keep delivering results and protecting the progress we’ve made from extremists trying to take Virginia backwards.
I’ve worked hard to get results for our community’s progressive values, including protecting access to reproductive health care, safeguarding tenants from unlawful evictions, investing in our schools, banning guns from state buildings, and passing protections for LGBTQ+ Virginians. But there’s more work to do, and I’m up for the fight.
With your support, I’ll never stop fighting for you.
Adam P. Ebbin
Member, Senate of Virginia
Running to Represent the 39 th Senate District
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Sophia Moshasha, who is running for the 39th Virginia State Senate District as a Republican.
As a Virginia native, and having been a proud resident of District 39 for many years, I am deeply committed to the well-being of our community. My background in technology has given me a unique perspective on how to tackle our current economic challenges and pave the way for future success. I am dedicated to utilizing this experience to drive meaningful change and ensure that our district not only thrives but remains a model of inclusive and responsive governance.
With a firm belief in the power of collaboration, I aim to bridge the gap between our community and our government, ensuring that every voice is not only heard but also considered in the decision-making process. I strongly believe in utilizing technology to make civic engagement easier and more accessible for all residents. By embracing innovative tools and methods, I am determined to create a more transparent and inclusive political environment for our district where all opinions are welcomed. My endorsement by the bi-partisan Forward Party speaks to my commitment to collaboration, as well as my more moderate platform that would better represent all of District 39’s diverse constituents.
As someone who deeply values family and community, I am troubled by the lack of representation and comprehensive solutions that truly address our district’s needs. My opponent has been in office for almost two decades, yet there remains a disconnect between the priorities of the constituents and the decisions being made. It is time for a fresh perspective, one that not only advocates for change but also delivers tangible results for every member of our community. My platform includes respect for parents’ inclusion in matters regarding their children’s health, well-being and education, and a moderate view supporting women’s right to decide on pregnancy termination within reasonable timeframes, subject to certain exceptions relating. Unfortunately, my opponent doesn’t exhibit compassion or moderacy and supports abortion until the moment of birth.
Drawing from my experiences, I promise to prioritize three crucial areas: education, economy, and community safety. I am dedicated to amplifying our educational system by ensuring adequate resources for our schools and promoting programs that prepare our students for the demands of the future. Additionally, I will work tirelessly to create a business-friendly environment that attracts investments and opportunities to our district while empowering our workforce through robust development and employment initiatives. My platform includes keeping our business-friendly Right-to-Work laws in order to keep and attract jobs for Virginia residents.
My endorsement by the Motorist Coalition speaks to my commitment to make commuting more affordable in Northern Virginia by eliminating the car tax, lowering tolls and stopping predatory ticketing and towing.
Please take a moment to read my platform about my goals to help our community live the quality life they deserve! I thank everyone for their continued support and hope to have your vote for a representative who truly cares about the opinions and needs of all residents in District 39!
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Juan Carlos Fierro, who is running for the Arlington County Board as a Republican.
My name is Juan Carlos Fierro. I’m a husband, a father, a 26-year resident of Arlington, and a proud American. I am running for Arlington County Board because I care about our community, and I believe voters deserve a choice in this election.
I was born in Ecuador and raised by my grandparents before moving to Northern Virginia. I earned my undergraduate degree at George Mason University where I also played Division I basketball. For the last 25 years, I have worked as an entrepreneur and financial advisor — to help my clients achieve their American Dream. And in 2000, I proudly became an American citizen. I married my wife Inmaculada in 2005. We have three daughters — Carolina, Isabel Teresa, and Rebecca — and an adorable Shih Tzu named Olivia.
Through my church and community service projects I am deeply aware of the need to help Arlingtonians who are not blessed with stable homes, and resources to provide food for their families. The issues in this election are non-partisan issues that affect the community: Affordable housing, the rising crime rates, and the pending tax increases because of the failure to address the consequences of densification initiatives. These issues cut across party lines. Regardless of political affiliation, many are disenchanted and disappointed with the political status quo in our community given how the existing board does not truly value public engagement.
On ‘Missing Middle,’ our elected leaders ignored the will of a majority of Arlingtonians by ramrodding a densification initiative that jeopardizes Affordable Housing, and puts excess strain on our existing infrastructure, If elected, I will challenge staff policy proposals that call for more densification that does not adequately reflect the impact of proposed developments and causes land prices to increase with negative impacts on Hispanic and other minority communities.
On the issue of crime and community safety, our elected leaders don’t seem to care. I support common sense, data-driven policies to address the increase in violent crime and property crime across Arlington. I support fully investing in the Arlington County Police Department’s effort to recruit and retain qualified, professional staff, including incentives for incoming officers and retention incentives to keep veteran staff on the force.
Many of our crime problems stem from mental health issues in a post COVD environment. I will fight for the provision of mental health services as part of efforts to reduce the crime rates.
When it comes to the “Arlington Way” –a process our elected leaders claim to support but disregard when it’s politically convenient — I will fight to ensure everyone has a voice in local government. If elected, I will be a voice for the tens of thousands of you — irrespective of party affiliation — who are ignored and dismissed by our political leaders.
