County supervisor to hold online discussion with students

Supervisor John Cook will hold an online discussion with students on March 7 (photo courtesy of Fairfax County).

George Mason University’s representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will hold an online discussion with students through Mason’s subreddit.

John Cook, who was first elected to the board of supervisors in 2009, will answer students’ questions on March 7, between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

“Getting students to come to a traditional town hall isn’t easy. If I were them, I wouldn’t come either,” Cook said in a press release. “Reddit gives us an opportunity to make it easier for them to connect with their local government.”

The discussion is being hosted on Mason’s subreddit, a specific community of Mason students on the popular news and entertainment website, Reddit.com. The website frequently holds “Ask Me Anything” sessions, where different political and cultural figures answer readers’ questions.

This is not the first time an online discussion has been hosted by Mason’s subreddit. Earlier this semester, Josh Cantor, director of parking and transportation, fielded questions about the high costs of parking and future plans for expansion.

“I want Mason students to get to know who I am and what I can do for them. This AMA is one way to start that discussion,” said Cook. “George Mason is an incredibly important part of Braddock District. GMU’s campus brings culture and energy to all residents, and I want students to know how much we value them as neighbors. ”