Granger Sees EHO Decision As Opportunity For County: Op-Ed

The following is the full text of a statement by Madison Granger about the recent decision by a circuit court judge to strike down the Arlington's Expanded Housing Opportunities policy. Granger is on the Nov. 5 ballot in the Arlington County Board race.

ARLINGTON, VA — My campaign has been focused on bringing an independent voice to the County Board and helping the community find more common ground on housing. I see today's verdict overturning the Expanded Housing Opportunities policy as an opportunity for Arlington's County Board to go back to the drawing board on residential zoning changes and find more common ground. Engaging with diverse leaders from neighborhoods and local interest groups should be at the center of these renewed efforts.

I encourage the County Board / County Staff not to appeal this ruling. We should not continue dragging out expensive, divisive legal battles, which have already cost us too many precious tax dollars. I also encourage them to accept responsibility, conduct a thorough backward looking analysis, and understand where missteps were made and why. The judge ruled the County did not follow Virginia law and we need to ensure that does not happen again. We need to rebuild trust between the County and the community. An emphasis of my campaign is ensuring our systems of government are effective. I believe no prized policy objectives justify bypassing proper processes to get there. No noble ends justify poor means, which leave the County vulnerable to expensive lawsuits and leave community members frustrated because they don't feel they were truly heard.

Thanks!

Madison Granger
Candidate, Arlington County Board
www.madison4countyboard.com
Virginia Forward Party Nominee