Julie Farnam

Criminal Justice / Public Safety It was Minneapolis yesterday and it could be Arlington tomorrow. We need someone with the federal expertise—and exceptional knowledge of the immigration system—who knows how to navigate the system for not if, but when, we are targeted. More than that, Arlington needs someone who isn't afraid to stand up to power. Julie Farnam has stood up to the government, and she didn’t flinch when she was threatened with arrest, when she received threats, or when the powerful tried to shut her up. She would bring that same unwavering determination and commitment to truth and justice to anything that may be thrown at Arlington. Taxes / Budget Arlington has become increasingly unaffordable, forcing some longtime residents out. Our taxes keep going up. Property assessments have increased despite significant growth in housing. Commercial spaces remain vacant. Because the county has not developed a strategic plan, it is unable to articulate what are need-to-haves and what are nice-to-haves and that impacts how we spend our money. At a time when the cost of living is higher than ever, Arlington has an obligation to all its citizens to spend their money responsibly. Housing Arlington's current housing policy has not created the affordability, equity, or housing diversity we were all promised. We are also spending millions of dollars of taxpayer money on legal fees rather than reexam a flawed policy. I firmly believe we can speak to those on both sides of this issue and find solutions that meet the needs of neighbors and the whole community and I am committed to do just that. Tearing down homes to build McMansions or rentals raises the cost to buy a home in Arlington, dashing the dreams of so many who want a place of their own. Arlington needs to develop expanded Auxiliary Dwelling Unit (ADU) policies, a plan to preserve older or smaller homes because they are more affordable, and must do more to convert vacant or underutilized commercial properties into housing.