Arlington County Board Election

[ShawnoftheDread]

So, do y’all have monthly elections?

[Starduster]

This November- normally a 4 year term for the Arlington County Board.

[rcannon100]

@ShawnoftheDread 94967 wrote:

So, do y’all have monthly elections?

We are firm believers in democracy, and the more of it the better ~ unlike your outer suburbs where they only tease you with the pretense once every four years or so. The more elections we have, the more democracy we have. We are a shining bacon of democracy where you can vote as often as you can go to a Starbucks.

[PotomacCyclist]

Actually, the next election is the result of the losing party saying “best 2 out of 3” after the most recent election.

[DismalScientist]

Arlington politicians have the sense to resign mid-term.

[dbb]

@rcannon100 94985 wrote:

We are a shining bacon of democracy where you can vote as often as you can go to a Starbucks.

What would make it even better is being able to vote while going to Starbucks!

[PotomacCyclist]

Or to the Starbucks or the Starbucks or the Starbucks or the Starbucks

[Harry Meatmotor]

@rcannon100 94985 wrote:

We are a shining bacon of democracy…

Hell YES!!! ‘Murica, FTW.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@rcannon100 94985 wrote:

We are a shining bacon [sic] of democracy where you can vote as often as you can go to a Starbucks.

Yep, there’s always plenty of pork in Arlington.

[rcannon100]

@ShawnoftheDread 95002 wrote:

[SIC]

Wuts with the “SIC” Twasnt a typo ya grammah fashionist!

[baiskeli]

@rcannon100 94985 wrote:

We are a shining bacon of democracy

I’d vote for you. I love bacon.

[dasgeh]

@rcannon100 94966 wrote:

Once again it is election time in Arlington for the Board. I have asked both candidates one simple question: how they would fix the Intersection of Doom.

Initially only John Vihstadt responded. His response was to punt and say county staff were studying the issue.

Today I asked both candidates again. Howze just answered “Upgrades adopted this year for 2015 completion – infrastructure and signaling. Open to your suggestions?” He too attempts to punt by flipping the question, indicating that he does not have a clue.

Candidates…. we await your answer.

Is this the twitter conversation? Because (1) twitter may not be the best forum for intelligent democratic exchange and (2) Alan wrote a bunch of tweets responding to what he would do:

Quote:

@rcannon100 as a bike commuter I am very familiar with the intersection and its dangers for cyclists, pedestrians and runners.

Quote:

@rcannon100 long-term reroute. Short-term implement adopted changes + signal changes (NPS/VDOT) so cars not turning right into bike/ped +

Quote:

@rcannon100 + enhanced enforcement + detailed data collection on incidents across Arlington http://tinyurl.com/nv5s86t

Quote:

@rcannon100 + safe streets across all of Arlington – not just trails – safe routes to school, work, etc – much more we need to do!

[rcannon100]

As noted by dasgeh, here are the responses so far. And by way of clarification, the candidates have been contacted by multimodal means. Just they have only responded thru twit. A more thoughtful response would of course be most welcome.

FROM THE BLOG

When last these two candidates met in an election, we asked them a series of questions about cycling in Arlington. You can read their responses, linked below.

This election, we have asked them a simple question: How would you fix the intersection of doom?

Here are their response tweets so far:

Alan Howze ||

This is what he said previously Previous Response

I have traversed this junction many times over the years, and I know how dangerous it can be. It is an important intersection, heavily used by commuter cyclists, pedestrians, and cars alike.

I am open to consideration of options to make the intersection; better enforcement and new dedicated bike/ped signals are two examples. I would like to see more permanent improvements to make this gateway point safer.

And this is what he tweeted

long-term reroute. Short-term implement adopted changes + signal changes (NPS/VDOT) so cars not turning right into bike/ped +

+ enhanced enforcement + detailed data collection on incidents across Arlington tinyurl.com/nv5s86t

+ safe streets across all of Arlington – not just trails – safe routes to school, work, etc – much more we need to do!

as a bike commuter I am very familiar with the intersection and its dangers for cyclists, pedestrians and runners.

John Vihstadt ||

This is what he said previously Previous Response

This spot is one of several “Difficult Crossings” along Lee Highway in close proximity with each other, starting at the Key Bridge and moving west to Scott Street, as designated on the County’s Bike Map. A comprehensive, integrated approach must be taken to ensure greater access and safety along this stretch, which is made more challenging since Lee Highway is a State road and I-66 is a Federal highway. This might include a combination of driver, cyclist and pedestrian education, beefed up enforcement, and certain re-engineering.

Our Bicycle Advisory Committee held a site visit at Rosslyn Circle in 2011 with top County officials and staff, who advised at the time that discussions were underway with VDOT. Yet, from what I can tell, no work has yet been announced, much less done.

And, as the incumbent candidate this is what he said.

Thanks for writing. @ArlingtonVA staff working to improve @RosslynVA #IntersectionOfDoom. Asked for update. Will report back.

[Steve]

For what it’s worth, John Vihstadt did actually attend a BAC meeting a few months back, to listen to some of the major thoughts and issues that the BAC thought were important. Even if it’s not much, it’s certainly more than any other board member has done.

[rcannon100]

@Steve 95175 wrote:

For what it’s worth, John Vihstadt did actually attend a BAC meeting a few months back, to listen to some of the major thoughts and issues that the BAC thought were important. Even if it’s not much, it’s certainly more than any other board member has done.

Curious as to whether he said anything of interest. Did he just listen or did he appear to be insightful?

[Author]

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