Arlington Democrats Pick New Chairman

The Arlington County Democratic Committee unanimously elected Kip Malinosky as its new chairman Wednesday night.

Malinosky, a 33-year-old middle school civics teacher, has been involved with the local party since 2005, holding a number of leadership positions and in 2012 serving as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

"Nine years ago I walked into this room for the first time because I wanted to make a difference," Malinosky told party members Wednesday night. "Our party believes that in the constant struggle of life, we are all in this together."

Referring to upcoming contested races for Arlington County Board and Arlington School Board, he reminded the crowd, "The issues that divide us are smaller than the values that unite us."

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Malinosky laid out six areas of focus: party unity, recruitment, new voter identification and registration, sustainable finances, celebrating diversity and working with neighboring Democrats beyond Arlington. He specifically mentioned the party would be involved with helping the Democratic candidate get elected in Virginia's 10th Congressional District, which is open following Republican U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf's announcement that he would not seek reelection.

Malinosky was the sole candidate for local party chairman.

Outgoing Chairman Mike Lieberman told Patch that he would remain involved as the immediate past chairman and that he looked forward to spending time with his new child, which is due this spring.

Lieberman leaves after four years of leadership and a 34-0 record at winning state and local elections in Arlington. All state and local posts in Arlington are held by Democrats.

Part of that is thanks to Democrats being able to coalesce behind their party's candidate following primary contests, he said.

"It's that unity, that community, that commitment, that I'm most proud of," Lieberman said, before receiving a standing ovation. "It's the sense of community that brings all of you out in your free time."

The Arlington County Democratic Committee also elected the following officers:

Deputy Chair
Stacey Whyte

Precinct Operations Chair
Carol Fontein

Finance Chair
Jennifer Bodie

Press and Public Relations Chair
Jessica Schwartz Hahn

Outreach and Visibility Co-Chairs
Stephanie Clifford
Amaka Gossett
Alejandra Santaolalla

Communications Director
Paul Holland

Newsletter Editor
Warren Nelson

Volunteer Coordinator
Nancy Pilchen

Secretary
Charley Conrad

Treasurer
Inta Malis

Sergeant-at-Arms
Peter Owen

Parliamentarian
Craig Hines