Oakland Mills 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?

Alex Hekimian

I have lived in Oakland Mills for the past 35 years.  I am a civil engineer, with most of my professional experience as a transportation engineer and planner.  I am currently retired.  In previous years, I led a Columbiawide citizens advocacy organization.  I currently serve as the Oakland Mills representative on the Columbia Association Board of Directors.

Julia McCready

I have lived in the Talbott Springs neighborhood of Oakland Mills since 1999. My younger daughter attended Talbott Springs Elementary and is now at Oakland Mills Middle. I have served on my HOA Board, the TSES PTA Communications Committee, as an OM Street Captain, and on the Oakland Mills Village Board.  I participated in the Aquatics Master Plan process. I have blogged on community issues since 2011 at Village Green/Town Squared. I teach Music and Movement to preschoolers with special needs in the Howard County School System. 

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

Alex Hekimian

I am running for re-election because I want to continue to be involved as a strong advocate for residents.  In my opinion, the priorities of Columbia’s residents should come first.  I’m not afraid to question CA, county, and developer proposals when needed.  In doing so, I look out for the interests of residents in making our community the best that it can be. 

Julia McCready

Oakland Mills needs to have a place at the table as Columbia's future is being planned. We need a representative who is willing to negotiate, form partnerships, examine new ideas, and make compromises.  This is what I will do as Columbia Council Representative--participate fully in the process with an open mind,and represent all of the residents of Oakland Mills: children, teens, young adults, young professionals, parents and grandparents. Our differing views and needs should be a part of ongoing conversations about both our day-to-day lives and our plans for the future.

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

Alex Hekimian

I have been actively involved in CA-related issues since 1987, when I helped form a citizens advocacy organization here in Columbia.  I was first elected to the Columbia Council for three years in the late 1990s, and more recently began my second tenure on the Council in 2008.  I communicate on a regular basis with many Columbia residents, especially those who live in Oakland Mills, about important issues in our community.  During the past 26 years as an advocate, I have gained much knowledge and experience about my community, CA, and the village associations, which helps make me effective in understanding Columbia-related issues and weighing various options on behalf of Columbia’s residents.

Julia McCready

Throughout my career I have held positions that involved serving others: library circulation, receptionist, director of admissions, kindergarten and preschool teacher, CA School Aged Services, music teacher for special needs preschoolers.  In every case the most important thing I have done is to communicate goals, assess needs, work to meet them, and review progress.

Through my work in the Village Board, I have learned how to take those skills and apply them to the service of residents in our community. In addition, a desire to work collaboratively and a strong sense of empathy give me motivation to provide the best representation possible. 

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

Alex Hekimian

CA surveys show that outdoor pools are Columbia residents’ highest funding priority.  Having helped convince CA to save the Talbott Springs pool from closure and to upgrade the Talbott Springs and Stevens Forest pools, I will advocate for much-needed upgrades to the Thunder Hill pool as well.

I want to ensure that CA maintains its open space consistent with each neighborhood’s expectations.  I will continue to advocate for retaining all of our tot lots for young families.  I will press the county to operate Blandair Park in ways that will make it a good neighbor with residences nearby.

I want to ensure that new projects, such as in Symphony Woods, are designed in environmentally and fiscally sound ways.  I also look forward during the upcoming year to a CA master plan for serving seniors and helping them age in place in Columbia.

Julia McCready

As Columbia's facilities age, we must rethink our infrastructure as we choose how to use our available funds: to make it sustainable for generations to come, as well as new and exciting for those who have yet to experience what Columbia has to offer. I am willing to approach these choices with an open mind, and form productive partnerships to get the work done.

We must do a better job of educating and involving younger and newer residents about Columbia. If we don't increase a sense of ownership and civic involvement, Columbia won't survive. CA is already putting great effort into this; I will work to connect people with the information they need, and to reach residents in our village who are disconnected from valuable information and resources. 

What has CA done well in your village?

Alex Hekimian

I’m especially pleased that we have a CA-funded Community Organizer for Oakland Mills, Fred Eiland.  He has been a tremendous asset in our village in assisting and mobilizing residents to take an active part in the life our community.  I’m also pleased that CA is upgrading the Stevens Forest pool and will soon be upgading the Talbott Springs pool.  Some CA programs that have been very beneficial to our village’s residents are the reduced daily admission rates at the Talbott Springs pool and swim lessons at a modest price.  

Julia McCready

Residents are excited about improvements to the Stevens Forest Pool. Parents of elementary students love the options of CA before and after school care; the Youth and Teen Center provides valuable programs and a welcoming place for young people who use it. As a member of the Viilage Board I appreciated CA's willingness to send staff to meetings promptly when requests for information were made, and set up community meetings on special topics of interest to residents. CA's funding for a part-time Community Organizer has been a significant contribution. All of us benefit from signature Columbia amenitites such as pools, tot logs, pathways, open space, and Columbia-wide activities such as Lakefest and Dog Day Afternoon.

What could CA improve in your village?

Alex Hekimian

The Thunder Hill pool should be upgraded to make it more appealing to the residents in that neighborhood.  CA’s pathway system is aging and needs some repairs.  The existing pedestrian bridge over US 29, connecting Oakland Mills with Town Center, is intimidating and dangerous and should be replaced by the county, with assistance from CA, with a new proposed bridge that would serve pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.  

Julia McCready

The Community Organizer position should be a full-time position, and it should be available to any village that desires one. We have made a good beginning; we can do more.

Recent work of reforestation and reduction in mowing showed environmental and financial understanding, but a lack of knowledge of the "people" piece of the solution, i.e., how people perceive open space, how they use it, what role it plays it our village. I see the creation of the new Inspire Columbia website as a way CA is trying to improve in this area by actively seeking out the human part of the equation. The proof of its value, however, must be an improvement in how CA works with villages in the future.

Why should voters elect you to CA’s board?

Alex Hekimian

The knowledge and experience that I have gained through the years will continue to make me an effective advocate for residents.  I can relate to and understand the issues that most concern residents.  My expertise as an engineer and planner is especially useful in evaluating the many construction projects that CA proposes and undertakes.  And, since I am retired, I have the time and energy to devote to this important position. 

Julia McCready 

I combine a love of Columbia's history with a clear understanding of today's challenges in the 21st century. As a parent, I see the hopes and dreams of generations other than my own. I worked well with my colleagues on the Oakland Mills Board, and will continue to bring to my all of my work open-mindedness, complete honesty, and respect for others.