Dear Friends,

Thanks for visiting my website.

On January 1, I became Chair of the Arlington County Board.  Arlington is probably the only jurisdiction in America that has a long tradition of holding its   Organizational Meeting on January 1.  Though my New Year’s Eve celebrations have become quite tame as a result, I actually have come to appreciate this tradition more each year.

I had the opportunity to lay out my priorities for our community for 2010.The theme is sustainability; both fiscal and environmental sustainability. We are facing the most challenging budget year we have faced in decades, and this will require much attention.

I will also Chair a broad-based green ribbon Community Energy and Sustainability Task Force to develop a Community Energy Plan aimed at identifying specific goals, actions and strategies for reducing Arlington’s countywide greenhouse gas emissions.  This is an ambitious and exciting initiative.  Click here for the full text of my remarks.

I also put forward a Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Access Initiative to build on many of the improvements we have already made for walkers and cyclists.  I want to see more cyclists on the streets and trails in 2010…including me.

Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Best,

 Jay