Arlington’s two candidates for treasurer are both Arlington natives. Beyond that, their stories diverge significantly.
Kim Rucker joined the treasurer’s office immediately out of high school, rising through the ranks over the course of three decades and spending the last 12 years as chief deputy to Treasurer Carla de la Pava.
Aasim Rawoot has no background in government finance, but said he decided to run out of a “respect for democracy,” rather than allowing the Nov. 3 special election to succeed de la Pava to go uncontested.
The two squared off in a Sept. 8 forum sponsored by the Arlington County Civic Federation. It is the first competitive race for treasurer since a testy 2007 Democratic primary, when incumbent Frank O’Leary easily defeated Bob James but came under criticism for campaign tactics.
Rucker, who began working in the office under O’Leary and was elevated to chief deputy by de la Pava, said operations were functioning well and she would continue to make improvements.
“Continuity matters,” she said. The job “requires precision, integrity and a deep understanding of how local government works.”
Rucker, who became treasurer upon de la Pava’s retirement in July, pointed to low tax-delinquency rates and technological improvements the office has implemented in recent years.
“We’re responsive to our community,” she said.
Rawoot, who is known for his Palestine activism during County Board public-comment periods, said if elected he would use the community’s “morals, ethics and values” in deciding where to invest county tax funds.
Each year, more than $1 billion passes through the office, which must be invested in liquid securities under guidelines laid down by the state government to minimize risk.
Acknowledging that he considers the office to be “well managed,” Rawoot said he anticipated making no major immediate operational changes if he wins. However, he said that voters deserve a choice in elections.
At the forum, Rucker made one concession to Rawoot’s challenge. She said her office would begin considering a company’s “environmental, social and governance” (ESG) scores when deciding where to invest the county’s money.
The use of such scoring has proved controversial, with the Trump administration helping to fan the flames.
De la Pava’s retirement announcement 18 months prior to the end of her term was similar to that of her predecessor O’Leary in 2014, providing a path to an unobstructed transition for her chief deputy.
Rucker had no opposition in seeking the Democratic endorsement.
Prior to the 2007 primary battle, the last time the office was contested was in 1991, when Libertarian-leaning independent Richard Sincere, Jr., challenged O’Leary in the general election. O’Leary won by a more than three-to-one margin.
O’Leary first won election as treasurer in 1983, defeating Republican County Board member Dorothy Grotos by a narrow 16,857-16,768 margin to win the open seat.
The historical lack of competition for the post left some of those attending the candidate forum surprised.
“It really blows my mind,” said Natalie Roy, a civic leader who twice ran for County Board.
Early voting for the Nov. 3 election begins Sept. 18. Also on the Arlington ballot are contests for U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, County Board and School Board, plus several constitutional amendments and local bond referendums.
The victor in the special election will need to defend the seat in the November 2027 general election. The winner of that race will serve a full four-year term.
