Reston Politics – Was Jim Elder out of line?
Here is a recent letter to the editor that appeared in the Reston Connection regarding Jim Elder’s endorsing a slate of RA board candidates through his Reston Youth Basketball Association position. My question to you is, do you think Mr Elder was out of line?
None of us thought the situation could get any worse, but Reston politics has hit a new low. As if the actions of the RA board members and RCC board members surrounding the current election weren’t unprofessional enough, now we have Jim Elder, President of RYBL (Reston Youth Basketball League). The children of Reston arrived at their tournament this past weekend (held in our area public school gymnasiums) to find a letter from Jim taped to the door endorsing a slate of candidates. It was printed on RYBL stationary and came complete with candidate bios.
Mr. Elder, you should be ashamed of yourself. As a citizen of Reston, endorse whom ever you want. But at the President of RYBL have respect for your position and the children you serve. My heart breaks for the children of the candidates you DIDN’T endorse who showed up to play in the tournament only to be greeted by your inappropriate display. Your actions were certainly an abuse of power, but the bottom line is that they were misplaced and hurtful. What has this community come to?
I hope that the people of Reston will look past manipulating tactics, educate themselves on the issues, and decide for themselves who will best represent them for the future of Reston.
We would love to hear your thoughts!
Not only did Mr Elder endorse candidate but also Milton Mathews As did Robin Sowers and it was the same three. I particularly object to Milton Mathews endorsing canididates as he accepts a salary paid for by all citizens in Reston including myself who is also a Citizen candidate. Some will say well it was a mistake but if so Milton has yet to apoligize or correct it in this last week of the campaign. And this is just accepted as Reston politics and I am somehow viewed as out of lind to so say. If the connected and empowered wish to decide on who will be the succesful candidate is it unfair to not so say this at the outset so that citizen candidates will not waste their time in elections which they have little chanch to actually win? This seems les like democracy and more like totalarism.- Rod Koozmin