Senior Corner – Octoberfest Buffet
Eileen Avrich
POCONO MOUNTAIN SENIORS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2012
Octoberfest Buffet at Woodloch Pines, Inc.
11:00 Arrival at The Inn
Complimentary Coffee, Tea & Homemade Sweet Breads
12:15pm Luncheon
COLD SELECTIONS
Beerwurst, Bloodwurst, Head Cheese, Hard Salami, Bologna, Liverwurst
Onions, Sliced Tomatoes, Cheese Chunks & Grape Bunches, Cucumber &
Onion Salad, Sliced Melon, Creamed & Plain Herring, Green & Black Olives,
Pickles, Fruited Jello Molds, Fruit Salad, Applesauce,Cole Slaw, Homemade
Bread Selection
HOT SELECTIONS
Grilled Bratwurst, Boiled Knockwurst on Rolls, Sauerbraten w/Gravy, Potato
Pancakes, Spaetzle, Red Cabbage, German Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Honey
Sesame Roast Pork Tenderloin Carving Station
DESSERT
Warm Apple Strudel a la mode
1:30pm Boat Rides
2:15pm German Band & Dancing
3:00pm Bingo
4:00pm Departure
12:00pm to 4:00pm Complimentary Beer & Wine
Total Cost Per Person $60.00
Deposite $25.00 Per Person Non Refundable
Deposite Due Sept 6 2012
Final Payment Oct 4 2012
Total Cost Includes Transportation & All Graturities
Contact Betty & Peter Stefura
570-839-8172
Agenda for the Aug. 25th Annual Meeting
Update: (8/21/12): There has been an issue raised about the legality of this agenda based on our Bylaws, Article VIII, Section 6. We will publish an updated agenda if and when we receive one. Also, we would like to remind ELA members that registration for voting is between 9:30 and 11 am and only registered members will be allowed to vote.
August 25, 2012
Welcome to the 36TH Annual Meeting of the Association for 2012
ORDER OF BUSINESS
Running from the Floor? Please bring nominating petitions to the Judge-of-Elections!
1. Call to Order – 11:00 a.m. – Pledge of Allegiance / Introductions (Al Leslie, President of the Board of Directors)
2. Re-state the Annual Meeting agenda – vote for By-Law changes – election of three (3) Directors
3. Approve minutes of August 27, 2011
4. Explanation of ballots – Maryann O’Leary, Chairman of Elections Committee (re-state procedure for running from floor)
5. Meeting Ground Rules:
a. Robert’s Rules of Order and By-Laws govern;
b. Three (3) minutes will be allowed for each Board candidate and candidates running from the floor.
6. Assign Sergeant-at-Arms
7. Intro of Candidates (including from floor candidates) – Dale Wash, Chair, Nominating Comm.
8. Candidates Statement (3 minutes max. each)
9. Explanation of voting instructions – Carmen Brodnax, Judge-of-Elections
10. Opening of polls for Directors & By-Law Changes
11. Voting – Board of Directors & By-Law Changes
12. Manager’s Report (Allen Roth)
13. Financial Report – Earl Frank, Treasurer
14. Raymond Zavada, CPA – annual audit
15. George Hludzik, Esq. – collections
16. Presentation of Awards
17. Q&A – General Membership
a. Voting members must rise, give their name and lot number and be recognized before speaking;
b. Two (2) minutes allotted to each speaker (total of 4 speakers per issue during the Q&A)
18. VOTING Results
19. Announcements / Adjournment
Ready for Some Shenanigans?
Lola Lauri
Searching for some food and fun last weekend led Bob and I over to Shenanigans (on Lake Harmony Rd, off Rt 903). This place is always a fun mix of locals and tourists looking for an evening out. We walked in at 8:00, just as the family dinner hour was ending, and the more “mature” audiences had not yet arrived. Early evenings see families and groups of vacationers, eating on the deck out front or in the booths inside the sun room that affords a lovely view of the sky and the woods across the street. Inside, the eclectic décor includes etched glass art deco mirrors, street signs from around the country, lots of televisions for the sports fans, and two full-sized classic Schwinn bicycles hanging from the ceiling.
Just a few steps up from the entrance is the etched glass and wood-framed stage, graced on either side with life-sized statues of the Blues Brothers. This stage overlooks the large bar area. Doug and Richard are behind the bar, and they really know how to take care of the customers. Ask Richard for his chocolate martini, it’s delicious and packs a wallop! We decided to eat at the bar, where a few customers were drinking and waiting for the evening festivities to begin.
