Call for Candidates for Reston Citizens Association Elections

Reston Citizens Association (RCA) will hold elections for a new president and six open seats on its board of directors.

Voting runs from June 27 to July 10.  All residents of Reston living in Small Tax District 5 may run either for President or for two At-large seats that are open this year or District Director for the Reston District in which they reside.

Elections are being held for seats representing four Reston Districts – Lake Anne, North Point, Hunters Woods and South Lakes. 

RCA is a community advocacy organization that actively promotes policies related to Reston at the county and state level with a view to supporting the development of Reston while at the same time ensuring that Reston’s founding principles are protected. 

Through its board and various committees, RCA presents a strong voice on issues that may have an impact on Reston today as well as in the future.  An example is RCA’s Reston 2020 committee, which has developed independent analytical reports and participated in the proceedings of the Reston Master Plan Special Task Force that is helping the establishment of Metrorail to Reston. 

“Metrorail and other projects being planned will bring continuous change to Restonm" said John Hanley, Chairman of the RCA Elections Committee and Co-Chair of Reston 2020 Committee.

"While welcoming the development and opportunities that would come with such changes, a majority of the community would also like to see that Reston retains and enhances its special qualities over time.  By serving on the RCA Board and participating in RCA’s committees, citizens can help shape activities related to the planning and implementation of Metrorail and revisions to the Reston Master Plan."

RCA President Marion Stillson said the group is an opportunity for citizens to contribute unique skills and perspectives for the larger benefit of the community.

“Given that we are a voluntary advocacy group, members on the RCA Board and its various committees as well as volunteers focus only on developing and representing community views that have a direct impact on policies and actions, rather than mainly on administrative or governance matters," she said.

Elected directors serve on the board for a period of two years and the RCA President is elected annually. 

The Board of Directors meets once a month, and the directors share responsibilities that include, among others from time-to-time, participating in focused committee activities, soliciting views of citizens, representing the community in various forums and helping develop analytical positions on issues that impact Reston. 

Current significant committees include the Reston 2020 Committee and an Accessibility Committee that partners with the greater Reston community to improve access for persons with mobility impairments.

Candidates seeking to run for President of RCA or the open board seats are required to complete an application package that includes information about the candidate; a passport-sized photograph; the seat being contested; an up to 75-word statement on background and qualifications of the candidate; and an up to 100-word statement on objectives and goals for RCA and Reston. 

The forms may be downloaded from RCA’s website (www.restoncitizensassociation.org) and all completed materials should be mailed to RCA, PO Box 2851, Reston, VA 20195 or emailed to john.hanley@gi-de.com by June 20, 2011.  Hard copies of the application materials will be provided upon request. 

All Reston residents over the age of 16 are eligible to vote in the elections to the board and for president.  The RCA Election Committee will establish a voting booth at the Reston Festival on July 9 and 10.

 Voters may also send in their ballot forms by mail to RCA, PO Box 2851, Reston, VA 20195 to arrive no later than July 9. 

The list of candidates running for the open board seats and for president, as well as the ballot form, will be available on RCA’s website (www.restoncitizensassociation.org) on June 27.  Hard copies will be provided upon request.