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This event marked the tenth consecutive year that the Chamber has hosted a business-themed candidate forum. This year, candidates discussed important policy issues, including housing, transportation, business regulations, and the commercial office vacancy rate.
Building upon the Arlington 2050 Initiative launched by retiring Arlington County Board member Libby Garvey, the forum opened with candidates describing their visions of Arlington in 2050 and the role of the business community in those visions. Among the priorities mentioned is tackling the historically high commercial vacancy rate. "As it ties to business, what we have to do is set realistic expectations- we have to be goal-minded, goal oriented. What I would like to see is a set threshold, our goal is 10% less corporate vacancy rate within ten years," said Julius D. "JD" Spain, Sr.
One issue candidates focused on was the need to improve the Arlington County permitting process by increasing in-person hours at the Permit Arlington Center. "I asked why the County['s Permit Arlington Center] is in just two days a week, and the County got back to me and said, 'because of COVID.' I think that is unacceptable," said Natalie Roy. Other candidates noted that in-person assistance is vital to both residents and businesses seeking a service such as permits or licenses. "We have to have real human beings there, who actually respond to you, who can walk you through the process," said James DeVita. County Staff have indicated plans to expand days of operation for the Permit Arlington Center in the coming fiscal year.
Candidates were asked to describe an action taken by the County Board in the last 12 months that they disagreed with. Julie Farnam expressed concern with the lack of committed deeply affordable units at Barcroft Apartments, and tied it to the affordable housing funds allocated in the County budget. "In a lot of ways we take the easy approach, and the easy approach is not necessarily the right approach," said Farnam.
The issue of providing more affordable and attainable housing is one facing the entire region, and candidates all stressed the need for policy solutions. "I want to see more three- and four-bedroom units in high rises, so that your employees start out as young professionals without families, and when they want to start families they have more options of where to live," said Tenley Peterson.
Lastly, candidates were asked how they would like to see Arlington County jobs focus its resources on transportation solutions. Candidate Audrey Clement focused on increasing ridership of the ART bus network. "The solution is to sustain an advertising campaign, pointing out that a smarter car-free transit alternative will get you there faster," said Clement.
Democrats DeVita, Farnam, Peterson, Roy, and Spain are running in the June 18 primary election. Early voting is underway and will continue until June 15. For more information on voting, please see the Arlington Votes website.
Independent Audrey Clement will face the winner of the Democratic primary in the November 5 general election.
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