2017 RCC PREFERENCE POLL CANDIDACY STATEMENTS
William J. Keefe
What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?
• RCC Board of Governors: 2008-2013 and 2014-2017
• Reston Special Study Master Plan Task Force Member
• Reston Association Board Member 2005-2008
• Reston Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Committee: Member 1997-2002
• Reston Youth Basketball: Commissioner, Coach, Referee
• Volunteer for Cornerstones
• “Best of Reston” 2017 Awardee
I have been an active member of the Reston community for many years with involvement in various activities such as planning for the future based on the advent of rail, planning for the youth recreation priorities for Reston Association and local volunteer groups such as Cornerstones.
How would your leadership enhance RCC’s efforts to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all to foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?
RCC is an important Fairfax County agency with a clear and vital charter which is is to improve the quality of life for all residents of Small Tax District 5 by providing a wide variety of cultural, artistic, social, and fitness programs. I would like to expand RCC programming, especially for youth and seniors. Given Reston’s changing demographics, and the financial limitations placed on County services, RCC should continue to fund and implement diverse programming that responds to the wide variety of needs of its residents. Multi-lingual and multicultural programming are a necessity. Cooperation and good communications with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Reston Association, Reston’s community organizations such as Cornerstones, and the expanding business community are also critical in implementing the RCC vision. I look forward to bringing my years of leadership and experience to RCC’s efforts to reach out to and involve all of Reston’s residents.
William Penniman
What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?
I have served on the RCC Board of Governors for approximately ten years, acting, at various times, as the Secretary, Treasurer, and chair or co-chair of various committees. For four years, I served as the RCC’s representative or alternate representative on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force, participating in several committees and co-chairing the Wiehle Station Subcommittee. I serve as a member of the Reston Planning and Zoning Committee, and I have volunteered, for the past four years, on the Ex-Com and as the Conservation Chair or Co-chair of the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club.
How would your leadership enhance RCC’s efforts to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all to foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?
I proudly share Reston’s unique sense of community and strongly support RCC’s vital role in building our community. We are fortunate to have a community center as vibrant as RCC. My goal is to help RCC continue to serve all age groups and income levels with diverse classes, facilities, arts, summer camps and public events, while working closely with schools and other community organizations, like GRACE and RA. Even with the Metro’s new growth and community demands, I believe that RCC can meet Reston’s evolving needs within its existing funding structure and will work to help it to do so. I bring to the task both a long-range vision and a close eye on the budget. My experience on the RCC board and in the community can help RCC continue to fulfill its mission of community service in the face of opportunities and challenges ahead.
Vicky Wingert
What previous experience or participation in civic activities would you bring to the RCC Board?
I have had the opportunity to live, work and play in Reston since 1973 and have been active in a variety of community organizations. In my younger years, I coached girls’ softball and basketball. For many years i worked for the Reston Association as Day Camp Director, Open Space Director and CEO. I have served as President of the Reston Historic Trust, a founding member of the Friends of Reston and on the Reston Association Board of Directors. Currently I am completing my second term on the Reston Community Board of Governors. Best of Reston awardee in 2000 and 2017.
How would your leadership enhance RCC’s efforts to bring the community together by providing opportunities for enriching leisure experiences and connections that reach out to all to foster inclusiveness and a sense of belonging?
During this period of rapid growth in Reston, we must remember the values that shaped this community: a welcoming home for all, a place where beauty is celebrated and cultural and recreational opportunities are accessible to everyone. The mission of the Reston Community Center is aligned with these values. I have spent a lifetime in recreational planning and bring that experience to RCC. RCC’s programming must focus on meeting the needs of a diverse population and continue to strengthen its partnerships with other Reston organizations. Responsible stewardship of tax dollars is the primary role of the Board of Governors. Prudent use of funds today must be coupled with a commitment to meet the demands of tomorrow. RCC has a key role to play in upholding the values that have made Reston a special place as we embrace what Reston is becoming and the possibilities of the future.
