Joshua F. Ruebner (G)
Office Sought: County Board
Age: 34
Residence: Arlington View.
Education: BA, political science, University of Michigan; MA, international affairs, Johns Hopkins University.
Occupation: Grass-roots advocacy coordinator, U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation.
Web site:http://www.voteruebner.com
E-mail address: josh4arlington@yahoo.com
Offices and positions held: Vice president, Carrington Village Homeowners' Association; steering committee member, United for Peace and Justice; board member, National Peace Foundation.
Why should voters elect you?
"I bring new ideas and fresh vision to Arlington politics. The county board is sclerotic under one-party rule. It's time for new leadership."
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
"Ending Arlington's gentrification and its attendant problems over-development, the destruction of affordable housing, the creation of low-wage jobs, the dilution of diversity, the over-burdening of transportation infrastructure, and environmental damage is the most urgent challenge facing the county. I am proposing major new initiatives to reverse some of the damage caused by gentrification: halting for one year approval of major residential rezoning applications, establishing a public housing and redevelopment authority, deepening Arlington's commitment to the environment, and protecting our community's diversity. Arlington is now the second-wealthiest county for its size in the country. Arlington's gentrification must end now."
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
Addressing the traffic problems in Northern Virginia is a top priority for me. However, we should not rely primarily on building new roads. I oppose the "spot improvements" being made to I-66 by VDOT as a de facto widening of the highway. I support building the Silver Line to Dulles and making I-66 more of a multi-modal corridor. I also support adding train capacity to the Orange Line to relieve the pressures of "Orange Crush". I also oppose the County Board's plan to create a trolley on Columbia Pike, which is a boondoggle to developers to encourage gentrification. Instead, we need sensible transportation options such as rapid bus transit, which is more effective and less expensive than the proposed trolley. Transportation projects put forward by the County Board should benefit the residents who will use it, not developers.
Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?
not restrictive enough
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