Reston Association board narrowly selects new member after sudden resignation

Reston Association‘s Board of Directors has voted to fill a board seat vacated by Tim Dowling.

At a board meeting last night (Thursday), the board narrowly selected John Farrell to take Dowling’s seat from a pool of four candidates who submitted applications.

John Farrell, who moved to Reston in 1984 and has a law practice, has represented Reston’s clusters and formed large homeowner associations in Northern Virginia. He previously ran for a board position last year.

Farrell won the board’s blessing over Lynda Alicudo, who has been an RA member in 1986 and owns a condominium and single family home in North Point.

In the first round of voting, Alicudo and Farrell received four votes each from the board — one less than what is needed to carry the seat.

After more discussion, Farrell received the five votes needed to secure the seat. Board member Caren Anton voted against Farrell’s nomination.

Here’s more from Farrell on his goals:

My service on RA’s Parks and Planning Advisory Committee, and previous service on the Parks and Planning Advisory Committee, has convinced me that RA faces millions of dollars of capital expenses. RA’s future capital needs must be accurately understood and funded.

The future residents of Reston represent both challenge and opportunity. Our new neighbors will want recreational facilities different from what we have today: an indoor 50 meter pool and indoor tennis courts. Those facilities are best funded by the developers who will benefit from Reston’s open space and amenities. They need to contribute money to help renovate RA’s existing facilities and build Reston’s future. And the units they build must become part of Reston Association.

To obtain these additional funds, Reston needs an experienced knowledgeable advocate. I offer these proven qualities for service on the Board.

Farrell was also selected over Dan Lender, who moved to Reston in 1998, and founded a small business that oversees and manages unoccupied and vacant homes.

Bill Rountree, a longtime Reston resident, also applied for the position. He has a background in government affairs and conflict management.

Dowling resigned abruptly in April just after the board formally welcomed new members elected by RA members. That election was uncontested.

Farrell’s term would run through April 2023, because the position is board-appointed. The seat will then be placed on the election ballot next year, with the winner rounding out the final year of Dowling’s term in 2024.