ALEXANDRIA – Today Delegate David Englin joined 19 other elected officials representing parts of Arlington County in issuing the following statement:
“Arlington has a strong tradition of thoughtful and respectful civic discourse. Our diverse and welcoming community has not tolerated campaign tactics that divide us by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other differences.”
“During his recent primary campaign, Treasurer Frank O’Leary mailed a letter with language that we are compelled to disavow. As elected officials, we have an obligation to speak out when one of us fails to meet the community’s standards. In our collective judgment, Frank O’Leary has stepped over the line.”
“It is imperative that we not use language that divides the community by race. We are disappointed that Frank did not immediately assume full responsibility and offer the community an apology. Arlington deserves and expects better.”
Englin added:
“I supported Frank O’Leary in the primary based on his superlative record as Arlington Treasurer, and I was disappointed and dismayed to learn after the fact that he had employed this racist tactic, which I of course strongly condemn.”
Englin represents the 45th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. The district includes parts of the City of Alexandria and the Mount Vernon and Lee Magisterial Districts in Fairfax County, and three precincts in south Arlington County
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