This Arlington mayor candidate is best choice to lead city on crime, economic issues

Update on April 29: Based on new information, the Editorial Board has rescinded this recommendation.

Whatever you think of Arlington’s years-long battle over term limits, one result has been to give voters a variety of choices to replace Mayor Jeff Williams.

In such a large field, lawyer and business owner Jim Ross stands out as the closest thing to a unity candidate. Ross, 60, has drawn support from police groups, former officeholders and business leaders. He’s best positioned to continue the leadership and salesmanship of Williams, who cannot run again and who backs Ross as his successor.

The next mayor and council will face a host of difficult issues. With at least three new members arriving in this election cycle, building rapport and trust could be a challenge.

Ross is the best choice on both fronts. Though he’s a first-time candidate, he has a history of service on important issues, including Arlington’s economic recovery from COVID-19. His varied experience as a police officer, attorney and restaurateur will give him a head start on some of Arlington’s most pressing needs.

The city must follow up on the recommendations of its Unity Council, including changes to policing to both reduce crime and improve community relations and trust in the department. Ross opposes a citizen review board, which will surely be a matter of debate for the council. He noted in our interview that if such a panel is necessary, its appointees should be people who understand police policies and training.

Arlington has a range of development issues to tackle, and historic inequities are a significant factor in those, too. Tourism will always be a major economic driver for the city, but throughout Arlington, aging retail centers cry out for redevelopment plans, especially as businesses struggle coming out of the pandemic. Ross’ ability to build consensus and sell the city as a business opportunity will be vital.

While Ross has earned our nod, Arlington voters have several worthy choices in the large field. Michael Glaspie, 74, is a former City Council member and Arlington schools trustee who exudes a quiet, confident leadership style. A minister, he’s campaigning to extend progress throughout the city, noting that the pandemic exposed inequality in housing, health care and the economy.

Marvin Sutton, who is leaving council District 3 for the mayoral run, has a good perspective on reducing crime. Sutton, a 58-year-old retired air traffic controller, wants to engage more neighborhood watch groups and address domestic violence, while also focusing on long-term issues such as youth programs and workforce development.

Dewayne Washington, a 46-year-old business owner, is a charismatic candidate but would benefit from offering more specific policy ideas. Kelly Burke, a 38-year-old business owner, is positioning himself as a fiscally conservative leader determined to restrain taxes. He has a thoughtful focus, too, on health and wellness needs. He would benefit from service on city boards and commissions before making another run for office.

Three candidates — Doni Anthony, Cirilo Ocampo Jr. and Jerry Warden — did not attend our candidate interview. On Friday, city officials declared Warden ineligible because of previous felony convictions. Ross pushed to have Warden knocked from the ballot, noting Warden is a registered sex offender.

Early voting starts April 19. Election Day is May 1. If no candidate gets more than half the vote, the top two will advance to a June runoff. The mayor serves a two-year term and makes $3,000 a year.

This story was originally published April 11, 2021 at 7:05 AM.