Concerned about the Village today and in the future? Are schools, traffic relief and maintaining our environment important to you? Do you have something to say about these and other issues? Why not do something for yourself and your community?

In March, three candidates will be elected by the members (homeowners) of the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) to serve three-year terms on the nine member Board of Directors. The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month in the North Creek Board Room. These meetings are open to all residents for their ideas, input and support.

The Montgomery Village Foundation provides overall governance to the Village. It interacts with government agencies and oversees proposals for development or legislation affecting the Village. The MVF has two major responsibilities as outlined in its legal documents. First, MVF has responsibility for management and maintenance of MVF owned properties. These include MVF-owned recreational areas and facilities such as parks, lakes, ponds, tennis courts and community centers.

Second, the MVF, through the Architectural Review Board, provides guidelines and restrictions on architectural changes with the objective of helping to maintain Village property values.

Who can run for the Board?
All interested applicants who are owners or residents of residential property in Montgomery Village are welcomed to apply. MVF urges residents to share their skills, views and energies by participating in Village governance. The Nominating Committee reviews all applications for nomination and considers applicants based on a number of factors including, but not limited to the following:
•    Status as residential property owner or resident
•    Length of residency in Montgomery Village
•    Previous participation in community affairs
•    Academic, professional, or practical experience in such areas as finance, engineering, administration or law, which would assist in the management of a community association. Of course, a candidate must be in good standing with MVF and not in sustained violation of any MVF covenant, architectural standard or rule, and current in assessments.
•    18 years of age or above

How do I run for MVF office?
It's easy. MVF has made it simple for candidates to serve the community without running an expensive political campaign. Space is reserved in the Village News for candidate statements, along with photos, so residents can get to know the candidates and their views. Also, the Election Committee runs a Candidates' Forum and two "Meet the Candidates" events where candidates can talk with fellow residents one-on-one about issues of importance. The Foundation provides equal opportunities through the Village News, the Meet the Candidates events, and specially prepared Candidate Statements which are forwarded to all Village homeowners with their ballots.

That's all there is to it! Let's hear from you!
You can find the application on the MVF website, or drop by the MVF Office, 10120 Apple Ridge Road, beginning Friday, Nov. 20, and pick up an application form and instructions. You can return your application by mail, fax, e-mail or in person, for forwarding to the MVF Nominating Committee. Nominations close at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2016.