Arlington’s General Assembly Members Endorse Takis Karantonis In July 7 County Board Special Election

ARLINGTON—State Senators Janet Howell (32), Adam Ebbin (30) and Barbara Favola (31) were joined by Delegates Patrick Hope (47), Alfonso Lopez (49), Rip Sullivan (48) and Mark Levine (45) in a resounding endorsement of Democrat Takis Karantonis in the July 7 County Board Special Election.

Senator Adam Ebbin said “I have worked with Takis for many years; most closely when he was Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization. We share a passion for improving this key corridor in Arlington and I believe his planning knowledge and skills will enhance community planning conversations throughout Arlington.”

“Takis was a trusted voice on housing policy when I was on the County Board,” said State Senator Barbara Favola. “He understands that, for Arlington to continue to thrive, we need housing affordable at a variety of price points that relate to the jobs we have in the county. I look forward to working with him on these issues in Arlington and in the Commonwealth.”

Senator Janet Howell, long-time participant in the General Assembly’s budgeting process, noted “Takis’s experience with small businesses, economic development, and micro-lending are aligned with what will be our greatest needs as the Commonwealth and Arlington move from crisis to resiliency”.

Patrick Hope, the dean of Arlington’s Delegates, said “Takis Karantonis has often been a voice for voiceless Arlingtonians who need access to health care and a strong safety net in Arlington. The fact that he speaks 8 languages means he can talk directly to people to understand their needs and concerns. That skill will enhance the work the we all do on behalf of those who have less.”

“Takis and I share a passion for environmental policy.” said Delegate Alfonso Lopez.“ I’m excited about the prospect of having a new County Board partner who has worked at the grassroots level with Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (now EcoArlington) and who also knows his way around the key, forward-looking policy areas of energy efficiency, conservation, clean water, and renewable energy.”

Delegate Rip Sullivan stated that “Ensuring that Arlington is prepared for the 'new normal' will be a massive undertaking over the next 18 months. Takis’s relationships in the labor community and his understanding of the needs of businesses of all sizes will prove invaluable to the County. I look forward to working with him and the rest of the County Board as we evaluate new ways to support workers and businesses alike.”

“Takis and I share a passion for ensuring broad participation in civic processes” said Delegate Mark Levine. “He has a reputation for working to ensure that all voices are heard. That skill will be very important as we come out of the pandemic and have to adapt our practices and policies.”

More information about Takis can be found at www.TakisforArlington.com. Arlington voters can request an absentee ballot for the July 7 election before June 30 or vote in person at their regular polling place on July 7 from 6 am-7pm.

For more information contact: Izzie Taveras, Campaign Manager, izzie@takisforarlington.com.