Last week, we invited the candidates running in the June 18 Democratic primary to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Julie Farnam, candidate for Arlington County Board.
I am a mother to two young daughters, Lina and Natalia, who will be entering fourth and fifth grade in the fall. They are the reason I am running for a seat on the Arlington County Board. I run for them and for everyone who has a stake in our community’s future.
What also motivates me to run is my experience at the United States Capitol Police as Assistant Director of Intelligence. I was there on January 6, 2021, and I saw firsthand how divided we’ve become as a country. I wrote a bestselling book, Domestic Darkness, about my experience on that tragic day, and I had to go up against a very resistant federal agency to see my book come to fruition. I will take that same fighting spirit and commitment to the County Board.
In many ways, Arlington is also a divided community. We are coming off a bruising debate over missing middle housing that polarized this county. We could have achieved a balance, but the County Board showed a lack of leadership, creativity, and strategic direction. They failed Arlington because they failed to listen to residents and failed to find common ground.
I oppose blanket rezoning because I know it will not achieve equity and affordability. In fact, it will cause gentrification displacement and further exacerbate inequities. More than that, it will push out long-term residents, including our seniors, who can no longer afford to stay in Arlington.
This primary, please rank Farnam First because:
- I have a plan. More than just talk, I offer practical, achievable solutions. From using federal money to pay for services like youth programming and drug treatment, to preserving older homes, to improving the recruitment and retention of our police officers, to making Arlington’s website more neighborhood centric, I have sensible solutions to address Arlington’s most complex challenges.
- I have the experience. I’ve worked for almost 20 years in the federal government at the Department of Homeland Security and the United States Capitol Police. I served in senior executive positions, and managed multi-million-dollar budgets. I’ve managed hundreds of people, I’ve written policies, and I’ve overseen large projects with national impact. Today I own a small business and recognize the challenges that make it difficult to do business in Arlington.
- I will fight for you. I am not afraid to challenge the status quo. I will listen and put the community first. I understand your voice matters and I value your perspective. I will ensure greater oversight and accountability with how our money is spent for our schools and within the County Manager’s office.
This county is a symphony, and we need County Board members who are more than a one note song. I have the vision, plan, and experience to tackle the complex issues that face Arlington. Moreover, we cannot afford—literally and figuratively—to elect another establishment candidate. Our taxes are extremely high, and we need County Board members who are fiscally responsible and who offer more than talk and false promises about affordability.
Vote Farnam First this primary because I am the experienced leader Arlington needs and I will put you first.
Learn more about me at www.julieforarlington.com.
