The Whisper Campaign
The Whisper Campaign Is Underway
How will the elections turn out? That's the big question. Fortunately, Vienna has, for the first time in a long time, a choice this year. The new candidates should be saluted for their dedication of time and energy. However, challenging LONG time incumbents with all the power and control brings out the "whispers". As you go to the polls this year, put aside the innuendo and ponder how well current Council members have done on the issues of 1.) Traffic reduction, 2.) A Maple Avenue revitalization and 3.) Making Vienna a more walker friendly community. Where is the current Council on these issues? Are they behind or ahead of the curve?
We are proud that Vienna was named #4 community in the country recently. However, to say Council members such as Laurie Cole are responsible for such is a stretch. Vienna, and we are glad about this, was at the middle of the perfect storm to achieve that ranking (starting with luckily being dead in the middle of one of the most prosperous counties in the world!). And keep in mind, that ranking far exceeded the borders of Vienna proper. Our point here? Yes, it's great we are #4, but let's keep it all in perspective. Let's not let that ranking be used as an excuse for incumbents to avoid doing the hard thing. We need leaders, not cheerleaders.
Comments
What I find interesting about this election is that the current regime uses the word "change" to scare people into voting for the incumbents. Since when does the word "change" have any connotations good or bad?! To imply this, is using the word for your own agenda. The spin on the word "change" is infuriating to those Vienna Town residents who see change as a natural progression of life. Is "change" good or bad when it means finding a solution for Maple Avenue traffic?! Is "change" good or bad when it means making the streets safe for pedestrians?! Is "change" good or bad when it makes our commercial district pleasing to the eye and removes the vast array of parking lots?! Is "change" good or bad when it means that property owners are protected equally under the law?! Is "change" good or bad when ugly eye sores are removed and pretty new homes or buildings are erected?! Is "change" good or bad when our elected officials listen and respond honestly to their constituents?! According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, one definition of change is "to put on different clothes." That is precisely what Vienna needs to do on May 2nd - pick out a new wardrobe.
Posted by: Vienna Resident | April 22, 2006 12:15 PM