To the editor:
As a 38-year resident of Ashton Heights who has served for 12 years as the president of the Ashton Heights Civic Association, for 23 years running a global renewable-energy company and 13 years teaching at George Washington University both on the Arlington and District of Columbia campuses, I had pushed Natalie Roy to run for County Board.
I have seen county governance change from the “Arlington Way” where both participation and input were welcome, to now where community input is merely tolerated. Arlington is at an inflection point – government-by-autopilot or government-by-inclusion, pulling in everyone’s ideas and focusing on needs, opportinities and challenges.
I focused on Roy because she was active in the Lyon Park Citizens Association, was a well-known area Realtor and business leader, so a perfect mixture of civic activism and successful business experience based in Arlington. As a bicycle rider with a good personal attitude, Roy represents the kind of leader who is comfortable in the community with a warmth and ease with everyone she meets.
It is time for change, and I know Roy is exactly the kind of leader at the right time for Arlington. She exhibits the best qualities of leadership in a recent era of divisiveness.
I urge everyone to reach out and dialogue on your issues of interest. Most importantly, get out and vote now!
Scott Sklar, Arlington
