To the editor: In a May 11 editorial, the GazetteLeader recommended that County Board members not choose any of the 2023 contestants for the Democratic County Board nomination as Katie Cristol’s interim replacement following her departure in July.
Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future (ASF) agrees with this criterion, because selecting one of them would provide advantage for that person in the nomination process in 2024 and would not necessarily reflect the preferences that voters will express during the ranked-choice-voting process.
ASF has additional recommendations.
The County Boad members remaining after Ms. Cristol’s departure have a rare opportunity to reduce the passions inflamed by the Missing Middle debates and decision. This is an opportunity to signal a more analytical and consultative approach to major county decisions.
Crucial to the selection of an interim board member is that the person be seen as neutral on pending densification or new zoning proposals under consideration. Two new board members will be elected in November, and Arlington voters should guide County Board actions for 2024.
The interim County Board member should not rubber stamp current board priorities or be beholden to development interests. The interim choice should be an honest broker who helps the County Board look at the big-picture impacts of its actions, laying the groundwork for a less divisive approach to decisions in 2024.
Charles Henkin, Arlington, on behalf of Arlingtonians for Our Sustainable Future
