Wednesday

Local Government Is Becoming Even More Exclusive

Hello Yupette,

Have you noticed how exclusive local government is becoming?

The Eighth District congressional candidates' debate was hosted by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and cost $45 to attend.

Jay Fisette's "State of the County" speech next month is sponsored by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and will cost $50 to attend. (Is that legal)?

New County Manager's reception May 24th is a reservation-only event. No one acknowledges that you made a reservation to attend.

If you walk through 2100 Clarendon Blvd. when the advisory commissions are meeting, they are all white.

Then there's the Civic Federation and civic associations :-{

Near as I can figure, about 95% of the County's adult population has no influence on local government and our concerns are totally ignored!

Don - 22204