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Residents split over timing and scope of Arlington governance review; equity and schools dominate testimony
Summary
Dozens testified for and against immediate work on the county—s form of government. Supporters urged an equity-centered, representative process that includes school-board implications; opponents urged caution over budget, timing and unforeseen consequences.
More than three dozen residents and civic leaders spoke during an extended public-comment period at the Arlington County Board—s Dec. 17 meeting, delivering a mix of pleas to move quickly and cautions to slow down.
Speakers who urged quick action and an equity-centered review included Jan Marie Pena, who said the county—s current form of government "was deliberately set up the way that it was to shut out the voices ... of Black community members," and urged the board to adopt NAACP-recommended charter amendments to ensure historically marginalized communities are represented.
Nadia Green Conyers, a long-time county…
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