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 Tenley Peterson, candidate for Arlington County Board.
I am running for Arlington County Board because I love Arlington. My family has made Arlington our home, and I want to make sure that we are thinking long-term not just about the Arlington we want now, but also the Arlington we will need a generation from now.
Here are the top 10 reasons why you should vote for me for Arlington County Board.
1. I am Vice Chair of the Planning Commission. For the past five years, I have served on the county’s Planning Commission, approving projects like the Goodwill affordable housing redevelopment and helping to get new parks, pedestrian and cycling improvements, stormwater infrastructure, and more through our community benefits negotiations.
2. I served on the Budget Commission for eight years, including four years as Chair. I have led the community review of the county’s $1.5B annual budget. I have worked with County Board members, staff leadership, and my commission colleagues to understand the impacts of investments and cuts to our county programs. Our budget is the living, breathing document reflecting our county’s values, and I know it well.
3. I have the endorsement of more than 80 local community leaders and organizations. The people who have endorsed me know me. They know me because they’ve worked with me. These folks are our community leaders, our friends, and our neighbors — they’re what makes Arlington, Arlington.
4. I am a mom of three young kids. I understand the needs of Arlington parents and will invest in programs to support our kids, including childcare, schools, parks, after-school and summer programming, and mental health and substance abuse support.
5. I have first-hand experience in Arlington Public Schools. A year and a half ago, amidst the nationwide teacher shortage, I became a substitute teacher for Arlington Public Schools. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges our teachers and students face. I will work with the School Board to improve teacher salaries and support our kids, especially our most vulnerable children.
6. I believe in public service. Growing up, my parents were both public servants. They taught me that public service is integral to being part of your community. My husband and I are teaching this value to our children, from his seven years of prior service in the U.S. Navy to my ongoing commission work.
7. I know the issues. I recognize the housing crisis facing our country, where homes are inaccessible or unaffordable to many people. Arlington has succeeded with transit-oriented “smart growth,” and I will continue to support this approach to bring more housing to the county. We must also lead in addressing climate change, commit to our Community Energy Plan goals, strengthen our green building programs, and protect our tree canopy while increasing native species. Additionally, we need to invest in our teachers and students to keep our school system #1 in the region, and address the youth mental health and substance abuse crisis. Our social safety net programs are essential, ensuring every veteran, family, and child has a home, healthy meals, proper health care, and a safe place when home is not safe.
8. I am a progressive Democrat. I have made a career working and volunteering for nonprofits, from advocacy for women and families, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots youth program, and fundraising for education scholarships. I will honor the county’s Equity Resolution.
9. I am pragmatic. I value being responsible stewards of our taxes, getting the most out of every dollar. Fiscal responsibility is a top priority of mine, as is the county’s AAA bond rating. I believe in bringing everyone to the table and building consensus so we can move forward as a community together.
10. I love Arlington. I love the parks, schools, local businesses, great public transit and bike trails, walkable neighborhoods, and cultural diversity. My husband and I feel so fortunate to be raising our three young kids here. Arlington has done a lot of great things, and there’s more work we can do as a community.
I really want this job and I will work hard as your County Board member. I would be honored to have your #1 vote in the June 18 primary, and if I am not your preferred candidate then I would be delighted to be your #2 vote.
