HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 345 Offered February 17, 2006 Commending the Arlington County Civic Federation. ---------- Patrons-- Brink, Ebbin, Eisenberg and Englin; Senators: Ticer and Whipple ----------

WHEREAS, the Arlington County Civic Federation was established in April 1916 as the Civic Voice of Arlington by a coalition of six local civic associations, which came together for the purpose of obtaining better roads and improved schools; and

WHEREAS, in 2006 the Arlington County Civic Federation, the oldest countywide organization in Arlington, has grown from the original six neighborhood associations to 82 member organizations; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington County Civic Federation's primary purposes are the civic improvement of the county and serving as a sounding board for all citizens on matters of civic interest regardless of political or partisan affiliation; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington County Civic Federation carries out its work in various standing committees, provides detailed factual reports for debate by the member organizations, and recommends constructive action at all levels of government in Arlington County; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington County Civic Federation sponsors an annual candidate forum as the kick-off of the fall campaign cycle in Arlington; and

WHEREAS, the delegates to the Arlington County Civic Federation have fought for many issues, including a municipal water system to better protect the community from fires, an organized street naming system, and zoning for land use; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington County Civic Federation became involved in the Commonwealth's first elected school board, as well as in the effort to reduce air and noise pollution on the county's roads, airports, and neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS, the members of the Arlington County Civic Federation were among the first voices heard in support of a public transit system for the metropolitan area when they spoke before the United States Senate Committee on Interstate Commerce in 1946; and

WHEREAS, further public testimony was presented to Congress by members of the Arlington County Civic Federation on such topics as desegregation, National Airport, the Hatch Act, and the building of Interstate 66; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington County Civic Federation supports the 2005 Affordable Housing Roundtable agreement in Arlington County and supports equal rights for all Virginians; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend the Arlington County Civic Federation for its longtime advocacy and service on behalf of its diverse and compassionate citizenry; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the members of the Arlington County Civic Federation in honor of the 90th anniversary of the federation's founding.