Morning Ballot: Who’s having extra enjoyable, Arlington or Alexandria?

Yesterday, Arlington County Board member Maureen Coffey sparked a debate on Bluesky.

“Among my most important and treasured duties as a board member is making sure everyone knows: a) they can submit names for our snow plows and b) we are having more fun than our neighbors in Alexandria,” Coffey wrote on the social community, whereas linking to our article about Arlington’s snowplow naming contest.

Among my most necessary and treasured duties as a board member is ensuring everybody is aware of: a) they’ll submit names for our snow plows and b) we’re having extra enjoyable than our neighbors in Alexandria

— Maureen Coffey (Arlington, VA) (@maureencoffeyva.bsky.social) 2025-11-20T15:59:51.593Z

The put up prompted loads of harrumphs from denizens of that metropolis to the south.

I really like the spectacular fireworks present Arlington does yearly for its … wait, no, that is Alexandria. But then there’s the water snowboarding Santas at Christmas … oops, nope. Alexandria once more.That being mentioned, there are many nice issues about Arlington. Such as its proximity to Alexandria.

— R. Kirk McPike (@kirkmcpike.bsky.social) 2025-11-20T20:10:41.755Z

I see your scorching chocolate and heat pants and lift you with TOWN CRIER and TARTAN!

— Sarah Bagley (the one in Alexandria VA) (@sarahbagley.bsky.social) 2025-11-20T17:49:28.103Z

Former ARLnow reporter (and former ALXnow editor) Vernon Miles chimed in along with his oft-expressed perception that Alexandria is solely a weirder and extra attention-grabbing place in comparison with its bigger northern neighbor.

It’s so humorous how Arlington is so culturally and geographically near Alexandria however the vibe is simply tangibly completely different and delightfully bizarre.I do know I’m going again to this properly so much, however it’s important to dig to search out out about ‘The Beast of Barcroft’ whereas Alexandria has ‘Goosepigs’ on a metropolis plaque

— Vernon Miles (@corbie.bsky.social) 2025-11-20T21:44:39.939Z

Alexandria turned an costly sewer challenge right into a cartoon mascot. When Alexandria floods, folks canoe via the streets. Alexandria’s police fundraisers function Kevin Bacon doing karaoke. Let’s be actual, Alexandria is the enjoyable metropolis.

— Vernon Miles (@corbie.bsky.social) 2025-11-20T21:44:39.940Z

Even the town’s scandals are humorous. A college board member bought so mad in a dialogue he not solely left the assembly however up and stop the board. I’ve been in conferences the place audio system threatened to spank council members. I cowl all of the DMV now and there’s nowhere as delightfully weird as Alexandria

— Vernon Miles (@corbie.bsky.social) 2025-11-20T21:44:39.941Z

According to an Alexandria Times opinion column, an unnamed Washington Post reporter agrees, as soon as deeming Arlington “boring” in contrast Alexandria.

Hell yeah. Take that, Arlington (ignore the remainder of the column)

— Alex Goyette (@alexgoyette.bsky.social) 2025-11-20T21:46:03.807Z

Sure, Alexandria is quirky. But quirky and enjoyable usually are not the identical factor. Arlington has not one however two Metro corridors filled with walkable neighborhoods with loads of eating, ingesting and leisure choices, together with precise nightlife. We have a Tony Award-winning theater, the follow facility of an expert sports activities staff, and a comedy venue that pulls a gentle stream of big-name comedians.

In brief, Alexandria could look with smug satisfaction at its musty historical past and amusing traditions, however Arlington has extra precise enjoyable issues to do and, within the closing accounting, arguably extra enjoyable per capita.

Which aspect are you taking over this debate? The following ballot is operating on each ARLnow and ALXnow this morning.