Diana Saleh, Candidate for District 3
1. Term Limits Committee – please respond by March 4, 2021
Last Summer a Term Limits Advisory Committee was named and then fast-tracked recommendations to the city council within only four meetings and over 13 hours of deliberation between July 14 and July 28. Do you have an opinion about this whole situation? Do you have an opinion about the outcome? Why or why not?
Arlington’s residents made it clear in 2018 that they want the city to have fresh representation. I share these desires - in fact, that is one of the reasons I decided to run for city council. I think we all want to get it right when it comes to setting term limits that work, that benefit the city more than they unintentionally harm it. Therefore, I think it is wise to continue to study and discuss the issue. And, I think the recommendations from the Term Limits Advisory Committee are valuable and worth bringing to voters for their consideration. However, I commiserate with residents who feel the committee’s work may not have been sufficiently open to public input; it is my mission to increase transparency and engagement with our citizens so they feel their voices have been heard. I would be in favor of presenting an additional option to voters to ensure the council is enacting what they choose.
2. Sales Tax – please respond by March 11, 2021
This past November voters passed a measure to increase the sales tax another ¼ cent to 8.25% for the funding of an Economic Development Corporation (EDC). Seemingly wild claims were made, selling voters on this. What are your thoughts on the EDC's purpose and the tax? Why?
Did not respond.
3. Density – please respond by March 18, 2021
How do you feel about changing commercially zoned properties to multi-family zoned properties? What if the area already contains many, many apartments such as southeast Arlington in the Hwy 360 corridor? How do you feel about RMU (Regional Mixed Use) zoning and its potential 100 units/acre? Why?
Did not respond.
4. Transportation – please respond by March 25, 2021
VIA's December 2019 contract renewal has increased the geographical coverage area to 41% (and is available to 49% of the population) of the city. Meanwhile, the contract was to be paid at a rate of 53% by Arlington taxpayers (general fund), 31% by Federal Grant, and 16% by the people taking the rides. Currently CARES funds are paying for VIA, but that will eventually stop. When things return to “normal” funding, let's assume that the Federal Grant will cover 25%. At that time, what should be the pricing structure between the general fund and riders? Why?
Did not respond.
5. Corporate Welfare – please respond by April 1, 2021
The City Council has given away millions of dollars and/or potential revenues to companies to encourage development. At what point has there been enough encouragement and the taxpayers, and lowering tax rates, should become a higher priority? Why?
Did not respond.
6. Communications – please respond by April 8, 2021
If a constituent emails you a question or comment on an issue about which you disagree and asks you for a response, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not?
Did not respond.
7. Issue – please respond by April 15, 2021
What is the most important issue the city council is currently facing? Why?
Did not respond.