As we are all faced with challenges in our economies, both nationally and locally, we think now more than ever it’s important to consider the type of leadership that we elect into office.

We had the opportunity this past spring to work side by side with Barb Tolbert on the city of Arlington’s Emergency Medical Services Levy. This was an important levy for Arlington as its passing ensured continued paramedic services to be provided for the citizens of Arlington. Barb not only worked to secure after hours locations for volunteers to call voters, helped organize the house-to-house “doorbelling” efforts by our local firefighters/paramedics, but also worked with us to call our voters and to ensure understanding of the levy by our citizens. The levy passed with overwhelming success and our citizens will not incur additional taxes for it passing.

She works tirelessly to understand the issues of growth, budget and change that affect our city. She’s smart, she does her homework and asks the questions that better help her understand the needs of our city. She does this by working with others and being open to the opinions and ideas expressed by others.

The message is clear: Arlington would benefit from the partnership, collaboration and servant leadership spirit that Barb so embodies. Her goal is to work with people, through people and in collaboration with our citizens through the hard times and the good times. Realizing that not all decisions will be easy, she understands that her leadership success will be critical to how she best serves the citizens of Arlington.

Please join us in supporting and voting for Barbara Tolbert for Mayor of Arlington this November.

Laurie Ruffner

Arlington