All five candidates running for Arlington City Council, District 3 are women. We asked them a few questions for our lighting round of "meet the candidates." These are the responses we received.
Nikkie Hunter
When was the first time you were exposed to politics and was there a specific issue in your community that spoke to you?
Nikkie: "I was exposed to politics from a very young age. My grandparents were very involved. I jumped in this race because I care about District 3. I have lived here for the last 10 years and the crime rate has increased. At the time that I decided to join the race for District 3, we had a total of 3 candidates. None focused on safe neighborhoods and I saw this as an issue because we all deserve to live in safe and clean neighborhoods. This district needs strong, experienced leadership."
What do you think are some of the greatest issues facing your community? How do you intend to solve those issues?
Nikkie: "Right now, it is our increased crime rate. If elected, I plan to work in partnership with our police department to make sure that the resources are provided to get our crime rate down. I also want to encourage more neighborhood watch groups and work to make sure that our residents have the communication that they deserve."
How do you practice self-care during the campaign?
Nikkie: "I devote at least an hour to myself to do what ever relaxes me. It might be spending time with my three dogs or watching a movie."
What piece of advice do you have for the next generation of women+?
Nikkie: "I encourage our younger generation to your their voice. Change comes when you speak up and step up. Its so amazing how far we have [c]ome as women, but we still have a long way to go. This race has a total of 5 women - that has never happened in this District. We all have different views, different leadership styles and different backgrounds, but we have one thing in come, we have made history in District 3."
Diana Saleh
When was the first time you were exposed to politics and was there a specific issue in your community that spoke to you?
Diana: "I was raised in an immigrant household so I was exposed to politics very early on especially as it relates to foreign policy and what it really means to become the American Dream. I've carried that with me throughout my life so that when I step into City Hall, I will not only be the representative for those in the majority or even those who voted for me; I will also represent the pockets of Arlington citizens whose voices haven't been heard or seen."
What do you think are some of the greatest issues facing your community? How do you intend to solve those issues?
Diana: "Arlington's greatest need is equity; we have disparities ranging from economic and educational opportunities to transportation access and environmental effects. The Arlington Unity Council found over 50 ways we can improve, and I think the first step is to institute a permanent version of the council that can continue providing suggestions and holding City Council accountable to implement them."
How do you practice self-care during the campaign?
Diana: "Self-care right now is making an effort to eat nutritiously, take my vitamins and stay hydrated. I can't run on an empty tank and I need to make sure I have the energy to be there for my community in every way possible."
What piece of advice do you have for the next generation of women+?
Diana: "If you care, you are qualified. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!"
We did not receive responses from the other three candidates: Tamiko Brown, Alixis Lupien, and Dora Tovar.