Comment on Sept 9

Homeowers must keep in mind that you get what you elect. This past election had to go three rounds before the election was official. If there is not a quorum (51%)at election date, the required quorum is cut in half each month. This required quorum reduction will continue each month. The last election was determined by about 13% of the homeowners.If the voters assign their proxy's to the board, the board will use the proxys to re-elect themselves.The most powerful tool homeowners have in controlling the HOA is through the election process. If the homeowners what to conrol the HOA, they must first control the elections.The board members that originally approved the installation of the gated community were not re-elected. The guard shack committe chairperson was one of those board members.Since the entire association, not just the gated homes, voted in the general election these board members were voted off in the two elections that succeeded the gate installation.There was never a clear and decisive vote count that led up to the final gate decision. Votes were collected and kept secret at the management company's office. The vote time limit was extended at least two additional times. And the final vote counting exercise was not done in a public forum, or at a HOA meeting.Board members have a obligation to be open with the homeowners, but homeowners have an obligation to be vigilant as well.
September 9, 2008 4:20 PM