Congratulations to Matt de Ferranti (D), who was sworn in a few minutes ago as the newest member of the Arlington County Board, after defeating incumbent John Vihstadt (I/R) 53%-46% on November 6. Check out the video, below, starting around two hours in. By the way, with de Ferranti joining the Board, it’s now 5-0 Democratic again, as it was before Vihstadt was elected in 2014. As a Democrat, I’m looking forward to what an all-“blue” Board can do!
At the swearing-in ceremony, Board Chair Katie Cristol talked about the “transition from campaigning to governance,” the importance of the rule of law and the peaceful transition of power, as demonstrated today in Arlington at the local level. Cristol added her belief that de Ferranti’s service on the Board would “be in the tradition of our community’s compassionate and inclusive values.” Matt De Ferranti was then sworn in by Clerk of the Circuit Court Paul Ferguson, followed by Matt’s sister, a pediatric cardiologist, introducing him, getting very emotional and choked up at the end. Matt then thanked his family, his campaign team, his “kitchen cabinet and stalwarts,” volunteers, elected officials, future colleagues and Arlington County staff. Matt also thanked John Vihstadt, calling him a “dedicated public servant” and “honorable man.”
Matt concluded by sharing two thoughts, the first being that the campaign demonstrated “the civility we need desperately at this moment as a county and a country.” The second thought Matt shared was about the American dream, and whether it is/can be “real in Arlington.” Matt asked, “if we cannot make the American dream real in Arlington, where can it be real?” And he pledged to make Arlington “an even better, fairer place for everyone.” As someone who strongly supported Matt, I have every confidence that he will do just that. Congratulations, and best of luck to Matt!
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