Friday, April 6, 2012

School System, County Insiders Tolerate 'Hundreds' of Non-Resident Students Attending Arlington Schools

Hey, Yupette,

So a few Civic Federation Delegates are finally concerned about the 500+ students who aren't legally Arlington residents attending Arlington schools? About time. Another scheme that's been allowed to continue far too long, at a cost to taxpayers of $18,400 per student per year.

Since when is it OK for parents who move out of the County to keep their kids in Arlington's schools until they graduate? Since Libby Garvey, Mary Hynes, and other Machine Democrats were first elected to the School Board, 15 years ago. Lately it's gotten worse. Nice that a few people are finally complaining. Only reason that's happening is because of school overcrowding.

Who to blame? The insiders who control Arlington County and have given the schools an extra $5 million to $10 million a year to perpetuate this 'gimme' to their friends, including County employees, who move out of the County.

I agree that BOTH the school system and county government badly need an Inspector General. And I am NOT going to vote for any incumbent for any elected office.

Jeff, 22205

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Enough CivFed R-and-E Charades - Time for a Tax Cut !

Hello Yupette,

Arlington Civic Federation is meeting tonight and its Revenues and Expenditures Committee will most likely go through the same charade budget 'analysis' as last year - recommending the County Manager's FY 13 budget with a 1/2 cent tax increase.

Well, enough of these charades. I want an across-the-board tax cut this year. If the Pike trolley is scrapped the commercial real estate tax surcharge can be cut in half. If the County Board implements Audrey Clement's fiscally responsible management agenda homeowners can get a 2 cent tax cut this year instead of a 2 1/2 cent tax increase.

As for the Arlington County Taxpayer's Association (ACTA) and its president, Tim Wise, he should be calling for Mary Hynes to retire rather than praising her for finally revealing that she and the County Board have been on a tax-and-spend binge ever since she was first elected. By the way, where was Tim when the outrageous designer fence for the wastewater treatment plant came before the County Board?

Enough is enough. I'm not supporting anyone running for any political office who goes along with any tax increase for FY 13.

Peter - 22203

Sunday, April 1, 2012

County Board Reacts to Special Election - Expedites Street Paving

Hi, Yupette,

The County Manager has ordered expedited street repaving in response to Tuesday's special election results and especially to Audrey Clement making street repaving a major campaign issue. A paving crew was out yesterday repaving the badly broken and potholed stretch of Washington Boulevard just west of Wilson Boulevard.

The only thing entrenched Democrats react to is the possibility that a non-Democrat will be elected to the County Board. Thanks to Audrey Clement for pushing the County Board into expediting street repavement.

2100