Maybe there has been a major change of opinion. Or maybe it was just a different group of people responding.
But a new survey of residents by the Arlington County government, focused on the best ways to control the deer population in the county, has come out strongly in favor of the government’s preferred option.
Seventy percent of respondents to a summertime request for feedback said they were “very supportive” of a proposal to use sharpshooters on public land to cull the herd, and another 10 percent pronounced themselves “supportive.”
Twelve percent said they were “very unsupportive” of the proposal, with 4 percent calling themselves “supportive.” The remainder were either neutral or unsure.
The response, reported by county officials Aug. 28, came two months after county leaders effectively decided to use sharpshooters from among options on the table. The local deer population has until the winter of 2025-26 to find another home or risk incoming fire.
Before that occurs, county officials will have to adopt changes to county ordinances permitting deer-culling on public land. That is on the horizon.
The survey results released in late August were in marked contrast to a previous survey, released at the start of the year, which showed only 30 percent “very supportive” of using sharpshooters, 13 percent supportive, 4 percent neutral, 7 percent unsupportive and 44 percent very unsupportive.
That survey attracted about 2,300 respondents, nearly four times larger than the more recent one. So it’s possible those opposed to sharpshooters have simply thrown in the towel and given up on the process, while those supporting it encouraged residents of like mind to weigh in and seal the deal.
Another alternative offered in the earlier survey – lethal public archery – drew hostility from a larger majority of those participating, while non-lethal surgical sterilization was supported by more than 60 percent of respondents.
Regardless of community input, it appeared likely almost from the start that county staff would settle on sharpshooters as their preferred option, bringing County Board members along with them.
For full details on the initiative, see the county government’s Website section on the topic at bit.ly/3OzJqp8.
Juror Questionnaires are on the Way: Approximately 35,000 randomly selected residents of Arlington and neighboring Falls Church soon will be receiving juror-questionnaire postcards from the Arlington Circuit Court.
Those receiving the questionnaires are required by law to respond online within 10 days. Responses will be used to qualify residents for jury duty during calendar year 2025.
Recipients are selected from registered voter rolls provided by the State Board of Elections. Jury Commissioners appointed by the Circuit Court will review the questionnaires in the fall, to determine eligibility for jury service.
Failure to respond to the questionnaire or providing incomplete information may cause a person to be summoned to court to complete the form in person.
Those who qualify as jurors will form the pool for 2025, but will not necessarily be called for service.
For those who are chosen, the normal term of service is one day or one trial. The average length of a trial is one to three days, but trials can last longer. Jurors receive $50 each day they report for reimbursement of expenses.
For more information, see the Website at https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Departments/Courts.
BBQ Picnic to Mark 70 Years of Programming for 55+ Cohort: Friday, Sept. 13 is the deadline to register for an anniversary barbecue celebration honoring 70 years of Arlington programming for the 55+ community.
The Alliance for Arlington Senior Programs is sponsoring the event, which will be held Wednesday, Oct. 2 from noon to 3 p.m. at Lubber Run 55+ Center.
The cost is $10, and registration can be made online at registration.arlingtonva.us. For more information, inquire at Arlington 55+ centers.
