Reston, Northern Virginia
Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

An often suggested solution to Northern Virginia issues with the Commonwealth of Virginia is that we should secede and become a separate state. A small group of Restonians are busy at work trying to convince the community that it should become a town. Both these scenarios have some appeal but are fraught with complex issues that would need to be resolved before serious consideration.

Thoughts about independent statehood for the region usually comes from discussions about whether we get our “fair” share of state funding. As one of the wealthiest regions of the country in a state that would be less than average in wealth with Northern Virginia removed, Northern Virginia does get fewer dollars per capita on many state funding formulae because of its wealth. Independent statehood would allow us to keep our dollars for our own use.

The Dillon Rule is a source of irritation as local governments including those in Northern Virginia must make a trek to Richmond to get enabling authority for their own governance. As an independent state we could presumably do what we wanted to do.

All this of course supposes that Northern Virginia is a homogenous unit when in reality there is as much diversity in the region as there is in the state. Imagine trying to get Loudoun and Arlington Counties to agree on land use policies or Alexandria City and Prince William County to agree on transportation priorities. Imagine Arlington’s reaction if Fairfax or other counties advocated in the new state for a widening of I-66.

Maybe a new state would not work all that well after all. And furthermore, no one has figured out how a region can secede from a state.

The issue of town status for Reston brings complex issues that must be clearly resolved before a request for a charter is made to the state legislature. The first issue is whether the citizens want a town. The last effort in 1980 was rejected in a referendum by nearly a 2 to 1 vote. In the current discussion I have heard only from the proponents. From the community I have received only one e-mail, and it was in opposition. The Reston Festival poll did not show a groundswell of support.

The second issue that must be clearly articulated is what Reston gets in return for town status. As expressed another way, what does the community lack by way of services or what does it need that it does not currently receive from Fairfax County? A clear answer to this question is needed to convince state legislators as well as community leaders to approve a town charter.

The third issue involves the working out of relationships among the new town and Fairfax County, Reston Association, Tax District 5, Town Center, and business and community organizations. All parties must come to a well-defined understanding and agreement on who would do what in the new town and who would pay.

Northern Virginia will not become a separate state, but there is some relief in contemplating the possibility. Reston will become a town only when a broad base of citizens demands it and when a number of complex issues can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties. In the meantime, we can enjoy the strength of the community we have built through our numerous civic organizations.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Help shape Virginia’s sustainable future. Attend Virginia’s Sustainable Future Summit, September 13 to 15, Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA. Engage in presentations, tours, and workshops on environmentally and economically sound, energy efficient policies and practices for your work, home, and community. Hear about solutions for the environment, business, and communities. Keynote speakers include cabinet secretaries in the Warner Administration, federal agency officials, and association executives. Visit www.vsf3.org for more information.

Visit my website, www.kenplum.com, see the “Community Notebook” section on the right side of the home page, and click on “view online photos” to see some wonderful shots taken at my 25th Anniversary Celebration last month at the historic Smith Bowman House. Thanks to Jon Clarke of Reston for his beautiful photographic work in capturing memories of the event. Watch for more photos this summer and fall.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation requests that as you spend time on Virginia’s waters, boating, fishing, or enjoying the scenery, take note of any signs of algae blooms or fish kills. Write down the location and details of sections of water that look “off” or show signs of fish kills. Take pictures if you can. Then report what you see by filling out the online survey accessible through www.cbf.org/waterwatch. You can also learn how to identify an algae bloom and fish kill at www.cbf.org/waterwatch.

Fairfax County is the Number 1 digital county for jurisdictions with populations over 500,000, according to the 2005 Digital Counties Survey by the Center for Digital Government and the National Association of Counties. The county’s award-wining e-government program has been successful in creating a government without walls, doors or clocks – a 24-hour government. The program utilizes multi-channel service delivery through the Web, 25 kiosks, touch-tone phone interactive voice response and the county government’s cable Channel 16. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Potomac Council, an association of Northern Virginia’s six soil and water conservation districts, will be hosting Potomac Watershed Forum IV, a day-long public event featuring presentations on the most innovative tools and techniques for protecting Potomac River water quality. Attend the Potomac Watershed Forum IV on Friday, August 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Manassas campus of George Mason University. Registration is $20 and includes parking, continental breakfast, and lunch. Download a registration form at www.potomacroundtable.org or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/forumiv.pdf. Call Nick Kokales at the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District at 703.324.1460 or email conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov.