We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election 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 Jeramy L. Olmack, who is running for County Board.
Our government should prioritize the needs and voices of people— not profits, not political parties, and not the pursuit of power. For too long, we have seen communities forced to choose between the lesser of two evils, but that era is over. It is time to step forward and embody the kind of politician we want to see, one who truly serves the community and places the public good above all else.
Far too often, the interests of the many are overlooked in favor of the privileged few, and the resulting policies benefit corporations and powerful individuals rather than the everyday citizens and local businesses who make up the fabric of our neighborhoods. For decades, oligarchs and totalitarians have manipulated party lines to advance their own agendas, discrediting anyone who does not conform. Political parties have always been vehicles for the ambitions of a select group, prioritizing control and narrative over genuine service. This has created an environment where innovative ideas are stifled, dissenting voices are marginalized, and the needs of our diverse communities are neglected.
I have witnessed my own community being ignored, assimilated, and abused to further someone else’s ambitions. This cycle of exploitation breeds cynicism, frustration, and a sense of powerlessness among voters. People are tired of being told that their only choices are between two sides of the same coin, and they are weary of seeing their voices drowned out by political theater and empty promises. The frustration with the current political system is clear, and it is felt by residents from all walks of life—young and old, long-time locals and newcomers alike.
That is why I am standing as an independent candidate for Arlington County Board. I am no longer willing to let empty rhetoric determine our future or to allow the same recycled ideas to continue shaping our destiny. We need politicians who are driven by goodness, integrity, and a true commitment to public service— not party loyalty or personal gain. We need good people to rise up— not to be perfect politicians, but to be politicians who genuinely care, who are willing to listen, and who are unafraid to challenge the status quo for the benefit of the people they represent.
It is essential for politicians to fight against regressive policies that undermine democracy and erode civil rights. We cannot afford to stand by as hard-won rights are chipped away or as discriminatory practices are allowed to persist. If elected, I will use my role on the Arlington County Board to advance policies that strengthen democratic principles, empower individuals, and promote cultural acceptance. This means working to ensure that every resident has a voice in local decision-making, that our policies reflect the diversity of our community, and that we foster an environment of inclusion and respect.
My goal is to see the world as it truly is, not as it is portrayed through partisan lenses or filtered by special interests. I believe that by acknowledging our reality, we can build a better future for everyone in Arlington County, Turtle Island, and beyond. Ranking me #1 on your ballot means that service on the county board is just the beginning of our work toward positive change. Together we can set a new example for what a good government should be—democratic, representative, responsive, transparent, and truly accountable to the people.
