Arrington Dixon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arrington Dixon
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| 2nd Chair of the Council of the District of Columbia | |
| In office 1979–1983 |
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| Preceded by | Sterling Tucker |
| Succeeded by | David A. Clarke |
| Member of the Council of the District of Columbia from Ward 4 |
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| In office 1975–1979 |
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| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Charlene Drew Jarvis |
| Member of the Council of the District of Columbia from the at-large district |
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| In office August 1997 – December 15, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Linda Cropp |
| Succeeded by | David Catania |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Arrington Liggins Dixon
December 3, 1942 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Howard University, George Washington Law School |
| Occupation | Politician |
Arrington Liggins Dixon, born on December 3, 1942, is an American politician. He used to be the leader (Chair) and a member of the Council of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C.. This council helps govern the city.
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Early Life and Education
Arrington Dixon was born in Washington, D.C., specifically in a neighborhood called Anacostia, on December 3, 1942. His parents were James and Sally Dixon. He later studied at Howard University and George Washington Law School.
Serving on the D.C. Council
Starting His Political Career (1975–1979)
In November 1974, voters in Washington, D.C. chose the first members of the Council of the District of Columbia. This council is like the city's local government. Arrington Dixon was elected to represent Ward 4. This was part of a new system called "home rule," which gave D.C. more control over its own affairs.
His first term was for two years. This was done so that council elections would happen at different times in the future. In 1976, Dixon was re-elected for a full four-year term.
Becoming Council Chair (1979–1983)
In 1978, the person who was then the council chairman, Sterling Tucker, decided to run for mayor instead of seeking re-election. Arrington Dixon, who was already serving his Ward 4 term, decided to run for the position of Chair of the Council. He won the election and served as the council's leader for four years.
In 1982, Dixon ran for re-election as Chair, but he was defeated in the Democratic primary election by David A. Clarke.
After his time as Chair, Mayor Marion Barry appointed Dixon to serve on the National Capital Planning Commission. This group helps plan the development of the nation's capital.
Returning to the Council (1997)
More than ten years later, Dixon returned to the D.C. Council for a short time in 1997. In August of that year, he was chosen by the District of Columbia Democratic State Committee to fill a vacant seat. The previous member, Linda Cropp, had left her "at-large" seat to become the new chairman.
Dixon's appointment lasted only until a special election was held in December. In that election, he was defeated by David Catania, who was a Republican at the time. David Catania officially took office on December 15, 1997.
Personal Life
In 1966, Arrington Dixon married Sharon Pratt Kelly. They had two daughters named Aimee and Drew, who were born in 1968 and 1970. The couple later divorced in 1982.
