Endorsements...

I am fortunate to have received endorsements for my Candidacy by people from all types of backgrounds. Below is a sample of those endorsements:

Senator Janet Howell

"I have known and worked with Harlon Reece since Herndon became part of the district that I represent. Throughout that time I have known him to be a dedicated and effective member of the Herndon Town Council and an active and hard working community volunteer.  For example, several years ago, I had the honor of speaking at the annual volunteer appreciation night dinner for the Herndon Free Clinic—now the Jeannie Schmidt Free Clinic—an organization that, as the first president, he helped to build.

He is a man who is known for his compassion, his decency, and his quiet resolve and effectiveness. He is a former lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps, and therefore I can say without qualification that he is both an officer and a gentleman.

Because I believe Harlon is uniquely positioned to bring a sense of unity, and community, back to Herndon, it is my pleasure to endorse his candidacy for Mayor of the Town of Herndon."
 

Delegate Ken Plum

"Harlon Reece is a widely respected leader in our region. He serves on the board of directors for the Dulles Area Transportation Association (DATA), the board of directors for the Committee for Dulles, and the advisory board for the Dulles Corridor Rail Association (DCAR) where he is a strong advocate for transportation improvements for Northern Virginia.  I have known Harlon to be a dedicated and effective public servant and that is why I am pleased to endorse Harlon Reece for the next mayor of Herndon."
 

Gerald Connolly, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County

"Fairfax County values its relationship with the Town of Herndon. Herndon needs a strong and experienced leader who can work with the County to accomplish the many mutual goals we share—goals such as preserving parks, providing recreation, and ensuring the highest quality of life for all of our citizens. Harlon Reece is that leader.  I fully support his candidacy for mayor."
 

Joan DuBois (Former Supervisor, Dranesville District)

"For as long as Harlon Reece has lived in the Town of Herndon, it has been his heart and his soul.  You mention a community activity, and you think of Harlon.   If you attend a County-wide event, Harlon is there on behalf of the Town.   Harlon Reece has the experience, knows the issues, and will bring a strong voice of reason to do what is best for the Town and its residents."
 

Michael O’Reilly (Former Mayor of Herndon)

"Our community is in desperate need of strong experienced leadership. We have been needlessly divided. The Town’s relationship with Fairfax County is at an all time low. Harlon Reece is the experienced statesman who can unite our community and lead us forward. I enthusiastically support his candidacy for Mayor of the Town of Herndon. "
 

Rick Thoesen (Former Mayor of Herndon)

"Fellow Herndon Citizens: Like you, I am very interested in a vibrant and unified community. Our town has always depended upon community involvement and responsiveness from our elected mayor and council members to ensure a bright future.

Today, Herndon faces challenging issues we never even contemplated a generation ago. The current economic slow down; setbacks for Rail to Dulles; unsettled downtown development proposals; and a diminished sense of community, will require that our mayor and council utilize our collective experience, wisdom, and integrity to solve these challenges.  That is why I am supporting, and working for, Harlon Reece to be our next Mayor.

Harlon, a member of Town Council for the past eight years, is an involved member of our community. He is active in six service organizations and serves on six Boards, all dedicated to the health and well being of our community. Harlon knows what it is to be a dedicated volunteer and trusted public official, working for a prosperous and hopeful future.

Harlon is a respected community leader with a strong vision for our future, and the strategy to get us there. A retired Marine Officer, Harlon is a dedicated patriot and a man of honor. Harlon has what it takes to jettison the current undertones I personally witness today; undertones of domination rather than consensus building; of arrogance rather than humble servitude; of being more closed than open.

The very strenuous competition in the Dulles Corridor demands that Herndon continues to be progressive and innovative. Beset with a rash of housing foreclosures and needed capital improvements, we must find the financial means to re-invest in our neighborhoods. Given attractive redevelopment opportunities for downtown, we must find consensus and fulfill our downtown goals of nearly two decades.

Yes, we have gone through some turbulent times. Such difficulty is not unusual. But it is time to work together on objectives much broader, and with more serious implications, than the current narrow focus. In short, we must address the big picture, why are we a Town? How can we find common ground to work together for a prosperous future? Our answers lie not only among the seven individuals we elect to Council, but within us all. I am sure Harlon will provide the leadership and personal confidence to reach out and get us working as a community again.

Please join me in supporting Harlon Reece on May 7."
 

Carol Bruce (Former Mayor of Hendon)

"Harlon Reece is uniquely qualified to serve as Herndon’s next mayor. His record of leadership, volunteerism, and service to the community is second to none. He is known and respected throughout the region. But more than that, his dignity, his thoughtful resolve, and his calm and courteous demeanor are exactly what we need in order to move forward and regain our sense of unity, our optimism, and our community pride."
 

John De Noyer (Former Vice Mayor)

"Harlon and I worked together on the Town Council for several years.  He serves in many volunteer organizations that benefit the Town of Herndon and his broad interests and experiences support a sound basis for responsible decisions.  Herndon needs Harlon’s leadership abilities, dedication and conscientious approach.  His understanding of local government purposes and processes makes him THE outstanding candidate for our town’s next mayor."
 

Darryl Smith (Former Vice Mayor)

"Harlon Reece has been a leader in our community and served us for many years.  He has always worked hard, finding the best solutions to very difficult issues.  Mr. Reece cares about all the residents of our town.  He has the know how, history, will, and desire to advance to our community.  We need leadership in Herndon, and we need it now!   Harlon Reece will provide that leadership, that's why my wife Maria and I are supporting Mr. Harlon Reeece for Mayor in this 2008 election.  Join us in selecting our next leader, Harlon Reece, he is proven."    Darryl C. Smith and Maria Smith