Caucus Info
By admin | March 30, 2008
Frequently Asked Questions about the May 1st and 3rd Democratic Caucus
Q. What is the Democratic Caucus vote on May 1st and 3rd?
A. The Arlington County Democratic Committee (ACDC) is holding a caucus on May
1st and 3rd to decide which of the six School Board candidates will receive their
Democratic endorsement for the general election. Since there are no Republican or
Independent candidates, and since the two top vote getters of the Democratic Caucus on May 1st and May 3rd will be the only two candidates on the ballot in November, the Democratic caucus in May is the election for School Board.
Q. Do I need to be a registered Democrat to vote in the Democratic Caucus May 1st and May 3rd ?
A. No. You must be a registered voter. Virginia does no formal registration by party.
At the Caucus, the Arlington County Democratic Committee (ACDC) will ask for a driver’s license or similar ID to check that you are a registered voter, and then they will ask you to sign a pledge that states:
“I certify that I am a resident of and registered to vote in Arlington County, Virginia; I am a Democrat; I believe in the principles of the Democratic Party; and I do not intend to support, endorse or assist any candidate who is opposed to a Democratic nominee or endorsee in the ensuing election.”
The pledge is not legally binding and any Arlington registered voter may sign it, but note it says you do not intend to support anyone opposed to a Democrat in November’s general election. The whole process should take about 10 minutes or less.
Q. Does my vote make a difference?
A. You bet it does! Historically, fewer than 2,000 Arlington residents have voted in these caucuses in the past. This is an election where your vote can and will make a difference. And it is the only time Arlington voters will have a choice as to who can serve on the school board. By the time the general election takes place in November, the only two candidates who will be on the ballot, will be the winners of the May caucus vote.
Q. Where and when do I vote?
A. There are two opportunities to vote this year:
May 1st from 7-9 pm at the Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Parking available onsite.
May 3rd from 11am – 7 pm at Washington-Lee High School, 1301 N. Stafford St. Parking is available at the parking garage on N. Stafford St.
Topics: General
A Thank You from Libby
By Libby | March 4, 2008
My family and I want to thank our friends, neighbors and the greater Arlington community for the many expressions of support and sympathy we have received since Kennan died on January 19. I have often said it is an honor and a privilege to serve this community, but now I can also say it is a blessing. This has been a very difficult and painful time for us. Your outpouring of friendship and kindnesses have embraced and comforted us.
Although it will be years before I am able to say that I am back to “normal”, whatever the new normal will be for me, I am getting back to my campaign this first week in March and have been participating in School Board meetings for several weeks. Public service is the work Kennan and I always did and that will continue for me.
More than ever, I am determined to see that this wonderful community has the very good government it deserves. I know that my 11 years of experience on the Board and the volunteer work I began in 1986 in our schools and community will be a crucial resource for our new School Board next year. I plan to work hard to win the primary on May 1 and 3 and to serve you for another four years as a member of the Arlington County School Board.
This will be a challenging campaign and I very much appreciate your help. If you can help in any way, small or large, please contact my campaign.
Thank you,
Libby
Topics: General
Campaign Kickoff Party at Bear Rock - 01/24/08
By admin | January 27, 2008
Libby’s Campaign Kickoff on Thursday, January 24th, was a huge success. A big crowd of people showed up to support Libby in her re-election bid! Arlington Clerk of the Court Paul Ferguson MC’d the evening and School Board member Frank Wilson endorsed Libby.
Check out pictures of the event!
Topics: General
Libby’s Coffees Postponed
By admin | January 22, 2008
All of the currently scheduled coffees with Libby have been postponed until February. We will have new dates and times for these neighborhood events as soon as Libby’s schedule becomes clear. Our reception at the Bear Rock cafe for Thursday January 24th from 6 to 8 pm will go on as scheduled, although Libby will be unable to join us. Paul Ferguson will be the host for this evening event.
Topics: General
A Special Message from Libby Garvey
By admin | January 20, 2008
A Special Message from Libby Garvey
To all my friends and supporters:
Please accept this sincere thank-you for all of your kind words and prayers today at the loss of Kennan. I am deeply grateful for all of your support during this time of mourning for our family.
I wanted everyone to know that while I will need some time for myself and my family to deal with this change in our lives, I hope to continue my campaign for the School Board. Although I will not be able to visit with you, please come to our campaign kick-off event on Thursday, January 24th at 6-8 pm at the Bear Rock café in Shirlington.
Paul Ferguson has graciously agreed to be our host for the evening, so please come by and join our friends and Paul.
Until I return to the campaign trail and am able to thank each of you more personally, my family and I have your warmth and good will in our hearts.
Sincerely,
Libby
Topics: General
January 3rd School Board Organizational Meeting
By admin | January 4, 2008
Statements from the January 3rd Organizational Meeting of the Arlington School Board. Click the following link to download Libby’s remarks.
January 3rd School Board Organizational Meeting Remarks
Topics: General
Campaign Announcement
By Libby | January 2, 2008
On Wednesday, January 2, 2008 at the Arlington Democrats monthly meeting, I officially announced my candidacy for re-election to the Arlington School Board.
I am pleased to officially announce that I seek re-election to the Arlington School Board.
Much has changed since I was first elected in 96. I’m now a seasoned veteran (yes I do have the scars to prove it) and I’ve learned a lot over my 11 years. But just as important, I have built networks that make me a much more effective public servant now than I could ever have been when I started.
I’m on the Governor’s P-16 Council – a council of about 20 people who help chart Virginia’s education policy. I’m the only School Board member. I now have a good working relationship with our Secretary of Education and our State Superintendent. I also know our Governor, Congressman, Senator Webb and soon to be Senator Mark Warner. When I call, they know me and know my work.
I’ve seen two children through the Arlington public schools and now have a grandchild in our schools and two more coming up (which still amazes me). I see for myself how much things have improved and what still needs to be done.
Much has improved.
- Most important student achievement is up overall and the large gap in achievement between students of color and white students has been cut by half.
- Major problems with our capital program have been addressed, and we now have a hard earned reputation for building schools on time and on budget.
- Our schools, students, staff and teachers often receive state and national recognition.
So, with all these successes, why on earth do I want to serve 4 more years? I have a lot to offer and a lot to share.
I can provide the continuity needed to build on our past success and meet coming challenges. And challenges there are. We still need to finish our capital cycle with much needed renewals of Wakefield, the Career Center and Thomas Jefferson. We must continue to address heating and air systems issues. And, while budgets are getting tighter, we must continue to hire top notch teachers.
I can provide continuity in other areas as well. Emergency preparedness is important to me. As the only School Board member on the Capitol Region Emergency Preparedness Council I bring an important perspective to that group and want to continue.
Finally, I want to continue to serve our state and local Democratic Party. I’ve worked hard to turn Virginia blue and keep us blue here in Arlington. I’m very proud of supporting early on, before many others did, some great candidates in their first primary runs: notably Mary Hynes, Walter Tejada, Tim Kaine, and Jim Webb.
Just as it takes leadership, continuity and hard work to keep our Party strong, sustained, effective leadership on our School Board is vital to the health of our schools, and our community. I am the only announced candidate who offers this.
It is an honor and a privilege to serve you.
I ask for your continued support and your vote in the May caucus.
Topics: General
Paul Ferguson for Libby
By admin | January 1, 2008
Arlington County Clerk of the Court Paul Ferguson explains why he supports Libby for School Board.
Topics: General