This was a shocking and sad day here in Arlington, Virginia – our county board chairman Charles Monroe collapsed at this morning’s board meeting and died a few hours later of a massive stroke. He was only 46 years old.
Monroe, a native Arlingtonian, joined the Board on Jan. 1, 2000. He served as vice chairman in 2002 and was elected chairman Jan. 1. He was a community activist active in increasing public participation in County government and politics. He also was an advocate for affordable housing and other issues affecting the financially disadvantaged.
He also served on a number of Arlington civic organizations, including the Arlington Human Rights Commission, the Arlington Housing Corp. Board of Directors, the Arlington Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Veteran’s Memorial Y.M.C.A Committee of Management.
Monroe took over the chairmanship two weeks ago at the traditional New Year’s Day board meeting. He laid out a plan for the year which includes revitalizing some of the poorer areas of the county and cracking down on dilapidated buildings and eyesores.
