"My opponent is supported by eight minority churches. Given a small turnout on Tuesday, June 12, I could lose this race and my opponent?s proposals could jeopardize our AAA/AAA/Aaa bond rating. I ask you to prevent this by turning out and voting and encouraging others to do so. While this is a Democratic primary, there are no loyalty oaths to sign. The primary is open to any and all voters."
Point of fact, there are numerous local governments and pension funds that have successfully (and legally) merged a priority of maximizing return on investments with a commitment to socially responsible investment. The seven, not eight, churches referred to sponsored a debate between O?Leary and James in Nauck. I attend one of those churches and can say unequivocally there was no attempt to marshal votes for one candidate over the other. The comment brings to mind another time when gatherings of more than a handful of black folk were banned out of the fear they were planning a rebellion. As a result of his fear of losing the election to a candidate supported by ?eight minority churches?, O?Leary urged the whiter and wealthier residents of far north Arlington to vote in the Democratic primary ? even if they are registered Republicans.
Mary Hynes (School Board member and County Board candidate) and Dr. Alfred Taylor (former Dean of Engineering at the University of the District of Columbia and President of the Nauck Civic Association) took issue with what is in essence a 21st century version of race-baiting. In a response that was both condescending and patronizing, O?Leary implied Ms. Hynes and Dr. Taylor criticized his actions only because they were told to do so. He then denigrated the community leader he said was their ?mentor?. It is curious that he would address any constituent in that manner, much less two who are prominent leaders in the County. The $64,000 question is would he have used the same demeanor with a white man? Or does he regard all Arlingtonians, regardless of race, sex or creed, as his loyal subjects? O?Leary closed his email with the statement, ?I urge you both to think carefully where you are going with this?. To that I say, ?Why?? Any reasonable person could easily perceive that statement as a not too subtle threat.
As a fifth-generation Arlingtonian, I must ask: Is this now the face of Arlington? I pray not. Instead, my prayer is that good folks of all colors who value honor and integrity will let the County?s political establishment know that while race baiting is clearly their thing, it certainly is not our thing.
Jacqueline Coachman