- Local every day in
Sanio Seeks To Continue Reston Sustainability
Engineer is running for At-Large Seat on Reston Association Board of Directors.
In his professional life, Michael Sanio is Director of Sustainabilty for the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Sanio, who has lived in Reston with his wife and three sons since 2004, would like to use his skills to help Reston Association look towards its future growth.
Sanio is running for one of two spots against Realtor Eve Thompson, lawyer John Farrell, lawyer Donna Miller Rostant and incumbent board member Tom Vis. The other At-Large spot is the one held by Paul Thomas, who is not running again.
"What better way to 'think globally, act locally?' " said Sanio, 54, a resident of North Reston, said about his decision to run. "When Robert E. Simon set up Reston, he really has the foundation of the community pretty much right. Now we need to think about what we can do to ensure it remains viable for everyone."
Sanio says he will be focused on Simon's principles of community and diversity and continuing to add and maintain affordable housing options, recreational amenities and natural areas.
Like many of the other candidates, Sanio says Reston is at a critical time in its history. With Metro opening its first station here in 2013, the next three years are an important time in ensuring smart growth.
"We need to ensure development around the Metro stations is done so it becomes an asset," said Sanio, who has served on RA's Environmental Advisory Committee. "We need to ensure pedestrian and bike access. You can't do that after the big decisions have been made."
Another key point to Sanio's platform: to promote sound stewardship of RA's financial resources and better communication with Reston's renters.
He also says his experience in non profits, as well as a stint at the World Bank, will aid him in wise spending decisions.
"The assessments have been growing, but given the ameneties Reston has, to me they are not too unreasonable," he said. "These are difficult financial times for everyone. I have a lot of confidence that I can work with RA staff to make sure money is spent in a responsible way."
Ballots will be sent to RA members in early March.
Thanks. We'll email you the next time we update this story.
Maria
11:12 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
We need diverse and affordable housing options. Go Sanio!!!!!!
Laurie Dodd
2:31 pm on Thursday, March 15, 2012
Having read Michael Sanio's Candidate Statement, I am impressed with his qualifications as an engineer focused on Sustainability. His focus on diverse housing, recreational facilities, our pathways and lakes, and on sustainable development are what we need, as the coming of Metro brings changes to our area. He has got my vote!
Maria
11:14 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
Development around metro stations makes total sense. Pedestrian and bike access are very important too. Thank you.
Maria
11:16 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
I am looking to move to Reston in the Fall and I think it is really important to develop around the Metro. This will attack people from everywhere and will boost the real estate in the area.
Michael Sanio
9:37 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
We must ensure the development of areas around the Metro serve both our existing residents of Reston, in addition to those that we attract from outside of the area.
Fernando Pons
11:25 am on Monday, February 27, 2012
Mike Sanio offers a 21st century choice to Restonians based on his infrastructure steward work at ASCE in the last decade: 1. stakeholder collaboration, 2. community focus, 3. life cycle analysis to lower risk and cost, and 4. the triple-bottom-line sustainable performance of infrastructure. This is an exciting difference from the traditional ubiquitous approaches: those that value emotional-based policy over research-based policy, sole advocacy, and emphasis on argumentation.
Michael Sanio
9:38 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Thank you for the endorsement, I look to serve all residents of Reston!
Bill Wallace
1:24 pm on Monday, February 27, 2012
My family and I lived in Reston from 1975 through 1979, before my work took me to another city. At the time, we chose to live in Reston because of its forward looking design, its neighborhoods and its people. Our kids played in the tot lots, swam in the pools and went to local schools.
Now, more than 30 years later, I've had the opportunity to visit Reston again, working closely with Mike Sanio at the American Society of Civil Engineers headquarters on Alexander Bell Drive. Reston has certainly changed: in some ways for the good and in some ways not so good, at least in my view. While your prosperity has brought in many new amenities, your traffic problems are horrendous.
Mike and I have talked about these issues many times, the subject being how to enable growth while maintaining and upgrading the quality of life in the community. The advent of Metro service provides a whole new dimension of growth and value that needs to be managed well. Mike understands these issues and in my view, would be a great addition to the Reston Association.
Bill Wallace
Michael Sanio
9:39 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Bill, I sincerely appreciate your experience, Reston has benefited from your wisdom, thank you for your support.
Michael Sanio
9:33 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The diversity of the people that live in Reston give it strength and resiliency, we must ensure Reston provides affordable homes that meet the needs of all of our residence including those that live in the many apartments throughout our community.
Michael Sanio
9:35 am on Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Development in Reston can improve the accessibility and reduce traffic congestion provided they are part of the development/redevelopment planning now. Pedestrian and bicycle access are critical elements of the discussion.
Becky Waldrup
10:04 am on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Mike's goals and qualifications perfectly align with those needed to preserve and enhance the character and culture of Reston. As our area grows, there is a lot at stake for current and future residents that will affect whether Reston will continue to be the place where they will want to live, work, and play. I believe that Mike is capable and will work hard to ensure that Reston does continue to be that place.
Ana
4:11 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Mr. Sanio you rock. Way to go by getting Mr. Simon's support.
Patrick
4:12 pm on Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Reston will totally benefit from you being on the board.
Maria
10:07 am on Friday, April 13, 2012
Congratulations Señor Sanio. We knew you could do it. Way to go!!! Reston needs you.
Michael Sanio
9:59 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2012
Thanks to all those that supported me, I will do my best to serve you and the Reston Community.