The menu has a wide variety of choices, from burgers and sandwiches to steak and seafood dinners. Bob chose the French dip, which comes on a large, soft roll with homemade potato chips on the side. I had the crab cake dinner with mashed potatoes and a surprisingly yummy combination of snow peas and roasted red peppers. The crab cakes are firm and crispy and arrive drizzled with a lemon horseradish sauce that gives them just the right amount of zing. If you don’t have a large appetite, order the crab cake sandwich instead; the dinner was too much for me to finish. Friendly folks around the bar were enjoying other dishes and they told us you might want to try the seared tuna, or the Yuengling Lager pot roast, too.
At 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays there is karaoke at Shenanigans, and the host will tell you “Karaoke is Japanese for tone deaf,” so go ahead and take a turn. There are a couple of song books floating around, but if you want a song, just ask for it; they seem to have most everything. The crowd seems equally pleased with the latest Rhianna song as they are with old Sinatra classics. On this night, there was a bachelorette party sitting at the high-top tables by the stage, and these girls were having a blast singing together. Bob sang “You and I” from Alice Cooper, and I did a terrible version of “Walk Like an Egyptian” from The Bangles, but it was a forgiving crowd and I got rousing cheers on the way back to my seat anyway.
Wander up the stairs to the right of the stage and you will come to the entrance to Boomer’s Nightclub. (There is also a separate entrance around the side of the building.) While the front room is an upscale bar and restaurant, the nightclub is a bit run-down. The fixtures (especially the bathrooms) are dated and worn, probably because of the rowdier and younger crowd that hangs out in here. With a black-and-white checkered floor and shiny chrome-colored barstools, the 50’s diner-style room pulses with colored lights and loud music. Smoking is allowed in the nightclub, so you may want to leave your coat in the car before the dancing begins. We wandered in at about 11 o’clock and the old-fashioned jukebox was playing not-so-old-fashioned tunes. We ordered drinks (plastic cups only, here in the back) and admired the Poconos-classic heart-shaped hot tub sunken in the wall behind the bar. Above the dance floor and around the back of the room is a 5-foot tall statue of Marilyn Monroe, her iconic white dress frozen in a permanent updraft. Soon enough, a DJ began playing, and the dance floor filled up with a nice crowd. When we had our fill of dancing, we moved further back and played a couple of games of pool before calling it a night.
Shenanigans really does have something for everyone, and everything that Bob and I needed for a fun night out.
A Turn in the Barrel
Opinion
by Buz Whelan
Combative. That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think back on the Town Hall Meeting of Saturday, August 11. The subject was by-laws, specifically a group of revisions and amendments intended to modernize and streamline our antiquated, cumbersome and even contradictive current document. You would have thought we were unveiling plans to load people onto freight cars and ship them to ‘resettlement’ camps. I can only hope that the attendees at the meeting are not a representative sample of those who will attend and vote at the Annual Meeting on the 25th.
I’ve never quite come to grips with why people who attend our most important meetings, Town Hall, Special and Annual, are so angry with their elected officials and others who try to work to improve the community. If you’ve never been on the dais at one of these meetings, it may be difficult to grasp the depth of contempt and distrust attendees have for whoever is putting on the presentation. Many are repeaters, ones you can count on to raise the same standard objections at meeting after meeting. The best example would probably be David Pope. David’s complaint is always the same: you’re not prepared; you don’t have a plan. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard these same tired, clichéd rants. It’s all so disingenuous.
David was invited by me on no fewer than three occasions going back to February to help with the preparations. Evidently he had other priorities. Yet, there he was, fuming and fussing and saying that it was obvious we were unprepared. He went further. He went on about how we only had a financial plan, but no physical one. (I didn’t get it either.)
Now, David sits on the Finance and Planning Committee. He is well aware that we c
ommissioned a reserve study by the Kipcon Engineering Co. He is well aware that we on the committee agreed unanimously (see, that includes David) to wait for the final document from Kipcon to use as an important source document in the preparation of a comprehensive 5-year plan. To bluster on about there not being a plan in place was intellectually dishonest. But Mr. Pope has been at this for a very long time. I wrote about this very thing in my Sept. ’09 President’s Message. As a candidate running for the board in 1998, Mr. Pope wrote in the Emerald News that the most pressing problem facing the community was the lack of a long range plan. If elected, he would make it his number one priority to develop such a plan. And still we wait.
