Rostant Brings Newcomer's Eye to Reston

Donna Miller Rostant has only been a Reston resident for two years, but she has been involved with the community for much longer than that.

Rostant, a trial lawyer, was a longtime resident of nearby Oak Hill who regularly used many of Reston's recreational amenities through Reston Masters Swimming, the Reston Traithlon and Reston Runners.

Rostant is hoping to now give back to the community with an At-Large spot on the Board of Directors.

"I look at Reston as the place I want to live for the rest of my life," said Rostant, 52. "I think I bring an outsider's eye with a knowledge of how the inside works. The RA needs people who can advocate for people. That's what I do."

. The balloting begins in early March.

Rostant, also a former registered nurse, says he experience as a lawyer and as the director of non-profit groups such as the Reston Triathlon gives her both the people and fiscal management skills she needs for an RA position.

The next three years, as Reston readies for the opening of its first Metro station in late 2013, are crucial, Rostant said. Change is inevitable, she said, but she added she will work to ensure the Reston quality of life is maintained.

"I will ensure Reston harvests the benefits of better public transportation connecting us to the broader metropolitan region while maintaining that balance to preserve our community lifestyle," she said in her statement to the RA Elections committee.

While Rostant is not running on any issue, she says she wants to help make Reston "a better place in all aspects" and highlights sustainability and transportation accessibility as important topics.

On the ongoing issue of she says she sees both sides of the argument.

"I think there is clearly a large contingent who wants indoor tennis," she said. "But there is an equally vocal group that does not want it. There might be a way to compromise."

Rostant says taking a good look at the budget might be the way to keep costs low.

"I noticed that RA spends a large amount on legal fees," she said. "Why are they spending so much? It might be prudent to hire an in-house counsel. Many residents pay the RA assessments as well as cluster fees. We need to consider what we can do to make Reston affordable."

This is part of a series on candidates for the RA board. Read previous profiles of candidates: