There were two main points at Saturday's Reston Association Board of Directors Candidates' Forum: that Metro will be here soon, and that Reston is in for some growing pains.

The four at-large and two Hunters Woods/Dogwood director candidates discussed their views on how to grow along with the population and traffic impact Metro will bring at the morning forum at Reston Association. A second forum will take place Monday at 7 p.m.

Election ballots will be available beginning March 7.

"Metro is coming," said Cheryl Beamer, Hunters Woods/Dogwood director who is running for re-election. "There is much planning and developing to be done. The outcome from all the challenges we face should not contain catastrophe. RA needs to ramp up its efforts as a leader."

In addition to smart growth as Metro comes to town, the other candidates agreed that natural spaces and recreation facilities are the hallmark of Reston and top priority should placed on preserving and maintaining that as Reston grows.

Various ideas on how to get there - and how to make sure Reston has the money to do so - discussed at the forum.

Victor Van Rees, Hunters Woods/Dogwood  candidate, suggested public-private partnerships and grants to help those on a fixed income deal with home repairs. He also mentioned the idea of corporate sponsorships for recreational facilities.

At-large candidates Jason Carlo and John George emphasized the idea that new residents should be part of of "one Reston" as Reston Association members. While that would bring in additional dues to RA, it is hard to calculate just how much because "we don't yet know how many new residents will be moving here," George says.

At-large candidate Andy Sigle said it is the main responsibility of Reston Association to ensure that members get "maximum value" for their money. At-large candidate Donovan D'Souza said one of his main priorities will ensuring we don't lose site of Reston founder Robert E. Simon's goals while also looking at ways to save money.

"We need to analyze what we have," he said.

At-large candidate Sridhar Ganesan agrees. Part of his platform is to "augment fiscal management and develop additional sources of revenue to RA."

Here is a brief look at the Board of Directors candidates:

At-large

Andy Sigle - Reston resident since 2006

Of note: "Reston will undergo much change over the next several years. We need to thoughtfully guide these changes to keep them consistent with the essential qualities that are the foundation of Reston."

Jason Carlo - Reston/Herndon native

Of note: "Preparing for how the Metro is going to affect our community is a paramount goal. We need to ensure that the Reston way of life is maintained with our growth and that we integrate this new transportation medium into our planning"

Sridhar Ganesan - Reston resident for 12 years

Of note: Among top goals - To assist RA in implementing its strategic plan; maintain a high level of engagement with the Master Plan Special Study Task Force; bring additional sources of revenues and drive key initiatives like bringing indoor tennis to Reston.

John E. George - Reston resident since 1989

Of note: "We should examine funding sources through partnerships with local businesses and government; Projects should contain additional education avenues for member feedback during their planning phases; RA should continue its work with Fairfax County to ensure out interests are represented [as we prepare for Metro's opening in 2013]."

Donovan D'Souza- South Reston resident

Of note: "Though positive, change always comes with some concerns for the current residents, myself included." Goals include preserving Reston's natural charm and community building.

Dogwood/Hunters Woods

Cheryl Beamer - RA board director since 2007

Of note: Among top priorities - making sure reserve and repair funds for existing facilities are adequately funded; wisely balance capital projects to help keep assessments affordable.

Victor Van Rees - Member of RA Covenant Committee

Of note: Goals include holding the line of costs and fees to residents; polling residents about initiatives before voting; enhancing home values through maintenance and landscaping programs.