No Endorsement for Democratic Caucus Candidates

Hello,

Arlington Yupette will not endorse a candidate for the Democratic Caucus scheduled for today and Saturday.

After attending three candidates debates and watching the AIM-Patch televised debate we have concluded that the Democratic candidates for County Board aren't part of the solution, they're part of the problem.

We ask that Melissa Bondi's possible violations of Virginia's election laws be investigated by the State Board of Elections. If she is to remain appointed to Arlington's advisory commissions and committees we ask that she make a full disclosure of her finances, residencies, and voting status - in Arlington and elsewhere.

We cannot endorse Libby Garvey, Peter Fallon, or Melissa Bondi. They have served on boards, commissions, and committees for over a decade. They don't take responsibility for the problems they helped create.

Kim Klingler and Terron Sims have also served on several major advisory commissions and committees. But this service hasn't translated into significant improvements in the overall quality of life for Arlingtonians, nor in significant improvements in fiscal accountability and public safety.

For these reasons we will not endorse a Democratic candidate for County Board in this week's Democratic Caucus.

A.Y.

Mark Kelly Will Be Lone Republican Running in March 27th Special Election

Hello Yupette,

News from the Arlington County Republican Committee is that Mark Kelly was the lone Republican candidate to file for County Board as of noon today. So it's likely the Republicans will cancel their caucus and Mark will be their candidate for County Board.

It's been expected that the Republicans would field a candidate this year and Mark would be that candidate. Thanks for your blog.

Jennifer

Bondi Hit With Big IRS Tax Lien

Hi Yupette,

I was researching some land records in Paulie Ferguson's office last week when an acquaintance who works for Paulie asked me if I was aware that Zimmy's heir-apparent - Melissa Bondi - was hit with a huge lien against her home ($19,252.23 to be exact) by the IRS last March 29th.

Very interesting. Didn't Paulie Ferguson endorse Melissa, along with Zimmy and Walter Tejada? What's THIS all about? Sheesh.

Ken

DOD Reductions Mandate An End To Extravagant County Board Spending

Hi Yupette,

The Defense Department is facing significant reductions in its budgets over the next decade, totaling $487 billion. The Army alone will be cut by 14%.

Time for a moratorium on any new spending by the County Board for new vanity projects - Pike trolley, purchase and renovation of a $25 million office building, spending $100-$200 million more on Long Bridge Park, continuing to operate the Artisphere, and so on.

Added to the DOD budget cuts are a freeze in pay for civilian federal workers and anemic creation of good paying non-federal jobs.

Only County Board candidate who I see as being responsive and responsible regarding the new economic reality is Audrey Clement. That's why I'm voting for her in March.

Linda - 22207

Odor of Burning Jet Fuel 'Overpowering' at Long Bridge Park

Hello, Yupette,

I visited Long Bridge Park on Christmas day and the odor of burning jet fuel (kerosene) was overpowering. Not hard to determine where the kerosene odor was coming from - Reagan Airport. After 15 minutes I felt sick and left the park.

Returned to Long Bridge Park today. Same overpowering odor of burning kerosene. Does the County expect kids to play soccer in that environment?

As for the park itself, appears the County spent most of the $35 million Long Bridge Park has so far cost building mountains of of dirt upon which to construct 3 soccer fields, an overlook, and a parking lot.

Terri, 22201

Cash Surpasses Gift Cards as Favorite Holiday Gift to Arlington Decision Makers

Hello, Yupette,

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays.

Consensus opinion around 2100 Clarendon Blvd. is that good old American cash (gently used $20 bills are the favorite denomination) has surpassed gift cards as the favorite Holiday gift to Arlington County's Corporate Crony 'Decision Makers' whether they be County Board members, County staff, Advisory Committee members, or members of the local Media.

Turns out that gift cards are too hard to use when they're traveling to visit Sister Cities, for their kids away from home in college, when they're shopping at an outlet mall in Delaware, or when they're dining at a favorite local restaurant in beautiful Clarendon.

Thanks for your blog. Happy New Year.

2100

Alexandria Smart Growth Elitists Export Middle Class to Dumb Growth Outer Suburbs

Hey Yupette,

As you may have seen, Alexandria City Council voted 6-1 last Saturday to gentrify the middle class and working class out of Arlandria (older neighborhood just across Four Mile Run from Arlington). Older apartments will be replaced by 478 units of upscale housing with 28 units being set aside as 'affordable' (rents ranging form $1100 to $1450 per month). So look for the middle class who work and live in Arlandria to move to Spotsylvania and commute back and forth one to a vehicle. Who said that only the Arlington County Board is in the pockets of developers?

Alex.