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![]() A year ago my husband was convinced to run for a position on our HOA's Board of Directors.
He was elected, which pleased and surprised him. His fellow board members proved to be a great group with smart ideas to improve the resort they all love as well as to lower HOA dues. Seemed like a doable thing. A no brainer. Then reality hit them in the side of the head - blindsiding them. It isn't just a matter of attending a meeting, making reasonable informed decisions. It is homeowners with their own agenda. It is calls at 10 pm complaining that security didn't close the gate. It is demands that 'my condo' be given special treatment as I voted for you - because I'm your friend - because I deserve special treatment, a sense of entitlement. Then you have the people that use threats, their favorite being 'I'll sue'. And it is letting an employee go that you like as a friend It is long - unpaid - hours. It is trying to balance what is good for one homeowner against the good of the majority. It is knowing the cost of something and knowing you have to turn down the majority - or increase their dues, which no one wants except the guy who has so much money in the bank that he doesn't even consider that not everyone is in his position. And there is the ever present, 'You're doing a good job BUT' That favorite 'BUT'. Why does anyone do it? Why do they take the abuse flung their way, the problems that constantly crop up that have to be attended to, of knowing things that others do not know and can't know because of legal implications. Is it simply a matter of pride. 'I started this and I'm damn well going to finish it.' Is it the strong, compelling reason that one simply wants to help their neighbors? The next time you start to complain, to demand what is due you, to add a 'BUT' stop and think about how much that Board Member does accomplish. And maybe you'll simply say, 'Great job.' and not add a 'but'.
1 Comment
Sheila Zieglowsky
8/23/2012 08:21:37 am
Julie, my next comment would be, "If you don't like the job I am doing, then you should run for the job yourself."
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AuthorA confirmed beach bum, lover of kids & animals, and a committed a chaser of family history & relatives. Archives
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