Community Corner

McLean Day Election Results, A Gathering for Family Fun

Neighbors, Guests, Businesses, Politicians Gather at McLean Day

One of the largest turnouts ever of McLean voters elected incumbents Sean Dunn and Risa Sanders  and newcomer Chad Quinn  to the McLean Community Center Board.

Winning the two youth seats were Christy Meyer, a junior at Langley High School, and Maggie Himpler, a sophomore at Oakcrest School to complete the 11-member board.

Board member  and Elections Community Chair Susan Bourgeois  said more than 800 votes were cast  including absentee ballots.  She said she would give the exact number votes cast at next week's board meeting. No vote totals were given for individual candidates. The votes were counted by members of the League of Women Voters.

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Dunn, Quinn and Sanders were elected to three year terms, while the youth members serve one-year terms.

The election topped off McLean Day  that brought a sea of neighbors and guests, families and teenagers, business people, and politicians to McLean under perfect skies.

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The crowd that surged into Lewinsville Park combined folks speaking English, Spanish and Arabic, teenagers in flip flops and women in saris, politicans looking for voters and kids and parents looking for pony rides and fennel cakes.

"I've been around to all the exhibits and it's wonderful," said Glenn Yarborough, president of McLean Rotary. "Everybody has a smile on their face. Everybody is helpful. It's terrific for community cohesion," he said standing at the Rotary's hot dog stand, a McLean Day institution.

The crowd strolled by booths ranging from the CIA, McLean's largest employer to newly minted businesswoman Danielle Lantonio, there to promote her new "home staging" business.

The CIA booth, though difficult to find, was a popular destination.  "We are here because we are neighbors. We work in McLean and we consider ourselves your neighbors," said Jennifer Youngblood,  CIA deputy  director of public affairs.  She and her colleagues did a brisk business handing out  bags with the CIA emblem and loaded with goodies.

One man said after taking a  bag that is  probably included a tracking device. Youngblood assured him that the CIA doesn't follow the neighbors.

Danielle Lantonio said she was there because: "I wanted to reach a lot of the McLean audience. McLean Day draws in thousands of McLean residents."

Others included new neighbor Burke & Herbert Bank, which opened last week in downtown McLean. Cardinal Bank, Chain Bridge Bank and the Business Bank. Immanuel Presbyterian Church which celebrates it's 50th anniversary this year. McLean Baptist Church. McLean historian Carole Herrick  selling her new book. The DAR. Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, The Kiwanis Club. Dulles Metrorail project. Dream Yoga. Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce. McLean Citizens Association. The Safe Community Coalition.

World War II veteran Marvin Quinn gave out U.S. flags at the American Legion booth."I think people get buried with life and they don't know which country they live in," said Quinn who has lived in McLean for 52 years.

Over in the Keller Williams booth was Kelly Poutz with four-month-old daughter Shelby. "We're here to do some networking and enjoy the fresh air," Kelly said adding they were also looking for people who wanted to buy or sell houses.

The neighbors enjoying a day in the park  included Francis Rubin and son Martin, 5,  munching in the picnic area in the afternoon. "My son was very excited. He said mommy let's go to McLean Day. He has seen the sign at the entrance" because they pass it frequently, she said.

"You wouldn't want to miss out on the fun and the free games," said Elizabeth Alesantrino, 6. Her mom Emily said, "We've come the past two years and I had forgotten" until a neighbor called this morning with a reminder, she said.

Queen Dehghan, of McLean: "I have three kids. It's one of the family  events that has something for every age," she said. "We have come for five years." 

A regiment  of campaign signs greeted those attending McLean Day.  McLean Day for politicians is a like lint to a black jacket. 2011 is an election year. Even candidates who haven't formally announced their candidacies were there.

Candidates like Barbara Favola, a member of the Arlington County board, was  there to introduce herself to McLean voters. She's running in the newly created 31st State Senate District which includes Arlington, McLean, Great Falls and part of southern Loudoun County.

Risa Sanders, a successful  McLean Community Center board member candidate  greeted visitors in a blue and white tee shirt bearing her name.

 Republican candidates included: State Del. Barbara Comstock, state senate candidate Caren Merrick, Dranesville Supervisor candidate Dennis Husch.

Democrats: State Sen. Janet Howell, Dranesville Supervisor John Foust, House of Delegate candidate Pamela Danner, State Senate candidate Barbara Favola.

Incumbent school board candidate Jane Strauss, who will make her formal announcement May 31 and Louise Epstein who had signs up but who has not formally announced that she will run against Strauss.

"Sam organized some great weather for this," said Sean Dunn,  McLean Community Center board, member as he strolled through the crowd basking in the weather-perfect day. He referred to Sam Roberts, director of events for the Community Center.


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