Audrey Clement Wins CivFed County Board Debate

Hello,

Two AY contributors attended last night's Arlington Civic Federation Candidate Forum. They both took good notes and both stated that Independent Audrey Clement clearly won her debate with Born Again Democrat Libby Garvey.

Although Libby Garvey was glib and rattled off both accomplishments and future possibilities if she is re-elected, it's clear that those accomplishments and possibilities depended and will depend on John Vihstadt (who Libby was instrumental in electing) continuing to serve on County Board. In the year before Chris Zimmerman resigned and John Vihstadt was elected Libby said little during County Board meetings. And things like a 72 Hour Transparency Rule, which both Libby and Audrey say they want implemented, could be postponed indefinitely if Libby is reelected, in deference to the Democratic Old Guard. Much of Libby's agenda appears to be based on being able to finesse reforms past Old Guard Democrats over a number of years. And Libby has to be held partly responsible for significant problems with school and public infrastructure that have occurred over the past decade. After reviewing Libby's presentation we had to ask "What would she be saying if Chris Zimmerman were still on the County Board"?

Audrey Clement is committed to changing County Government for the better - and soon. Her message is succinct. Needs first. No more back room deals. Hands off scarce park land. Put renewable energy on all public buildings. Require a financial impact statement for all major site plans. Reduce taxes for residents and businesses. No more expensive vanity projects - build schools first.

So we have a clear choice for County Board, someone who will spend years finessing projects and programs through the County Board so as not to offend VIP Democrats, or someone who will help us obtain what we need when we need it from County Government.

Cindy

County Board Democrats to 'Repurpose' Residential Streets Into Parks to Benefit VIP Dems and Developers

Hi, Yupette,

Thanks for your blog. The Georgetown-Rosslyn Gondola wasn't the only "done deal" presented to the Transportation Commission on September 1st. The Commission also heard a presentation by County Staff about amemdments to the County's Master Transportation Plan (Streets Element) to go to the County Board on September 24th.

The amendmants would create two new types of streets - "Pedestrian and Bicycle Priority or Shared Streets" where motor vehicle operation would be severely restricted, and "Pedestrian Streets" where motor vehicles would be banned.

The proposed new street types would help alleviate the demand for open space by repurposing streets into parks, would allow developers to forego dedicating land for open space on redeveloped sites, using neighborhood streets instead, and would allow VIP Democrats like those who live in Jay Fisette's and Libby Garvey's neighborhoods to opt out of through traffic. There was no discussion about what would occur across an entire neighborhood, like Ashton Heights, if traffic were blocked, where residents would park their cars, and who would use the new parks. Arlington Democrats have been discussing whose upscale neighborhoods will get the "Pedestrian Streets" for several months.

So check the County Board's Consent Agenda for Septmber 24th in 10 days, when it's posted on-line.

John at 2100

Georgetown-Rosslyn Gondola - Another Mendelson-Mitten Production

Hey Yupette,

I wondered what's going on behind the scenes with the Georgetown-Rosslyn Gondola. Is it another 'done deal' or what? Whose idea was it and who's promoting the Gondola?

Insofar as I can determine from Web searches, speaking with County Staff, and reviewing the presentation made at the last Arlington Transportation Commission meeting, the idea for the Georgetown-Rosslyn Gondola came from DC City Council Chairman Phil Mendelson working with the Georgetown business community. In Arlington, the Gondola is being promoted by Deputy Arlington County Manager Carol Mitten and Arlington Economic Development Director Victor Hoskins. Victor Hoskins lives in Georgetown. Carol Mitten also lives in DC, with Phil Mendelson.

So how did Carol Mitten get to be Arlington's Deputy County Manager, with DES (e.g., Planning Division) and Economic Development reporting to her? She was hired by Barbara Donnellan (another non-resident) shortly before Barbara retired as County Manager. You can do a search on 'Carol Mitten Phil Mendelson' and you will find that there was a huge conflict-of-interest scandal two years ago involving Carol facilitating the construction of a $300 million soccer stadium for DC United for Phil. Then Carol was hired by the Department of Homeland Security for a short time before being hired by Barbara. BTW, Carol was a long-time DC Government executive, with an expertise in real estate appraisal, who worked closely with Phil politically for many years.

So what occurred at the Arlington Transportation Commission meeting on September 1st? A Georgetown business development group made a short presentation together with its team of gondola consultants. No information about safety, costs, alternatives, anything. What the presenters did disclose was that they are obtaining approvals from 22 state, federal, and local agencies needed to start construction of the Gondola. And the Gondola would likely cost $40 million. They will return to the Transportation Commission late this month after the County Board meeting.

Fire-Aim-Ready Done Deal or what? Another expensive vanity project the County Board has pre-approved, or what? It will get worse. Stay tuned for the announcement of the $250 million Potomac Yards Convention Center sometime after Election Day.

2100-2