And on fiscal matters, I promise to roll up my sleeves and dig into the county budget, prioritizing necessary county services while questioning waste and unnecessary expenses. Unless something is done quickly, homeowners will be hit with a rate hike — costing Arlington families hundreds more dollars each year as recently admitted by retiring Board Chair Christian Dorsey.
Single-party rule benefits only a select few in our community. Tens of thousands of Democrats, independents, and Republicans are left out of the process and disregarded by the current members of the County Board.
Regardless of your party affiliation, my door will be open to you as we seek to make Arlington a better place. It would be an honor to channel my dedication to community service on the County Board, and I am personally asking you for your consideration and your vote.
Sincerely,
Juan Carlos Fierro
Read more at www.votefierro.com
I am seeking election to the Arlington County Board — and your vote — because I believe Arlington’s best days are ahead and we need elected leaders with experience and common sense to get us there.
From the divisive missing middle housing debate to urgent challenges facing our youth, we clearly have important work to do to bring our community back together. My priorities include:
I know many of you through professional and volunteer roles. Trained as an engineer, I am a seasoned executive and mom to two teenagers in Arlington Public Schools, known as:
Throughout this campaign, it has been a real privilege to talk with thousands of Arlingtonians about your hopes and concerns. I hear a nearly universal desire for a resilient Arlington that is connected, inclusive, and sustainable – both environmentally and financially. And, I hear deep concern that the accelerating global climate crisis, violence in the Middle East, and loneliness epidemic nationally raise the stakes for reconnecting our community, hearing each other, and building Arlington’s future together.
My experience and common-sense leadership will help move Arlington ahead into its best days. I look forward to what we can achieve together and ask for your vote on or before Tuesday, November 7th. Thank you.
To learn more, visit https://susanforarlington.com.
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Maureen Coffey, who is running for the Arlington County Board as a Democrat.
I’m running to be your next County Board member because I know that Arlington can do more to live by our values and take meaningful steps towards our goals.
Housing availability and affordability are at the front of many residents’ minds. We should continue to invest in housing, pathways to homeownership, and opportunities to age in place. Our community should prioritize addressing the climate crisis. We need to support our schools and our teachers. We need to balance fixing immediate problems while investing in long-term community goals. We need a plan that centers the needs of people in our community and protects and values our core identity.
As we look to our future, we must plan for and invest across all of our critical systems: housing, schools, transportation, parks, stormwater management, infrastructure, and services like child care and mental health. We must recognize where our areas of need overlap with each other, breaking down the silos in our planning process, and working to address the bigger picture while we make tangible progress in each area.
Planning for our future will require us to bring everyone to the table. Arlington can and should provide better transparency and more effective engagement. We need to develop overlapping layers of communication so we bring in voices that reflect Arlington. We should recognize that the people closest to the problem should be most involved in creating solutions. This also means that we need better engagement processes, where members of the community can not only provide input for county decisions but also know that input is heard and used.
My professional experience combines listening to people and using survey data with quantitative analysis and evidence-based practices. My policy work supports the real needs of families, focusing on economic opportunity with an emphasis on gender and racial equity, helping to build investments in child care, workforce development, and our social safety net. That expertise is why Governor Ralph Northam appointed me to Virginia’s Family and Children’s Trust to advise on policies that create stable families, support child well-being, and prevent and treat family violence. My experience has prepared me to address our biggest issues here in Arlington.
As a member of the County Board, I will focus on developing a plan that enables us to create the community we want, together, by bringing people to the table to share their perspectives and listen to others. As a renter and union member, I will bring an important perspective to the County Board that reflects the experiences of many in the community. I am asking for your support and your vote on or before November 7th.
To learn more about my specific policy priorities, endorsements, and more, please visit MaureenCoffey.com
This week, we invited the candidates running in competitive races in the Nov. 7 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Audrey Clement, who is running for the Arlington County Board as an independent.
I’m Audrey Clement, Independent candidate for Arlington County Board. As a 19-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:
I also oppose the so-called “Missing Middle” ordinance that the County rammed through earlier this year. Missing Middle up-zoned residential neighborhoods throughout the county, despite massive opposition from homeowners and those like me who believe it is nothing more than a sop to developers.
County Board is pushing for Missing Middle, while actively misleading voters about what it will do. They claim that Missing Middle will end de facto redlining even though in a February 1 letter to County Board, the local NAACP president reported that only 20% of Blacks in the county can afford a Missing Middle unit.
They also say that Missing Middle will provide a way for moderate income residents to get starter homes, even though most of the units will be rental and the prices prohibitive.
If Missing Middle is upzoning on steroids, plans for Clarendon Presbyterian Church at 1305 North Jackson Street is upzoning on crack. The congregation wants the County to rezone the .89 acre site on which its historic church is located from single family residential to high rise apartments. Even under Missing Middle zoning the site would be limited to 3 6-unit multiplexes or 18 units total.
If, however, the County approves the church’s application for a “spot” amendment to the General Land Use Plan (GLUP), the sky is the limit. The deal will also set a precedent whereby every other church property in the County — 85 in number — can be re-glupped for high rise development.
The Democratic Party candidates are waffling on this issue now. Once elected they will be forced to go along with the program. The only way to stop Missing Middle and re-glupping church property throughout the county is to end one party rule by voting for Independents Clement and Fierro for County Board on November 7.
If elected, I also pledge to:
If you share my agenda, then:
