RA Board Elections – Who to Vote For

Not sure who to vote for in the Reston Association board elections?  We would like to help.  Over the past year, the RA board meetings I have attended have been disappointing.  There appears to be a lack of professionalism, financial acumen, and communication skills with many members of the current board.  This became painfully clear during the whole recreation center debacle.  There are three seats up for election on the nine-member board this year: The Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District director, the North Point District director and one at-large seat.

North Point District Director

If you live in the north point area, the choice is clear.  Peter Greenberg is a good friend of mine, and I know he would make an excellent member of the board.  He is running for the North Point District Director.  Peter brings the exact professionalism, financial acumen and communication skills we need to to insure that the Reston tax monies are being spent wisely and that land owned by the Reston residents is not given away.  Here is what Peter had to say in his candidacy filing:

We face significant challenges in the coming years. Financial management, the threat of development of common-area lands and staggering increased density in and around Reston Association are the most pressing.

My approach to dealing with these issues is simple, focus on the Association’s mission statement: “To preserve and enhance the Reston community through outstanding leadership, service and stewardship of our resources.” I’ll emphasize the following: Financial management, and in particular, keeping dues in check. Customer service within the organization and outward toward the members. Preserving our common-area lands in perpetuity. Smart participation in the Fairfax County Master Planning process. It is not open season on Reston development.

The other two candidates are Michael Collins and Rengin Morro.  I have not met them.  If you have any comments about them, please add them here.

The Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Director

I had the opportunity to meet and hear Ken Knueven speak last night, and I have to say, I was impressed.  Ken is a good speaker, has corporate executive experience and, like Peter Greenberg, has a good grasp of the challenges facing Reston.  Here is what Ken had to say in his Candidacy notes:

Reston is one of the largest community associations in the country. Yet it is vitally important to remember that we, the residents, remain the stakeholders. We are the stewards of Reston’s future. The Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District faces significant challenges. Among them are open spaces, revitalization efforts, pool closures and the aging Lake Anne RELAC system.

For over 30 years I have been instrumental in the development, growth and leadership of global organizations, gaining a thorough understanding of how citizens, industry and governments can co-exist. I will focus on our community’s real needs, offering creative, viable and sustainable solutions.

Other candidates running for the position include Kevin Danaher and Guy Rando

The At-Large Seat

If you don’t live in the North Point or Lake Anne districts, then your only vote this year will be for the At-Large seat.  There are four candidates running for the at-large seat, including incumbent Joe Leighton, as well as Rod Koozmin, David Robinson and Patrick Shipp.  While I don’t know a lot about these candidates yet, I do know that Joe Leighton was one of the only board members to stand up against tearing down brown’s chapel park.  Joe certainly isn’t a yes man.  I am holding off judgment on who to vote for at this point though.  Although Joe is a good guy and has been a good RA board memember, I am not convinced that the rest of the board takes him seriously and am a little concerned with his communications style and it’s effectiveness.  Rod Koozmin appears to be an interesting candidate as well.

Other candidates include: David Robinson and Patrick Shipp

It will be interesting to see how the board changes over the next few years.  I would like to make an open invitation to any candidates as well as passionate Reston citizens.  If you are interested in becoming an editor on GoReston.com, register for an account and let me know and I will upgrade you to editor status so you can post your thoughts!