William Bayne for Arlington County Board

MY STORY

I was born and raised in Arlington Virginia, where my family has long been rooted in the local business community. I attended Mt. St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting with a minor in Business and Economics.

Entrepreneurship has been a defining part of my life. My father owned multiple businesses in Arlington and that environment shaped my own path as a business owner. I have owned and operated the Highlander Motel and the Crystal City Restaurant, and currently own Crystal City Sports Pub, a long - standing and well - known establishment in this community.

MY VISION

My vision for Arlington is straightforward: to foster a community where each resident experiences safety, support, and pride in calling this county home. Safety serves as the cornerstone of prosperity and should remain our foremost concern. Both our streets and schools must be environments in which families feel secure, and children have the opportunity to learn and flourish. My own children completed their education within the Arlington public school system, from kindergarten through 12th grade. While our schools are among the best in the region, it is our duty to safeguard and enhance their quality.

Homelessness has grown significantly in recent years, and it is an issue we can no longer ignore. Addressing requires resources, and a commitment to long‑term solutions that restore dignity and stability for those in need.

To keep Arlington safe, we must ensure that our law enforcement officers and firefighters have the support, tools, and freedom they need to do their jobs effectively with no imposed restrictions on them. Funding for these departments is not optional — it is essential. We must make these careers attractive again so we can recruit and retain the best professionals to serve our community in moments of crisis. As a personal commitment to this mission, I will donate my salary to our schools, police, and fire departments, and I hope the entire board will join me in strengthening these pillars of our county.

Another critical challenge is our aging underground infrastructure. As a business owner, I have experienced firsthand how serious these issues have become. Our county needs urgent repairs, and we must bring in the most qualified experts, people who understand the history and complexity of these systems. Companies like Martin & Gass Inc., with deep experience in site development and utility work, are exactly the kind of partners we need to restore our infrastructure responsibly and efficiently.

I also want to acknowledge Amazon for its significant investment in affordable housing. Their contributions have helped many families who otherwise could not afford to live in Arlington, and their presence continues to bring economic opportunities to our community.

Together, we can make Arlington the best it can be. I am committed to working hand‑in‑hand with our residents, our businesses, and our public servants to build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous county for everyone.