A New Slate of Opinion Columns is Debuting Next Week

ARLnow’s mission is to connect and improve our local community — residents, workers, local businesses, nonprofits and government — via high quality, original journalism and photography.

In addition to our own reporting, we seek to fulfil our mission via contributions from community members. As part of that, we’re debuting a new slate of opinion columns, focused on specific local topics, starting Monday. These columns will alternate every other week with our existing columns: Progressive Voice, The Right Note, Peter’s Take, and What’s Next With Nicole.

Here’s the slate:

Mondays: Making Room by Jane Green, covering housing-related issues in Arlington. Jane is a proud renter in Pentagon City who by day works for Greater Greater Washington and by night tries to navigate the complexities of the Arlington Way.

Tuesdays: Community Matters by Krysta Jones, discussing community engagement and inclusivity in Arlington. Krysta has lived in Arlington since 2004 and is active in local politics and civic life. She has also previously written for the Progressive Voice column on ARLnow.

Wednesdays: Modern Mobility by Chris Slatt, examining transportation and transit matters in the county. Chris is the current Chair of the Arlington County Transportation Commission, Founder of Sustainable Mobility for Arlington County and a former civic association president.

Thursdays: The Hurtt Locker by Matthew Hurtt, which will shine a light on issues related to local government transparency and fiscal responsibility. Matthew is a 10-year Arlington resident, a member of the Arlington Heights Civic Association and was previously the chairman of the Arlington Falls Church Young Republicans.

Fridays: Ed Talks by Abby Raphael and Maura McMahon, tracking education-related issues in Arlington. Abby served on the Arlington School Board from 2008-2015, including two terms as Chair, among other local leadership roles. Maura is a mother of two who currently serves as president of the Arlington County Council of PTAs.

It should be noted that for all of our columnists, they are uncompensated and the local perspectives they bring are their own and not their employer’s. Our columnists commit their time to bring the Arlington community new ideas, to highlight important local issues, and to start community conversations.

Please join us in welcoming them!