RA candidates meet in last debate
By Claire Compton
Candidates in the Reston Association's election met March 19, for the final time before ballots are due from members April 4, at a forum at the Reston Community Center Hunters Woods.
Cheryl Beamer is running for re-election to the Hunters Woods/Dogwood seat against John Bowman, and Barbara Zicari and Richard Chew are running for the vacant at-large seat.
While the homeowners association has limited powers, an unincorporated Reston has turned to the RA for guidance in issues that have often extended beyond its scope.
Consequently, the candidates have had to answer questions not only about covenants and indoor facilities, but also about Metrorail, self-governance and the RA's role in county politics.
Bowman said the association should be vocal about local issues even if its role is an unofficial one.
"The voice of us collectively has more of an impact than we do as individuals," he said.
Those broader discussions in which Reston has tried to take part recently have included land use issues, which Beamer said could be better addressed with a paid planning and zoning staff within the RA.
"We must invest in our ability to influence decisions," she said.
While the RA is not subject to the same laws as town councils, nearly all the candidates agreed the association would benefit from a clear explanation of, or a reduction in, closed executive sessions.
Zicari said she believes the RA is doing a sufficient job communicating to its members about closed matters and that "current board members are doing their best" to be open.
As the Virginia legislature has made a point to open up the matters of HOAs to their members, Chew said the RA should set an example.
"I think the RA needs to take that to heart a little more," he said.
While many Reston residents have pushed for an indoor facility that would include tennis courts, the RA also has to contend with aging existing structures that will need to be repaired or renovated.
Whether the RA should go into debt to finance those projects was discussed. Most of the candidates said going into debt would be up to the membership.
“We shouldn't be close-minded in our approach, but if we choose to incur debt, it should be done with an eye on the viability of the community,” Beamer said.
Bowman said such measures should only be taken if any of the aging infrastructure created a dangerous situation for the residents who were using it or if a sound “business case” could be made for new facilities.
Ballots were mailed to members March 7, and votes are due April 4. Members may vote online at www.reston.org as well.