Candidate: Shiv Khanna
email: snkhanna@vcu.edu
How long have you lived in Woodlake? 40 years
Where did you move from? Europe, Boston
What other activities or groups are you involved in at Woodlake or outside of Woodlake?
Served as a secretary for Hindu Center Of Virginia chairman of physics department in VCU
6 Questions Asked of Each Board Candidate:
1. How do you describe Woodlake to other people?
I moved to woodlake almost 40 years ago ( at that time there were only a handful of houses) and it has been a great experience. Woodlake hasa great community aspect, people knowing each other, helping each other in times of need, and most importantly, our children grew together with other children. To further enhance community life, the Woodlake association used to have neighborhood parties. The other unique aspect isthe quality of life. Be it be the walks on the lake or having boat rides, enjoying the natural beauty and so on. As Woodlake used to advertise inearly 90’s, it is a place where the life is as it should be. The facilities like Woodlake Swim and Racket Club further add to the life in Woodlake.
2. What do you consider to be the primary functions and responsibilities of the Board of Directors?
While woodlake is an ideal place, I still think that BOD has important roles to play. How do we make sure that we keep it as it was supposed tobe. How do we spend the money to enhance the facilities? This includes maintaining staff to respond to the needs of the community. How do we ensure that the surroundings are kept nice and clean? In this regard, there are problems that need to be addressed. In my own neighborhood, there are houses that have trash lying on the outside since several months. There are trees that have fallen and need to be removed. How do we ensure that people do not change the outside without ensuring that it does not decrease the value of the properties. Icould go on.
3. What personal characteristics/skills do you possess that you believe will enhance the performance of the Board?
I have served on Board of Directors of the Hindu Center of Virginia and was the Chairman of the Festival of India for three years. On my professional side, I retired from VCU almost three years ago after having been a Distinguished Professor of Physics and having been Chairman of the Physics Department for six years. As Chair, I not only evaluated the faculty, but was responsible for budget of several millions. I have served on the advisory Board of several dozen international conferences and have given invited presentations at more than 350 national and international conferences.
4. What is your experience, attendance, and/or participation in board and/or committee meetings at Woodlake?
I did not have the time to serve on any committees in Woodlake.
5. What do you feel are the main issues and/or concerns confronting Woodlake over the next 3 to 5 years.
I have not served on the board and am not aware of the problems facing BOD. As in any board, the most important task is how the money is spend to enhance the quality of life and make Woodlake great place to live.
6. Residents have expressed concern over the upkeep and conditions of Woodlake Community common and/or open space as designed under the master plan. As a candidate, do you have a vision, or can you share your thoughts on this topic?
As I pointed out above, this should be one of the main tasks. One must realize that we have a limited pool of money and unless everybody agrees to raise the dues, the BOD has to make priorities.