A new face on the Fairfax County Planning Commission to represent the Reston and Vienna area could be in place before the commission’s next meeting.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn will recommend Paul Thomas to be the district’s planning commissioner at the Aug. 25 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting. With the board’s approval, Thomas would begin serving on Sept. 1.
The nomination came after John Carter announced on July 22 that he was retiring as Hunter Mill District’s planning commissioner after nearly nine years.
“I’m pleased to appoint Paul Thomas as Hunter Mill Planning Commissioner,” Alcorn said in a release. “He brings a community-first perspective to this important role that helps guide future development in the Hunter Mill District. His experience and insights will effectively allow him to listen and engage with residents, neighborhoods and the business community to evaluate and shape development proposals for the benefit of our community.”
Thomas is a lifelong Restonian who previously taught math and computer science at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and has served on the Reston Community Center Board of Governors, Fairfax County Human Services Council, Reston Association Board, Reston Historic Trust Board and South Lakes High School’s PTSA and Band Boosters. He now works as an education consultant specializing in math and computer science curriculum development, and has a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in operations research and management science from George Mason University.
“My experience serving on the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force — alongside many community leaders including Commissioner John Carter and the late Bob Simon —and deep knowledge of Fairfax County as a teacher, coach, parent, and volunteer will help me be an effective Planning Commissioner who can work with staff, developers, and community members,” Thomas said. “I look forward to helping ensure that growth in Fairfax County is responsible, orderly, balanced, and equitable.”
The 12 members of the Planning Commission serve four-year staggered terms and can be reappointed to additional terms. The commission advises the Board of Supervisors on development matters, including comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance amendments and rezoning applications.
The Planning Commission will meet next in September following the August recess. The Hunter Mill District Office will also celebrate Carter’s contributions to the county, both on the planning commission and in his many roles before that, with a public reception on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 3-5 p.m. at the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive) in Reston.
