Vihstadt on DC Olympics: Arlington County Taxpayers, Schools Come First

Arlington County Board Member John Vihstadt, who is running for re-election to the Board, has weighed in on Board Chairman Jay Fisette’s statement issued Thursday, regarding bringing the 2024 Olympics to the county (specifically to a pool at Long Bridge Park that has not yet been built due to bids coming in over budget and ongoing costs projected to be higher than first expected).

“While I’m a big fan of the Olympics, my first obligation as a County Board member is to Arlington taxpayers,” Vihstadt said.

“We have more immediate challenges, such as building more seats for students to address our surging public schools enrollment before we even begin to think about seats for international sports enthusiasts at an aquatics center or anywhere else in Arlington,” he added.

“We need to fully understand the short and long-term trade-offs, costs and consequences for Arlington before any public funds are committed to this venture,” Vihstadt said.

The County Board has taken no votes on the DC Olympics bid.

Vihstadt, an Independent running for re-election to the County Board after winning a recent special election, faces Democrat Alan Howze Nov. 4 on the ballot.

PHOTO: John Vihstadt; courtesy of Vihstadt campaign