It's a safe bet that most Arlingtonians know more about the politicians in Washington, D.C. than in their own county. With the constant scandals that plague the District and dominate news headlines, local politics is often defined as what happens across the river. But there's good local politics to be had without getting on Metro.
Arlington is governed by five at-large County Commissioners. A departure from the well-known ward system in D.C., this structure helps mitigate the extreme neighborhood narcissism which is pervasive in Washington. However, the potential for geographic gamesmanship between Arlington and the statewide VA governing bodies in Richmond can be just as intense.
Just this weekend, Arlington County Commission Chair Mary Hughes Hynes announced with disappointment that due to actions by Governor Bob McDonnell and the General Assembly, the County would no longer have a permanent seat on the influential Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board, but essentially be demoted to an alternate spot. McDonnell, who seems intent on making transportation a legacy issue, seems determined to keep a tight rein on local policy makers who may have differing agendas.
Hynes, selected to serve as chair of the Board in 2012 by her peers, talks loftily of civic engagement - a kinder, more gentler way of conducting the business of the people by fostering effective dialogue between officials and residents. And if anyone can guide Arlington down this path, Hynes has the experience and leadership style. With a long record of service both with the Arlington School Board and the last five years on the Commission, she's known for a consensus-building.
This shot across the bow by the State, though perhaps not intended personally, is an early test of her ability to rise above the political pettiness that has driven much of the electorate to view public officials with disdain. When the VA General Assembly dives into big budget decisions in the coming weeks, Arlington's own local leaders like Hynes will have to be prepared to go toe to toe to protect the interest of some of the nation's most politically savvy voters.
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