To the editor: I would like to thank the Gazette Leader for the constructive criticism in the editorial that the Committee of 100 “should work harder to hear from, listen to and value those who may not be playing on the same team on any given issue.” We have taken your words to heart. We will work harder on this.
Like so many organizations, the Committee of 100 is still adjusting to the post-COVID world. For us, that world requires more creativity, time, and tech savviness to put together monthly programs. It is also more difficult to select the right topics and to engage speakers voicing differing opinions in our politically charged environment.
Unfortunately, Arlington is not immune from the mood of animosity and distrust that currently seems to permeate all levels of policy in our country – local, state and national.
A balanced panel relies on the good will of the speakers to share the table and discuss their differences in a civil and respectful fashion. As noted in Bill Roos’ letter to the editor that preceded the editorial, the Committee of 100 canceled a program on Arlington County’s Missing Middle/Expanded Housing Options proposal just a few days before the scheduled event in November 2022. We found ourselves unable to present what we considered a balanced program. Shortly before the program date, the two speakers supporting the proposal refused to participate if another speaker who raised questions about the proposal did. It was too late for a substitute program.
As Mr. Roos further noted, the Committee did not publicly explain the reason for the cancellation. This letter now provides a public explanation. The Committee of 100 is committed to scheduling an EHO-related program during this 2023-24 program year, which ends in June.
The Committee of 100, an all-volunteer organization for the last 70 years, remains committed to offering programs that provide meaningful information and public discourse on significant issues impacting Arlington. In part, we rely on public feedback to identify these issues.
We recently completed a survey that gave us quite a few ideas for future programs, such as educational disparities in North and South Arlington schools and Arlington’s preparedness for an increased aging population. These and other ideas are in our future program mix.
Unfortunately, the survey also pointed out that we remain unknown to too many in Arlington.cWe know how critical it is to hear from the whole community and voices that have historically been unheard. This year, we expanded our board of directors to include representatives of some of these voices – and we are committed to doing more.
Jeanne Broyhill, Arlington
