FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Scott Pedowitz
Government Affairs Director
advocacy@arlingtonchamber.org
(703) 525-2400 ext. 203
ARLINGTON CHAMBER HOLDS COUNTY BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM
Event featured discussion of topics relevant to the business community by County Board candidates. 
ARLINGTON, Va. - Yesterday evening, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce held its 2021 Arlington County Board Candidate Forum. This businesses-themed forum featured a moderated discussion with the four candidates running for Arlington County Board: current County Board Member Takis Karantonis (D), and challengers Mike Cantwell (I), Chanda Choun (D), and Audrey Clement (I). Alex Koma of the Washington Business Journal moderated the discussion, which centered on topics relevant to the Arlington business community. Karantonis is running for re-election and is being challenged by Choun in the Democratic Primary on June 8. The winner of that primary will face Cantwell and Clement in the general election on November 2. 
Arlington County Board Candidates met with the Chamber, Grand Sponsor George Mason University, and George Mason University’s guests from the Arlington Branch NAACP before a moderated discussion led by Washington Business Journal's Alex Koma.
The questions covered solutions for promoting growth, COVID-19 recovery, housing development, and office vacancy. The moderator asked each candidate to provide a specific example of a process, regulation, or fee that can be eased to facilitate doing business in Arlington. The candidates offered insights into the government’s role in supporting retail and small businesses and how they would achieve this business support if elected. The session also covered how the candidates want to see Arlington continue to apply more flexible processes innovated during the pandemic, such as Temporary Outdoor Seating Areas, relaxed signage rules, and online public engagement.

"We are pleased to present an opportunity for our members and the Arlington community to engage with the County Board candidates," said Kate Bates, Chamber President & CEO. "This forum allows the business community to learn about each candidate's views on business-related issues and for Arlingtonians to make an educated decision when they vote in this year's elections."

The Chamber opened up the forum to the whole Arlington community and simulcast the moderated discussion on Facebook Live to engage more people in the conversation with the candidates. Watch the full program on the Chamber's Facebook page. 

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The Arlington County Board Candidate Forum is made possible thanks to our sponsors. 

Grand Sponsor
For access to this release and other statements visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.
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ABOUT THE CHAMBER
Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 700 businesses committed to strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.
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