Shaping Up the MWAA Board

Delegate Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum

Recently I attended a briefing for elected officials arranged by Congressmen Connolly and Wolf on the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) Office of Inspector General's (OIG) review of the management and governance of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) as had been requested by Congressman Wolf.  Such a periodic review is desirable because MWAA was created by an Act of Congress that established a compact between Virginia and the District of Columbia to operate Dulles International Airport, Ronald Reagan National Airport, the Dulles Toll Road, and construction of the Silver Line.  MWAA serves multiple masters, and an independent review of its operations is important for all stakeholders and the region.  The decisions made by the MWAA Board of Directors have a great impact on many people in the region.

Since MWAA undertook responsibility for the two airports in 1986, it has advanced the level of air service immeasurably.  An undersized and outdated terminal at Reagan National was replaced with a sleek, modern, and efficient terminal.  The iconic Terminal at Dulles designed by Eero Saarinen was tripled in size while maintaining its historic design.  Transport buses that must have seemed modern and efficient when they were introduced have for the most part been replaced with an underground people-mover system.  The success of MWAA in handling large contracts suggested it as being able to supervise and construct the Silver Line in the Dulles Corridor.  Phase I will be open within less than a year and a half.  The financing plan for Phase II is now being negotiated.  The Commonwealth of Virginia did not have the capacity to manage such a large project without the help of MWAA.

One of the findings of the OIG review to date of projected toll revenues is that they appear reasonable.  Some had predicted much greater toll increases than are likely or necessary.  The interim review raises questions about actions taken by some MWAA board members.  As described in the interim report, a few members have shown very poor judgment.  Policies and procedures need to be tightened to ensure that actions of a few do not distract from the good work done by so many others.  With the very different masters MWAA has in the federal government, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is imperative that the MWAA Board adopt the most stringent policies on transparency, procurement, and conflicts of interest of any of its three masters in order to show good faith as stewards of public funds.

We cannot let the actions of a few Board members take away from the good work of many.  The MWAA Board needs to shape up itself and maintain public confidence.  The work of its staff on the two airport terminals and on Phase I certainly has the admiration of many of us.

Attend Ken's Public Meeting on June 5

Delegate Ken Plum and Senator Janet Howell will host a Public Meeting on Tuesday, June 5, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Reston Community Center at Hunters Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston.  Find out what new laws go into effect on July 1.  Learn what got funded and what didn't in the Commonwealth's two-year spending plan.  This event is free and open to the public; all are welcome.

Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Ends Tomorrow

You can still save money today and tomorrow on the purchase of many useful items during Virginia's Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday ending May 31.  Stock up on supplies for protecting your home and business during hurricane and flooding season.  You can  also add items to your family's emergency supply kit.  Retail outlets have information about the tax holiday.  For more information, go to www.tax.virginia.gov.  For information about getting ready for hurricane and flooding season in Virginia, go to www.ReadyVirginia.gov.

Park Authority Taking Nominations for Elly Doyle Award

Neighborhood parks are filled with visitors, RECenters are busy , and lakefronts and historic sites are attracting thousands of guests in Fairfax County.  This means that peak park usage time has arrived and now, more than ever, Park Authority volunteers are hard at work, toiling side by side with park staff members.  Fairfax County depends on volunteers to power our parks, and this is a great time to say thanks for the hard work.  The Elly Doyle Park Service Award was established by the Park Authority in 1988 in recognition of former Park Authority Board member Ellamae (Elly) Doyle's years of outstanding service toward the preservation of parkland, natural areas, and recreational facilities.  There is no better way to say thank you for volunteer service than through a nomination for an Elly Doyle Park Service Award.  Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/2012doylenom.htm for information about the award, the nomination form, and the address to mail your nomination form.  Nominations are due by June 22. 

Election Officers Needed from our Young Adult Community

Fairfax County needs dependable and committed young adults to serve as election officers on Election Day.  Qualifications include being a registered voter of the Commonwealth of Virginia and availability to work the entire day on Election Day.  Serving as an election officer is a rewarding way to participate in your government and ensure a fair and well-organized voting process.  More information is at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections.