Why You Should Vote for Me
I am sure that we agree that Elections matter, and that Local Elections are no exception. In fact, I strongly believe that “all politics are local”, and that our Democracy is based on the fact that all questions, issues and debates begin in our proverbial backyards, in our neighborhoods.
Having been a community activist, well before and for much longer time than I have been an elected official, I know first hand that Arlington’s greatest strength is that we excel in confronting emerging challenges and in getting to work on solutions that lift all and not only a few. I am deeply honored to serve our community and being part of the progressive political project that made Arlington a referential locality in our region and well beyond.
As you will be heading to the ballotbox this coming Tuesday, I want to share my thoughts on what your vote for our Democratic Ticket will stand for:
Defend our Democracy and our Constitution. I stand firm in protecting our Immigrant Communities and our Federal Employees from the Trump Administration’s overreach. Local law enforcement shall remain removed from federal chaos and lawlessness, and all services and resources of our local government shall continue to be directed to those who are most impacted and their families.
Prioritize jobs and economic resilience in a local economy that works for working people and small businesses. From standing firm on requiring living and prevailing wages and Labor Agreements for projects involving taxpayer funding, to making sure that innovation and small business entrepreneurship are supported and promoted: Sustaining and rebuilding our middle class is on the ballot.
Confront the affordability crisis head-on. I have a track record of bold and continuous investments in affordable and attainable housing. But also of making the, often difficult, decisions that end decades of exclusion and restore a wider variety of housing options, while also tackling other critical aspects like Affordable Childcare, to the benefit of Arlingtonians of all ages, socioeconomic status and walks of life.
Defend and fund our Public School System as a critical component of our commitment to equity, prosperity and opportunity.
Save Metro and fund public transit, along with investing in safe streets, sidewalks, bike lanes and giving Arlingtonians accessible, affordable and efficient urban mobility options.
Continue building a social safety net that ensures that hunger, poverty and homelessness are eradicated in our community and that we provide supportive services to those who need them the most, without leaving any Arlingtonian behind, especially our aging residents and those facing mental and physical health challenges.
Prioritize public safety by deepening trust and accountability in local government and in law-enforcement, as well as in our relationships with and across our communities and neighborhoods.
Confront the climate crisis today, not only because this is the right decision to make but also because of its unparalleled socio-economic benefits for Arlington. From stormwater management, to mitigating urban heat-island effects through preserving and enhancing our tree-canopy, building energy efficient buildings, reducing emissions, eating local and reducing waste and promoting a circular and green economy: sustainable growth is not only a necessary but a smart investment in our future.
Continue investing in the quality of life of the entire community: maintaining and improving our libraries, community and recreation centers, sports facilities and parks that distinguish Arlington as a successful community that continues to provide the highest possible social value to everybody.
Choose fiscally prudent and competent governance, based on balanced budgets, well documented community needs and careful risk-management under tight but transparent oversight.
As I am about to thank you for planning to vote this coming Tuesday, I hope that in challenging times you will support experienced leadership.
While I humbly ask you to rank me first for Arlington County Board, I also warmly approach you to support the entire Democratic ticket in this Election! From the School Board to the Governor’s Mansion.
Looking forward to seeing you at the polls!
Takis Karantonis
