Hunter Mill District (and other Fairfax County) residents missed a great opportunity to learn the facts about the County’s budget process and outlook if they didn’t attend March 4 Hunter Mill District Community Summit at the Frying Pan Park visitor’s center. This annual event sponsored by Supervisor Cathy Hudgins and presented by County and Schools budget officers is a good way for Reston and Vienna area residents to learn about the costs and outlook for public services that they need and want. While the attendance this year was “OK,” it could have been much better. It seems that too many people take every opportunity to complain about taxes and government services and decisions without taking the time to find out the facts that result in them. Actually, Fairfax County government takes extraordinary efforts to communicate with its residents—who don’t seem to do their part to receive the information.
If citizens had taken the time last year to learn about the County’s budget and financial situation and the extent to which its hands are tied by Virginia law, they likely would not have defeated the proposed meals tax in November. The lack of understanding based on many public comments and letters to the editor was evident. It is also evident that many of those complaining about the Reston Service District for transportation have not taken the time to look at the County Budget’s presentation of transportation costs and funding. Granted, it would be easier to do if there was some sort of overview summary or table (which I have suggested) but the budget does group many of the separate funds which support transportation together in one section. Be aware that pinpointing, reading and understanding the material does take some time, and wouldn’t it be easier to attend some of the community meetings where you could ask for such a presentation? Lacking that, the County provides a boatload of information on its budget website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/. Inform yourself and then attend one of the public hearing sessions in early April.
Therese Martin
Reston