Uncivil Behavior

 

Most would agree that President Barack Obama and Governor Tim Kaine are strong proponents and protectors of civil rights.

 

Apparently the Arlington County Board* does not share that view.

 

In a lawsuit filed to stop the I-95/I-395 HOT Lanes project, the Supervisors have charged that, in approving the project, President Obama’s Transportation Secretary and former Governor Kaine’s Transportation Secretary acted with “blatant and intentional derogation of federal and state anti-discrimination laws.”

 

The lawsuit further accuses them of acting --

 

“to invidiously support, encourage and enable a financially-able and privileged class of suburban and rural, primarily Caucasian  residents of Stafford and Spotsylvania counties, operating single occupant vehicles, unimpeded access on toll lanes.” (P. 6)

And

to undertake the Project, and invoke “the use of public funding, to serve the interests of wealthy, predominantly white Virginia residents from the southernmost counties affected by the Project and at the obvious expense of the largely less affluent, predominantly minority and ethnic populations that reside in and along the corridor of the Northern Section, in particular in Arlington County.”(P. 53)

And

to deliberately restrict “their analysis of the impacts of the Project on public health, ignoring completely impacts on vulnerable populations and on minority and/or low-income communities.” (P. 21)

 

To read the entire lawsuit, click here.

 

Arlington County has insisted that former Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer be kept part of the lawsuit even though he no longer holds that position. Mr. Homer is one of the most honorable, accomplished and respected public servants ever to serve Northern Virginia and the Commonwealth. The Wilson Bridge, Dulles Rail, I-95 fourth lane, Beltway HOT Lanes, I-66/Gainesville Interchange and dedicated regional Metro Funding are just some of the major Northern Virginia priorities started or completed on his watch. To put and keep his name on this document is unconscionable.

 

To hold liable Secretary Homer and other federal officials in their individual capacities is not only wrong, but has a chilling effect on other talented individuals currently in or considering a public service career.

 

The Northern Virginia business community has spoken out against Arlington’s abusive behavior and called upon Arlington County to drop their lawsuit.

 

It’s time for more of Northern Virginia’s elected leaders to follow.

 

Playing the Race Card.

Is that too the Arlington Way?

         

*[Arlington County Board Members (click to email): Jay Fisette, Barbara Favola, Mary Hynes, Walter Tejada, Christopher Zimmerman]