Reston Community Center Announces Five Candidates for 2020 Preference Poll

The Reston Community Center (RCC) has announced five candidates for the 2020 Preference Poll to fill three spots on its Board of Governors. 

The candidates include three incumbents and two newcomers. Community voting begins on Sept. 11. Each property in Small District 5 will receive a mail-in ballot to send back by Thursday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m., according to a statement from the RCC. Walk-in ballots are due by Friday, Oct. 2 at 5 p.m.

A candidates’ forum will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at RCC Hunters Woods (2310 Colts Neck Road). Those interested in attending can email [email protected]. 

Below is the list of candidates with excerpts from their statements.  

Incumbent William Keefe

“Given Reston’s changing demographics, along with the financial limitations placed on Fairfax County social services, RCC must continue to provide diverse programming, including multilingual and multicultural programming, at reasonable cost to its many patrons. Cooperation with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Reston Association, and Reston’s community organizations such as Cornerstones and Southgate Community Center should be emphasized,” said Keefe.

 

Niels W. Pemberton 

“I’d bring my advocacy skills to RCC. Here’s what I’d do: 

1. Advocate myself for more movies & shows at Center Stage (Local Jazz & rock bands etc.) There should be an event each Friday & Saturday night at Center Stage. 
2. Increase outreach to all schools. 
3. Outreach to Reston newcomers. 
4. Honor Reston Association pool passes, in RA’s off-season. 
5. Expand Small Tax District #5 to the rest of the 20190, 20191 & 20194 Zip Codes and the neighborhoods on the periphery. 
6. Be a wise spender of money,” said Pemberton. 

 

Incumbent William Penniman

“My goal is to help RCC continue to serve community members of all ages and income levels, while working closely with schools and other community organizations, like RA, Southgate, Cornerstones and arts organizations. RCC’s efforts must continue to evolve to meet new challenges, including growth, climate-change and Covid-19. We need a long-range vision, adaptability and a close eye on the budget,” said Penniman. 

 

Incumbent Vicky Wingert

“Equity in all aspects of our programming and resource allocation must remain a central goal. By working with our Opportunity Neighborhood partners, this goal is attainable. I understand that a primary role for the Board of Governors is the responsible use of tax dollars. Prudent use of funds today must be coupled with a commitment to meet the demands of tomorrow. I have spent a lifetime engaged in recreational planning and bring that experience to RCC,” said Wingert. 

Lorri Zell

“Developing community inclusiveness and a sense of belonging begins with observing and recognizing needs in your community, asking for input, developing solutions together and then executing initiatives.This has been my approach to community involvement and engagement since I observed a need for and began a toddler program 20 years ago to address an unserved population,” said Zell. 

Photos courtesy of the RCC and via the RCC Facebook Page