The forum will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library’s auditorium (1015 North Quincy Street).
As we reported earlier, Donnellan has said that her recommended budget will likely not include any further cuts for county parks or libraries, but it will include sizable cuts in other areas.
Speaking to the League of Women Voters last night, county manager Barbara Donnellan said she does not expect to make any cuts to the libraries or parks in her proposed budget for financial year 2012.
At the same time, however, Donnellan cautioned that with Arlington facing a $25 million budget gap, the libraries will likely not see a restoration of hours to pre-2009 or pre-2010 levels.
Be Careful Commuting This Morning — A thunderstorm packing driving rain and high winds swept through the area overnight, causing trees and power lines to fall and coating local sidewalks and roadways with wet leaves. The leaves could make for slick conditions for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers alike this morning. More on the storm damage, including this morning’s closure of George Mason Drive, here.
Whitlow’s Hopes to Open Rooftop Deck by Thanksgiving — Whitlow’s owner Greg Cahill tells TBD that he hopes to have his new rooftop bar, Wilson’s on Whitlow’s, open in one or two weeks. Cahill is working hard to open in time for Thanksgiving eve, traditionally one of the busiest nights for bars. Bring your coat.
The Sun Gazette reports that the county expects to release a public statement after the meeting.
Other local jurisdictions, like Loudoun and Fauquier counties, which participate in the Secure Communities program, say it’s an effective, uncontroversial tool for removing criminal aliens, the Sun Gazette also reported today.
Donnellan was referring to the fact that property values — and, thus, tax collections — have stabilized in Arlington, while other local communities continue to feel the pinch from the recession.
Even with a cautiously optimistic outlook, however, the county is still staring down a $25-35 million budget shortfall for FY 2012.
Schawartz, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and a law degree from Penn, has overseen the county’s budget and bond sales since 2005.
Also today, Donnellan appointed William F. O’Connor III as director of the Department of Environmental Services. The department manages county roads, sewers, trash services, environmental initiatives and building projects.
Last night, in an otherwise dry debate at the Lyon Village Civic Association’s general meeting, Kelly made the Brown issue central to his case against incumbent Democrat Chris Zimmerman.
“I want to give you one example that happened recently that I think points to the problem when one party controls every seat,” Kelly told the crowd. While saying that sometimes it’s necessary to fire people who aren’t working out, Kelly criticized the way in which board chairman Jay Fisette finally acknowledged that Brown did not simply resign for personal reasons.
Fisette, speaking at the Arlington County Democratic Committee’s monthly meeting, acknowledged that Brown’s sudden resignation and his $110,000 severance payout left more questions than answers last week. Video of the speech was posted on YouTube by the Blue Virginia blog.
“I understand some clarity is maybe required regarding the severance payment,” the county board chairman said. “I know there’s been some conversation in the community.”
Brown, who resigned after just four months on the job, will receive six months of his base salary — $220,000 per year — and compensation for unused leave as part of the approved severance package, according to Arlington County Director of Human Resources Marcy Foster.
The deal was first reported by the Sun Gazette’s Scott McCaffrey, who wrote that it “may cause eyebrows to rise.”
Donnellan made her first public appearance as the newly-appointed county manager at a grand opening ceremony for the county’s new Department of Human Services building. She was greeted by county employees and members of Arlington’s state legislative delegation, including Del. Patrick Hope and Del. Adam Ebbin.
Donnellan brings 27 years of experience in county government and seven months of experience as interim county manager to the table.
“I hearby resign the position of County Manager for Arlington County effective today,” Brown wrote. “This action is regrettable but necessary because of the health of my wife Linda Lee. I need to take time now to assist her.”
“Arlington is a fine community and I was pleased to serve here,” Brown concluded. “I wish you all the best in the future.”
A who’s who of county leaders attended an opening ceremony that featured the U.S. Army Band Downrange, a presentation of the colors and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.
Among those in attendance were county manager Michael Brown, Rep. Jim Moran (later spotted scoping out the rides for a subsequent fair visit with the grandkids), police chief M. Douglas Scott, sheriff Beth Arthur, most county and school board members, local military leaders, an ABC7 reporter with cameraman in town and a number of servicemen and women.
