Most Noble Calling Is Service To Community Says Arlington County Board Candidate

ARLINGTON, VA — Michael T. Cantwell is a federal employee, who has lived in the Yorktown community with his wife and children since 1998. He's also a candidate in the Arlington County Board race.

During the Nov. 2 general election, Arlington voters will decide who will fill the vacant board seat: Cantwell, incumbent Takis P. Karantonis, Aurdrey R. Clement or Adam Theo. Early voting is already underway.

Patch asked each of the candidates running in the general election to fill out the following profile:

Name

Mike Cantwell

Position sought

Arlington County Board

Family

Mary (wife), Patrick, Will, Maeve. Mary and I were married in 1997 and we've lived in our home in the Yorktown community since 1998.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am a federal government employee. My wife Mary is an APS Elementary School Teacher.

Education

B.S. United States Naval Academy M.B.A. George Washington University M.A. U.S. Naval War College

Occupation

Branch Chief at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’ve led a lifetime of service, first as a Naval Officer and now as a community leader and political reform activist. I want to bring an independent voice to the County Board, focus on core services, curb rapid urbanization, support small businesses by lowering taxes, and expand the County Auditor’s office. I want to listen — really listen — to everyone in Arlington. Because I am a true Independent, I will be unconstrained by partisan politics and political promises. To me, service to one's community is the most noble calling.

The single most pressing issue facing our county is unrepresentation, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Many Arlingtonians feel unrepresented by the current County Board members. They feel that they are "talked a t... not listened to." An Independent on the County Board would make County Board members more accountable to the people and would help to curb runaway county spending and runaway taxes.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I've lived in Arlington for 28 years and have an extensive record of community leadership. Youth sports coach, PTA leadership, Civic Association President, Arlington County Civic Federation Board member and many other community service activities. I'm also the only candidate who has children.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board failed the community?

The priorities of the current county board members are not the priorities of the majority of Arlingtonians. Most Arlingtonians want their local elected officials to provide core local services efficiently and effectively. Current county board members also failed to meet promises related to trees and parks.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I would like to propose the elimination of the Business Tangible Property Tax. The tax is a huge administrative burden on small businesses and only brings in 4% of the total county revenue. Eliminating this specific tax would help struggling small businesses and entice other small businesses to relocate to Arlington. I would also propose the tightening of ethics rules for county board members and expand the County Auditor's office.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have the education, skills, and temperament to handle the job. As the long-time President of the Yorktown Civic Association, I've created an inclusive and representative environment for all members. I've gathered their input, formed consensus positions, and ably represented the their positions to the county staff and the County Board. Serving on the Langston Blvd Alliance and on the Arlington County Civic Federation gave me experience working on county-wide issues.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Ask a lot of questions. Listen more than you speak.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Like most Americans, I self-identify as an Independent. I am neither a Republican nor a Democrat. I am a true Independent. My core values are Honor, Courage, Commitment, and Respect. Treating others with Respect is the most important of all of my core values.

Arlington County Board Candidate Profiles:

Audrey Clement For Arlington County Board

Takis Karantonis For Arlington County Board