There seemed to be great confusion regarding the amendment that would allow some form of mail-in balloting. The major complaint was that it was not specific or detailed enough. But the purpose of the amendment was not to prescribe the precise manner of voting but rather to remove the argument that our by-laws forbid any form of mail or absentee voting. Once that hurdle is overcome, a 
satisfactory method could be developed. To present a detailed plan is to invite those who may support the concept of non-attendee voting to object to a particular detail, thus making the passage of the amendment that much more difficult. The more the presenters tried to explain this, the angrier and louder the protests became. I can only hope that those who come to the Annual Meeting are a little more open-minded about this proposal.
Then there was the usual hand-wringing over the dastardly plot to tie Emerald Lakes finances to the area economy through a cost-of-living escalator. No one could claim the proposal wasn’t detailed. We would use Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics data, published online. Anyone could check it; there could be no fudging. We specified the quad-state (NY, NJ, Pa, Conn) Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is published monthly. We specified the figures presented for the previous calendar year, published mid-January would be our standard. We made it clear that the board could not, on its own, change this. We capped it at 4%. We explained that this would ensure that the purchasing power of our total income would remain constant, that it would greatly facilitate long-range planning, and that the ugly politics that characterize our dues increase meetings would be eliminated. It was all in vain.
One major objection was that dues amount was the only control the membership has on the board. But that’s just the problem, isn’t it? Time after time, people who have no idea how our association finances work get to decide how much we need to run this complex organization. They throw platitudes at the board saying, “Tighten your belts,” and, “Make the same sacrifices we have to make.” Silly stuff like that. They have no clue that for at least 10 years we’ve been existing on deferred maintenance, cancelled programs and scheduling cutbacks. There is no fat left in our budget. We are down to cutting meat and bone. But those who rail the loudest don’t know or understand this, so they cheer each other’s ignorance. So, little by little the community deteriorates, and with that go your property values.
I’ve worked, along with others, on the by-law revisions and amendments for 33 months. Everybody involved, at least in my judgment, wanted to do this for the betterment of our community. The response so far has been incredibly negative, as if those who protest believe there is true evil afoot. There was even a complaint that the amendments don’t appear until the end of the document, suggesting we are trying to hide them. Can you imagine? (Okay guys, let’s put them on the last page so no one sees them.) How absurd. Has any one of these folks ever read a constitution? First, you have a statement of purpose. Then you have the body of the constitution, how things are arranged and actions carried out. Lastly, you have the amendments. But don’t take my word for it; read the United States Constitution. Look for the amendments. There are 27 of them. And they come at the end.
Senior Corner – Safe Driving After 55
Eileen Avrich
As we age, our insurance costs often increase, regardless of our driving record. To protect yourself and others on the road, and to keep your premiums down, PennDOT suggests you consider the following:
- Have regular eye and medical exams. Both near and distance vision is needed to drive safely. Also, know your medications. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can make you drowsy and affect your driving.
- Consider, reducing driving at night, dusk or dawn. Visibility is more difficult at this time; aging eyes are more sensitive to bright light or glare. Try to avoid looking directly into headlights of approaching vehicles.
- Mirrors – make sure they are properly adjusted.
- Plan ahead and know your route. Try to stay on familiar roads.
- Avoid difficult driving conditions if at all possible. Rush hour, left turns, driving at night and driving in bad weather can make driving more complicated.
- Avoid distractions while driving, such as eating or cell phone use.
- ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELTS
Under Pennsylvania law, you may be entitled to a discount (discount may vary per insurance company) on your auto insurance policy if youare 55 or older and have completed a driver improvement course approved by PennDOT.
The following organizations have approved courses:
- AAA – for info on class availability call your local chapter.
- AARP – We will be having a two day course in the fall (date/time TBA) for Emerald Lakes Members, contact Eileen at 570-643-2917 to sign up. For other locations and places call 888-227-7669 or write to AARP- Pennsylvania, 225 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
- Seniors for Safe Driving – call for availability, 800-559-4880
Mail-in Balloting Will NOT Pass
Opinion
Lola Lauri
Mail-in balloting is one of the items on the agenda at this year’s annual meeting. It will not pass. It’s a shame, because it is the only way that many of our members would be able to voice their opinions about the direction of our community. Right now, if you can’t make the annual meeting, you can’t vote. And that is the way it will stay.
Many members have voiced the desire to have the option of mail-in balloting added to our bylaws. Many people were outraged when the hurricane warnings and flooding kept them from attending last year’s meeting. Vacationers spoke up. Commuters who are exhausted and busy on Saturday mornings spoke up. People who work on the weekends, part timers, and anyone who had obligations on that Saturday morning last August, called for mail-in balloting.
