Mike Collins - Reston Association Board of Directors Representative - North Point District

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My family and I cherish the beauty, diversity and ingenuity of this special place. Therefore, I stand committed to safeguarding its unique character while recognizing that Reston must adapt to the future.  Doing both protects property values and enhances quality of life. 

Goals

Based on input and encouragement I’ve received from residents of all backgrounds, my goals include:

1. Bringing a fresh, young perspective to the Reston Association Board.

2. Engaging North Point’s associations and residents to better understand their concerns and ideas and to minimize surprises when RA acts.  

 

3. Ensuring Reston Association is a strong advocate for its members when addressing further development in Reston and the region.

 

4. Preserving open space while prudently expanding recreational opportunities in Reston.

 

5. Advocating fiscal responsibility and accountability to avoid unwarranted increases in assessments or fees.

 

6. Celebrating Reston’s cultural resources, diversity and tradition of innovation.

 

Ideas

 

Improving Communication and Participation

We can use technology to enhance opportunities for residents to participate.  Board meetings and some committee meetings can be streamed online or podcasted so people can "attend" from home.  Fortunately, RA will soon have the ability to take surveys online so people can participate from home too.  

 

Personally, I will constantly reach out to voters and remain visible throughout the community so that people know how to reach me.  

Indoor Recreation

Do Restonians really want more indoor recreation facilities? Most people say "yes." That is until we ask where we should put it and how should we pay for it. We need to answer these questions once and for all and I will push for more study and community involvement to see if we can come to common ground solutions.

 

Yes, I thought the concept of a huge facility in Brown's Chapel park was a terrible idea and the process that produced it was wrong on many levels. However, I do not support foreclosing future options such as indoor tennis or an indoor pool.  We will need creative solutions to funding these sort of opportunities so we do not put undue financial burdens on members.

Increasing Population and Density

Most new construction will probably happen in the areas around Metro. For historical reasons, Reston Association has little authority over this area and these new residents may not necessarily join Reston Association. RA must leverage the intelligence, creativity and activism of its members to influence decision makers and strengthen the spirit of inclusiveness and innovation that make Reston what it is today. 

 

People are often concerned about increased "density" (i.e. more people or units in a given area.)  Density cuts both ways: more density in one area might mean more open space in others. If poorly done, it can mean more cars all trying to get to the same place. We will need some smart growth to make sure the costs and benefits are balanced. Again, RA must take a leadership role to make sure new development does not denigrate our quality of life.

 

Within the areas under RA jurisdiction, the Design Review Board holds a great deal of authority over construction by private entities or RA itself.  I favor a strong DRB.