Alcorn Named Citizen of the Year, Connection Newspapers, March 28, 2012

Planning Commissioner recognized by Federation of Citizens Associations.

From left, Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations President Tania Hossain, Walter Alcorn of the Fairfax County Planning Commission, his wife Kristina, daughter Delia and former Board of Supervisors Chair Katherine Hanley. Alcorn was awarded the federation’s Citizen of the Year award Sunday, March 25. Photo by Alex McVeigh.

McLean — The Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations named their Citizen of the Year Sunday, March 25, recognizing county Planning Commissioner Walter Alcorn for more than a decade of service on the commission.

First appointed in 1996, Alcorn has served as both Parliamentarian and Vice Chairman. He also served as chair for the Tysons Corner Committee since its founding in 2008.

"The future of Northern Virginia depends on whether we get [Tysons Corner] right. The commercial base is here, the tax base is here," said Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11). "There are legitimate concerns in neighboring Vienna and McLean, particularly in the surrounding neighborhoods. But Walter made sure all those concerns were respected and heard."

Former Board of Supervisors Chair Katherine Hanley called Alcorn’s work vital to the county.

"He has done a wonderful job of being part of this community, and being sure he ensures the future of that community," she said. "We need people like Walter to bring us together and move us forward."

Besides Restonian Walter Alcorn earning this much-deserved award, three other Fairfax citizens received "Citation of Merit" awards and a "Special Gratitude" award to a long-serving member of the County Planning Commission.  The following are excerpts about their awards:

 (Ellie)  Ashford (Citation of Merit Award winner) created the Annandale Blog three years ago, and it has since become a go-to source for news about not only Annandale, but the Mason District.

"She has guts, perseverance and stamina to cover the good, the bad and the ugly of the Mason District," said Mollie Loeffler, who nominated Ashford. "She helped create a dialogue that is very much needed."

Ashford said she wasn’t sure what to expect when starting the blog, but that she has gained a greater understanding of the area around her, as well as county processes.

 (Corazon) Foley (Citation of Merit Award) was recognized for founding the Burke-West Springfield Senior Center Without Walls, which provides affordable activities for more than 450 local seniors. A public-private partnership, the center receives donations and contributions from many local businesses and is staffed by more than 30 volunteers.

"She is a force of nature. There is nothing Cora can’t do," said Linda Byrne, who presented Foley with her award.

Foley said she decided to get involved after her retirement, when she found out the Springfield District was the only one without a senior center.

(Terry) Maynard (Citation of Merit Award) currently serves on the board of directors of the Reston Citizens Association, and is a former co-chair of their Reston 2020 Committee. He has authored numerous papers from Reston 2020, and maintains their blog, which discusses development issues.

"He has used his native ability and 30 years of experience as an analyst for the CIA to the direct benefit of Reston," said Tammie Petrine, co-chair of Reston 2020. "Terry’s responses to questions and problems are organized, assertive but not off-putting and all of his comments and answers are always followed up by rational logic."

Maynard dedicated his award to his fellow association members.

"This award is for the people of Reston 2020 and the Reston Citizens Association, who have made quality of life in Reston the driving issue of this decade," he said. "It’s not about any one particular thing we’re looking for, it’s about the whole community."

The federation also handed out a special gratitude award to Suzanne Harsel, who served 29 years on the Planning Commission, the longest ever recorded span of continuous service on the commission.

Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova called Harsel "the constant in my political life" and credited her with many of the changes that happened in the Braddock District when she was supervisor there.

Del. David Bulova (D-37) echoed his mother’s sentiments.

"All you have to do is drive around Braddock District to understand the good work and impact she has had," he said. "You could drive around the entire county and see it."

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