Fisette Sworn in to Fifth Term on Arlington Board; Named Chairman for 2014

Democrat Jay Fisette was sworn in to a fifth term on the Arlington County Board on Tuesday, saying afterward that he was "invigorated" and had surprised himself by the energy and enthusiasm he felt for the work ahead.

During a brief ceremony in the County Board Room, Fisette thanked his colleagues, family and friends for their support. He introduced his husband, Bob Rosen, whom he married in September on their 30th anniversary. Fisette became Virginia's first openly gay elected official in 1997. He has been an Arlington resident since 1983.

"Arlington welcomed me — welcomed Bob and me — early on and embraced us as it does so many people," Fisette said. "And I've embraced it back — hook, line and sinker."

Fisette will become the new board chairman on Jan. 1.

He told his colleagues Tuesday night that it was a "joy" to work with them, both on a personal level and in light of what other elected officials have to go through. He praised county staff, calling them "the face-to-face implementation of what we're trying to do." He told the story of a meter maid who helped a little girl who had missed her bus. He talked about the leaf truck coming along and the one person on the block who didn't get their leaves out to the curb in time — only for the leaf collector to give him a hand "just because it's the right thing to do."

"That's the kind of community I want to live in," Fisette said. "That's the kind of community we do live in. And we can't take it for granted. Ever."

He talked about Arlington's "thoughtful and caring citizenry," saying this community celebrates its differences and is inspired and activated by its challenges. "It's not for the faint of heart," he said.

"We lead for today and tomorrow, as we balance a strong heart and sound mind. We're always open to new and creative ideas," he said, pausing to take a sip of water from a reusable bottle, which got a few chuckles. "It's serious business."

Fisette has spearheaded an initiative against single-use plastic water bottles. He made financial and environmental sustainability the staples of his campaign.

Board Chairman Walter Tejada thanked Fisette for his work on environmental and equality issues. Board member Chris Zimmerman told Patch he was glad the county would benefit from Fisette's experience in the upcoming times of change, particularly in the realms of land-use, transportation and the environment.

Arlington County Clerk of Court Paul Ferguson administered the oath of office.

Tejada announced late Tuesday that Fisette would take over as chairman in January. Board member Mary Hynes will become vice chairwoman.

Fisette told Patch he would lay out his priorities as chairman at the board's traditional New Year's Day meeting.