John Vihstadt, an independent candidate for Arlington County Board, won re-election on November 4 with strong Green support, with about 55 percent of the votes cast. A number of Arlington Greens worked at the polls for him as well as contributing money. Democrats, Republicans, independents and Greens in Arlington all supported him. He was the first non-Democrat to be elected to a four year term on the county board in decades.

Greens supported him in his April victory for a midterm election, but he had to stand for election for the full 4 year term in November.

The key issues were the proposed Columbia Pike trolley projected to cost in excess of $300 million from local sources and other financial excesses of the ruling county board Democrats who have controlled Arlington for over 30 years. Arlington Green candidates for many years have opposed the Columbia Pike trolley because of its excessive cost (relative to a rapid bus system), its adverse effect on eliminating affordable rental housing on the Pike, and its negative environmental impact as compared to a rapid bus system.

Arlington Greens Marie Pellegrino and Sandra Hernandes are pictured alongside John Vihstadt at his victory celebration following the election