This election is also about competing visions. One candidate has a vision for costly mass transit in Arlington. Another has a grand vision for downtown. I have a vision for the entire city! And that vision starts with fixing what we already have and making sure it is the best it can be. It is a vision of safe neighborhoods, repaired streets, and maintained parks; a vision of trust in city government and honesty and openness with taxpayers.
Arlington is blessed with a rich history, a vibrant present, and a promising future. Ours is a great city with great people. We have a capable and talented city staff and fine people on council. Still, I believe there is room for improvement.
When I see public officials pat themselves on the back because they just got an $8 million settlement from Southwestern Bell that allows Bell to charge it back on our phone bills like a hidden tax, I BELIEVE WE CAN DO BETTER!
When year after year the people of Arlington pay higher taxes because of increased property valuations, and the tax rate is not cut to nullify the increase and the windfall is not shared with taxpayers, I BELIEVE WE CAN DO BETTER!
When within days of the Johnson Creek sales tax election we are suddenly told that there is a $75 million deficit in infrastructure repairs and maintenance, and it will cost $1 million a month that we don't have, I BELIEVE WE CAN DO BETTER!
When we drive through Arlington and see dirty streets, unkept medians and high weeds in new city parks that cost taxpayers millions of dollars to create, I BELIEVE WE CAN DO BETTER!
I want to help move the city forward... not just downtown, but the whole city, and not leave anyone behind.
Arlington is a great city. Yes, we have problems and challenges, but there is no place I would rather be. I want to help make Arlington even greater, but I want to do it in a responsible way -- a way that respects taxpayers, inspires trust in city government and includes every part of the city.