Michael T. McMenamin (R)
Office Sought: County Board
Age: 47
Residence: Maywood Community.
Education: BA, history and international relations, West Virginia Wesleyan College; JD, American University.
Occupation: Lawyer, global government and public affairs, Alcatel-Lucent.
Web site:http://www.welikemike.net
E-mail address: Mike@welikemike.net
Offices and positions held: Former president, Maywood Community Association, 2002-06; delegate, Arlington County Civic Federation; member, Arlington Fiscal Affairs Advisory Commission; member, board of directors, U.S. Telecommunications Training Institute.
Why should voters elect you?
"I will restore the Arlington way and bring an independent voice to the county board with a renewed commitment to neighborhoods, commuters and public safety."
What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?
"We need to get back to basics and address the needs of our neighborhoods and commuters, and the safety of our community. Listening to our neighborhoods requires that we build libraries and fire stations on time, at or below budget, and fix our streets, sidewalks and storm water drainage system. Address the needs of the Arlington Metro rider before Metro extension. Finally, ensure the safety of our community by equipping and fully staffing our police and firefighters, so that we have officers to patrol our streets and fire marshals to ensure the safety of our day-care centers and buildings."
What is your plan to address the traffic problems in Virginia?
A clean, efficient public transportation system is critical for Arlington to alleviate traffic congestion. We need to look closely at a mix of regional and local initiatives to relieve the stress on an aging and at-capacity Metro rail system before we initiate extension of the system.
As for local transportation options, I think we need to look at the ridership of the ART bus to ensure that we have the most cost efficient routes to make the most of our investment.
With regard to the Columbia Pike streetcar, my concern is over where the funding will come from. I also have serious reservations about the space that the streetcar will take up along Columbia Pike. The real solution is better bus service that is reliable with wider seats, which would provide the same capability at a fraction of the cost.
Do you think current policies governing growth & development in your area are too restrictive, not restrictive enough or just right?
too restrictive
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