Eight McLean tax district residents have qualified to run for seats on the McLean Community Center’s 2013–2014 Governing Board. The board sets policy and provides general oversight for facilities and programs of the center, including the Robert Ames Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Teen Center. The center is located at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.
Residents of Dranesville Small District 1A are eligible to vote during the election. Voting for Governing Board members will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at the McLean Day festival at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road. Residents also may vote by absentee ballot from Monday, April 8, through Wednesday, May 15.
Three adult positions and two youth positions are open this year. The adult candidates who receive the three highest vote counts will serve three-year terms. Youth candidates, one from the McLean High School boundary area and one from the Langley High School boundary area, serve one-year terms. Youth candidates do not have to attend these schools to serve on the board.
Write-in candidates are allowed. Write-in candidates must have at least 10 votes from 10 residents of the center’s tax district in order to have their votes counted. For youth write-in candidates, the 10 votes must come from teens who live within the same high school boundary area as the candidate.
Absentee ballots will be available beginning Monday, April 8. A resident may request an absentee ballot package by phone (703-790-0123, TTY: 711) or email (elections@mcleancenter.org), or may pick one up at the center. Completed ballot packages must be received at the center by close of business (11 p.m.) on Wednesday, May 15.
For more information on the MCC Governing Board Election, call the center at 703-790-0123/TTY: 711, or visit http://bit.ly/Yfc013.
Adult Candidate Personal Statements
Mark A. Behrens: “My experience in McLean bridges
generations. I was raised in McLean (Langley ’83) and returned with my wife to raise our two girls. Professionally, I co-chair a practice group for a national law firm in D.C. and would bring my legal experience to the board. If elected, I will listen to the community to shape programming for diverse ages and interests. I will also ensure that our taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and I will be fiscally responsible. In addition, I will support exploring efforts to revitalize downtown McLean to help our teens and small businesses while preserving our culture.”
Cathlin A. Bowman-Young: “I possess a unique blend of knowledge, skills and attitudes that I believe would be beneficial to the board. I offer a solid business acumen with depth of experience in team leadership and organizational development, revenue growth, partnership development, not-for-profit and for-profit board management, and grant development. I’m also a lifetime resident of McLean, who appreciates the arts, having grown up in an artistic family. I have enjoyed watching the community evolve and am now looking forward to the opportunity to donate my time and talents to such a wonderful organization that is a focal point within the community.”
Kevin Dent: “I’ve been a member of MCC’s Governing Board since May 2007. During that time, I’ve spearheaded efforts to reduce the tax rate paid by the community in support of MCC. In the last five years, we’ve reduced this tax rate by almost 22 percent. I actively worked to provide the McLean community with greater transparency to governing board activities. If re-elected, I intend to focus on four issues: assure MCC provides high-quality programs; assure the ongoing fiscal integrity of MCC; the renovation of MCC’s facility on Ingleside; and continue to explore opportunities for MCC to expand its presence in downtown McLean.”
Dennis Findley: “I’m a 24-year resident of McLean, an architect and widowed father of twin 17-year-old boys. I’ve been an instructor, a class participant and enthusiastic supporter of MCC for years and I now seek your support in joining the board to offer my time and talent to help it thrive into its bright future. I hold a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University and a Master in Architecture from Harvard University. As a special needs parent, I was appointed by former Governor Tim Kaine to the Virginia Board of People with Disabilities in 2009 and re-appointed by Governor McDonnell in 2012.”
Jay Howell: “I’m excited to be a candidate for re-election. My wife Betsy and I have been actively involved in the community since 1985, our three boys attended Fairfax County schools and participated in McLean Youth Sports. I’m self-employed, having formed a government relations consulting firm after 30 years in the public and private sectors. I’ll continue to work in a fiscally responsible manner to improve MCC activities and programs. As program committee chair, I’ve supported programs for seniors and adults with lifelong disabilities. I’ll continue to pursue options for a new downtown facility as well as improvements to our existing facility.”
Marshal J. Hyman: “I began working in McLean in 1975 and have lived, worked and/or played here since. I am currently active in several organizations around McLean; service officer and board member of the McLean American Legion, treasurer and board member of Chesterbrook Residences, Inc., board member of the McLean Orchestra and member of the Rotary Club of Tysons. I enjoy the programs currently available at the community center but feel they can be improved, especially for active seniors. My legal and accounting background can be put to good use with the expansion and remodeling of the facility. Your vote will be appreciated.”
Paul Kohlenberger: “A resident since 1986 and president of the McLean Historical Society, I care deeply about McLean and am actively involved in the community. I’m a local small business owner and happily serve on the boards of Friends of Pleasant Grove, McLean & Great Falls Celebrate Virginia, and the alumni association of The Potomac School. MCC is a catalyst for engagement within McLean, one from which I have personally benefited for 25 years. I would be honored to have the opportunity to protect and extend the wonderful legacy of the MCC in a fair-minded manner. I respectfully ask for your support.”
Youth Candidate—McLean High School area
Steven Pardo: “I’m a freshman at McLean High and am running for the student position on the board. I was born and raised in McLean and MCC has played a significant role in my life. As a child, I took computer, cooking and art classes and participated in summer camps. In middle school, I went to the Old Firehouse and participated in school break trips. For four years, I’ve been a cast member in Alden Theatre’s productions. MCC plays a valuable role for youth in our community and I’m interested in serving on the board to maintain and broaden its quality programs.”
No petitions were submitted for the Langley High School Boundary Area.