Wilde Lake Columbia Association Board Candidates' Survey Responses

Respondents answered the following questions via email. Their responses are here in full.

Tell us about yourself, what do you do, how long have you lived in Columbia?

Regina Clay

I am a mother of two beautiful children, Alisa and Antonio. I have been a resident of Columbia for over 40 years and all that time has been spent in Wilde Lake, growing up in Running Brook and now living in Bryant Woods where my children attend Bryant Woods Elementary School. I attended Running Brook Elementary School. I currently am employed by Howard County Government  serving as a community liaison which enables me to speak directly with Howard County residents about issues of importance to them and was previously employed by the State of Maryland at the Department of Human Services. I have worked in a capacity of assisting the residents who are our most vulnerable, from our aging community to our young people.

Nancy McCord

Currently I am a REALTOR with Long and Foster in Columbia. I have a masters degree and had been a teacher.  I then worked for the Financial Times of London in Washington, DC, for 20 years.  

I've lived in Columbia for 35 years. 

Why are you running for the Columbia Association Board of Directors?

Regina Clay

I am running for the Columbia Association Board of Directors because quite simply, I love Columbia.I want to help to make our shared community even more awesome for today and for the future. I have passion for this community and its people. I love Columbia from its rich history, its present progress and for the potential it has to become an even greater community for our children and grandchildren when it is time for them to raise families here as well as our aging parents and grandparents to age in place. I want to help be a voice to those who have a very strong love of Columbia as I do but may be unable to express it within the public sphere because of their busy private lives.

Nancy McCord

I was disappointed in the disconnect between CA and our village and decided it was time to try to fix it. 

What experience do you have that would (or currently does) make you an effective CA Board member?

Regina Clay

My background in communications, my work with strategic planning and my demonstrated experience collaborating with others, I believe constitutes some of the attributes that make me an effective Board member. I have the ability to communicate not just with elite community members but all community members, which is the vision that Jim Rouse strived for in building this awesome community. Having served in multiple roles with community services organizations, with a focus on strategic planning, has given me an advantage in bringing visions to victory.

Nancy McCord

I have served on the board of two different villages over 6 years so I understand the process and how CA and villages interact.  I have other board experience so I understand my role. I would be ready to hit the ground running.  I would not need a year to get up to speed.  

What do you think are CA’s most pressing issues right now? How do you plan to address them?

Regina Clay

Inner Arbor Plan- I will work with the residents of Wilde Lake to make sure I understand their concerns and that these concerns are effectively communicated with fellow Board members. I will have community input through several different communication strategies to address all residents of Wilde Lake and Columbia at large.

Communication with Residents- Work collaboratively with CA staff and fellow Board members to make sure that all the residents of Wilde Lake and Columbia at large have awareness and the ability to interact with Columbia Association about various projects and initiatives effecting them individually, as a village and as Columbia as a whole

Bike and walkable routes throughout downtown area. Continue to have a voice and make sure the needs of those persons who are interested in keeping the the environment as well their personal health in the best condition have safe places to ride their bikes, run and walk in Columbia.

Nancy McCord

I am in favor of a vibrant Columbia.  I also hope to enjoy our new "Central Park." But I am concerned about CA wanting to separate from the current HOA legislation.  And I'd like to better understand the new 501 c3 that is being established to build the "inner arbor." 

The development of downtown in relation to Wilde lake is a pressing issue. Traffic will become a big issue.  

What has CA done well in your village?  

Regina Clay

CA has done a great job hearing and responding to Wilde Lake's needs as it relates to the  village contingency fund as well as the village assessment share revision. 

CA Board approved additional funding for the Faulkner Ridge Pool in the amount of $75,000 for enhancements.

CA Board also approved funding for renovations of the Slayton House theater stage.

Nancy McCord

The rain gardens are a plus and there is certainly a need for them. Ours is the oldest village and needs some upgrades at our pools and CA facilities.  

What could CA improve in your village?

Regina Clay

CA could improve upon our pathway system in and around Wilde Lake as well as surrounding downtown Columbia, although major improvements have been made in resurfacing and shoring up streambeds in the pathway system leading to Longfellow. The addition of a year 'round public restroom facility should be considered on the property.

Nancy McCord

Communication!!! And how info is communicated.  Not to be a Johnny-one-note, this is a very big issue for Wilde lake.  

Why should voters elect you to CA’s board?

Regina Clay

I have a history of serving on the Board, I  have acquired a great deal of knowledge over the past year, knowledge that I can use to promote the interest of Wilde Lake residents as well as Columbia as a whole. As a homegrown Wilde Lake resident, I hope to have the opportunity to serve my neighbors again and, in doing so, work hard to advance our village and our great community. 

Nancy McCord

I am sensitive to the needs of the community to feel they are heard and respected.  I also hope to help improve the way CA communicates info to the residents.  I have experience, enthusiasm and energy.  I love our community and want to help improve communication.