RA Board Candidates Discuss Collaboration, Development and Spending

By Gene Powell, Staff Writer

Candidates for the Reston Association board of directors participated in a public Q&A session Feb. 24. Residents may vote by mail or online through March 31.

There are multiple candidates for two of three seats on the nine-member board, which sets association priorities, oversees personnel policies and approves a biennial budget of $23 million for one of the nation’s largest homeowners’ organizations.

Candidates:

At-Large Director (3-year term): John Farrell, Greg McCandless, Daton Lynch

Lake Anne/Tall Oaks District Director (2-year term): Georgina Cannan, Ramon Pardo, Nathen Phillips

Apartments Owners’ Representative (3-year term): Margaret Perry

Candidate profiles and statements are available online at the RA Board of Directors Election page. Six of the seven candidates delivered brief statements at the opening and closing of the forum. RA officials said McCandless was chairing a condominium board meeting at the time, and his written opening statement was read to the audience.

At least 10 percent of the association’s 63,000 members must cast ballots for the election results to be valid. Voting began at 5 p.m. Feb. 27 and all ballots must be received by 5 p.m. March 31, RA representatives told the forum.

In opening remarks and in responses to pre-submitted questions, all candidates pledged fiscal responsibility, opposed a proposed casino project in Fairfax County, and supported preserving Reston’s two existing golf courses.

All favored strategies to encourage residents of new developments to join RA, noting that current and future residents within Reston’s general boundaries enjoy amenities without paying annual RA fees.

On RA fees, most candidates called for the annual charge to remain flat per residence. Quarterly payments were mentioned but not prioritized.

Board functioning was a frequent topic. Candidates and audience members noted long meetings and a need for better coordination among members. Suggestions included clearer distinctions between board and staff responsibilities, improved preparation for meetings, and avoiding personal attacks or emotional exchanges.

Proposed residential development on Reston National Golf Course was identified by several candidates as the greatest threat to property values. Other concerns included over-development, strengthening the community’s relationship with Fairfax County, and increasing resident involvement in budgeting and decision-making.

According to RA, four of the eight directors represent districts—Hunters Woods/Dogwood, Lake Anne/Tall Oaks, North Point and South Lakes—while four serve at-large. One director represents apartment owners.