Margaret Perry Running In 2026 RA Board Of Directors Election

RESTON, VA — Seven candidates are running in the month-long Reston Association Board of Directors election.

All RA members who are in good standing are eligible to cast ballots starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27 and ending at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. The 2026-2027 Board of Directors will be announced at the Annual Members' Meeting on Tuesday, April 14.

A 10 percent quorum is required for the results of the election to be official.

Paper ballots will be mailed to eligible RA members, who may also choose to vote electronically. Questions about the RA election may be sent to electionscommittee@reston.org. Request your electronic ballot by emailing: eballot.request@reston.org.

Patch invited each RA Board of Directors candidate to fill out a questionnaire to help voters learn more about the candidates and their positions.

Margaret Perry, who is running unopposed in the Apartment Owners' race, did not complete a Patch candidate questionnaire. The following is her opening statement from Tuesday night's candidate forum, which can be viewed online.

"My name is Margaret Perry, and I currently serve as the apartment owners representative on the Reston Association Board. It is my hope that tonight you gain a clear sense of who we are as candidates, and more importantly, how we intend to support both the RA members and the dedicated staff who keep our community running. I encourage you to reach out to us to ask questions and get clarification throughout the election process.

"I am running for reelection because I believe in a balanced, thoughtful approach to leadership. While my specific seat represents apartment owners, I want to be very clear when I sit at the board table, I keep every single member of the Reston Association in mind.

"We are living in a time where costs are rising for everyone, RA included. Bcause of this, my priority is centered on fiscal realism. We must focus our resources on maintaining and improving our current facilities where it is both necessary and reasonable. For example, a recent survey showed that our members prioritize maintaining what we already have. If we look to expand, we must have a concrete plan for how to pay for it without overburdening the membership.

"I will once again advocate for quarterly assessment payments to help residents manage rising costs. While this was previously dismissed based on the assertion of a single board member that there was no interest, I remain convinced that offering this change is the right thing to do for our neighbors. At a minimum, I want to report from staff on the pros and cons of this transition.

"To be clear, this would be for all members and separate from the existing assistance programs we already have in place, we must rely more on the expertise of our professional staff, whether it's our three arborists, two of whose positions are currently vacant, or our management team, the board's role is policy and strategy, not micromanagement.

"I am committed to a culture of civility and professionalism, we need a stable environment that attracts and retains talent, rather than a boardroom defined by grandstanding and personal attacks.

"I am also a firm believer in the future of Reston. My strategy for growth along the Dulles Toll Road Corridor isn't about making demands, it's about collaboration. I will continue to encourage staff to meet with developers to show them the tangible benefits that are a membership brings to their future residents.

"While the apartment owners are the only members permitted to vote for my specific seat, I am here tonight because the decisions we make impact every member of Reston Association. I am here to be a part of this important conversation and to ensure all members understand my vision for our future as we work together to keep Reston a vibrant place to live."

Meet The Candidates

• Georgina Cannan Running In 2026 RA Board Of Directors Election
• John Farrell Running In 2026 RA Board Of Directors Election
• Daton Lynch Running In 2026 RA Board Of Directors Election
• Greg McCandless Running In 2026 RA Board Of Directors Election
• Ramon Pardo Running In 2026 RA Board Of Directors Election