Neighbors,

This week is Arlington's County Fair. You all probably are familiar with the outdoor options that it offers such as mid-way rides, food vendors. Lots of fun.

What I want to emphasize is the many opportunities available indoors to express your concerns about the need for green space and public uses for Wilson School/Fire Station sites.

Most County Departments staff booths in the Exhibition Hall. It's not uncommon to find Ron Carlee working the County Manager's booth. If he's not there, a member of his staff will be. With the School Board and the Superintendent initiating "informal" discussions with the County Board and the Manager on a potential framework and timeline for joint development of the Wilson School/FireStation sites, the County Fair presents an excellent opportunity to share your thoughts off the cuff with the County Manager.

If County Board members aren't at their booth, they may be found at the Democratic Party Booth as may School Board candidate Abby Raphael and County Board Mary Hynes. If you don't see electeds or candidates at the table, ask when they might be there. Similarly, there is a Republican booth and probably a Green Party booth, and they have candidates running for County Board. Asking for their position on the Fire station/Wilson sites and sharing your views with them can't hurt either.

In sum, the County Fair is lots of fun, but it also offers an excellent venue to express your frustrations with APS and the need for greater a greater County commitment in Rosslyn for parks, play fields, and continued arts and educational uses for Wilson School. The County fair link is http://www.arlingtoncountyfair.org/ . The scheduled can be found at
http://www.arlingtoncountyfair.org/pdf2007/2007FairProgramScheduleFinal.doc.

Hope you check it out. It's free, and lots of fun for everyone whatever your age! June O'Connell/CVIII