Reston Association Board Elections: A Call to Participate

Contributed by Past RA Board Presidents: Caren Anton, Cathy Baum, Julie Bitzer, Kathleen Driscoll, Andy Sigle

Reston Association Board of Directors elections are underway. Voting ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, and a 10% quorum is required to validate the election of two new directors: one Member-at-Large and one Tall Oaks/Lake Anne district representative.

Reston's quiet strength has always been its clarity of purpose—knowing what it is, and what it is not. That clarity traces back to founder Robert E. Simon and his vision of thoughtful planning, shared responsibility, and community self-governance within the broader framework of Fairfax County.

That perspective matters as a newly elected Board takes shape and prepares to guide the Association through important financial, infrastructure, and community decisions in the years ahead.

At its best, the nine-member Board sets direction and policy. Directors ask thoughtful questions, weigh competing priorities, and safeguard the organization's financial health and long-term mission. The Board governs, and the RA CEO and professional staff manage day-to-day operations and implementation. When those roles are clearly defined and respected, accountability is stronger, staff can operate effectively, and the entire community benefits.

Reston needs directors who understand that distinction and who can work collaboratively, at least collegially, on the major issues facing our community, including:

• How to responsibly renovate and modernize amenities to meet evolving interests—from pickleball to disc golf—while respecting existing users and budget realities.

• How to ensure residents can remain active and connected at every stage of life.

• How to improve equity and accessibility across programs and facilities.

• How to maximize the long-term value of RA's assets for a diverse and multigenerational membership.

These questions affect long-time Restonians on fixed incomes who value stability and predictability, as well as young and growing families seeking opportunity and access. Good governance requires balancing these interests within a roughly $23 million annual budget, planning for capital reinvestment, and maintaining fiscal discipline that protects both current

Board leadership also extends beyond RA itself. Effective directors must engage constructively with Fairfax County and the Hunter Mill District Supervisor. Demonstrating credibility and partnership, the RA Board of Directors can re-build productive relationships, and advocate thoughtfully for Reston's interests. Collaboration does not mean capitulation; it means showing up informed, prepared, and solution-oriented. Reston does not operate in isolation.

At the same time, RA's role is clear. As a homeowners association, its responsibility is to serve residents, and steward shared assets, while upholding Reston's founding principles and values of equity, economic diversity, environmental sustainability, and our open space and dark skies. Broader land-use and development decisions involve multiple established civic channels, including the County and its planning bodies. Respecting those roles strengthens Reston's voice rather than diluting it.

Robert Simon believed in governance structures that empowered people while maintaining clarity of responsibility. That principle remains relevant today. A strong Reston depends on directors who focus on policy, steward resources carefully, think long-term, and collaborate effectively, leaders who understand that fiduciary responsibility and community vision go hand in hand.

The future of our community depends on participation. Please take time to vote. Thank you.

Signed,

Past RA Board Presidents:

Caren Anton

Cathy Baum

Julie Bitzer

Kathleen Driscoll

Andy Sigle