This is not the first time the idea of mail-in balloting has come up. It has been defeated before because it is almost impossible to change the bylaws, and this particular set of bylaws requires that the people who can’t or won’t come to meetings must show up and vote. Also, they have to show up in huge numbers, because the bylaws themselves require a two-thirds majority of the vote to make a change. So, for every person that goes to meetings, likes the way things are, and doesn’t want the change, TWO people have to be there to vote for the change. In other words, a “yes” vote is only worth half of a “no”.
Many people think that mail-in balloting makes sense. It seems really simple. You buy a property, you should get a vote. Every homeowner should get a vote, right? You pay the same dues, you pay your taxes, you own the property, therefore you should get to vote. Seems like a no-brainer. Many people think the measure will pass, because who would be against it? Who would be against the member who works on Saturday and can’t get to the annual meeting? Who would be against the single mother who chooses her child’s ballgame instead of an annual meeting? Who would be against the people who have vacations in August and won’t be in town? Who could be against the member who simply can’t stand the screaming and posturing that spill out at every annual meeting?
Well, someone, obviously. Actually, a lot of someones. Several were at last Saturday’s Town Hall meeting. They will vote against it because they think that if you don’t go to meetings, you can’t be well-informed enough to vote. They will vote against it because they think that if you are not a full-time resident, you should not have a say in what goes on here. They will vote against it because they are afraid you will spend all their money on programs for your children. They will vote against it because they refuse to vote for anything until their roads are paved. And they will vote against it because it means that they won’t be able to do an end run around the election process by running from the floor anymore. And they WILL show up to vote against it.
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is a story that warns about dangers to the environment. The Lorax holds the very last Truffula tree seed. He entrusts it to a young boy with the word “unless”. This year’s annual meeting is our last Truffula seed, and the bylaws changes will not pass. The same faces will hold our community to standards that didn’t even make sense when they were created decades ago. The same circus-like meetings will embarrass our community. The same people will be shut out of making changes in our community that will benefit more than just the small group in charge. Unless…
On the morning of August 25th, at the Pocono Mountain West High School, there have to be twice as many people voting for this change than voting against it or it will not pass.
Town Hall Meeting To Discuss the Proposed Bylaws Revisions
Lola Lauri
On Saturday, August 11th, there was a Town Hall meeting held at the Community Center to discuss the proposed changes to the bylaws that will be voted on at the annual meeting on August 25th. President Al Leslie opened the meeting by stating that he believes that “we must continuously update our bylaws to remain current” and that these changes were the result of hundreds of man-hours of work put in by the members of the bylaws committee. He told the audience that there would be no discussion of these matters at the annual meeting at all.
In addition to voting for the 3 open positions on the board, there will be 4 separate votes relating to the bylaws. The first of the four will be a group of 36 revisions that were deemed “non-controversial or cosmetic” or that “reflect the way that we already do business” by the committee. The other votes relate to three separate amendments that propose more substantial changes to our bylaws. Each of these matters will be voted on separately by the membership.
Vote on changes to the bylaws
The first presenter from the committee was Buz Whelan, and he spoke about the 36 revisions that were grouped together for a vote. He highlighted three of the changes in his discussion and described the reasoning behind each of them.
- Article 2 of our bylaws contains the association’s Statement of Purpose. Buz described the original statement as an “English teacher’s nightmare” that is so long and rambling that by the time one gets to the end, he or she has forgotten where the sentence began. The committee went back to the original association charter and used the Statement of Purpose from that document instead.
- The second revision discussed relates to conflicting requirements contained in our current bylaws. Currently the bylaws mandate that the budget be presented for review to the membership at the annual meeting in August, before it is passed. In another place, the bylaws require the budget to be completed before the beginning of the fiscal year, which is May 1st. The committee chose to resolve this by changing the bylaws to require that the budget be made available to the membership for 30 days prior to its passage on the last Saturday in April of each year.
- Finally, there is a provision in the bylaws that says that the association must pay all taxes on the properties that it owns. However, in practice, the community does NOT pay taxes on properties that it deems worthless, and this change will reflect that reality.
Amendment #1 – Using the CPI to adjust the dues annually
Next up was Mark Davis, chair of the Finance and Planning committee. He discussed the proposed amendment to tie future dues increases to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Quad-State Area that is published annually by the US Department of Labor. This amendment states that in each year beginning with 2013, there will be a cost-of-living adjustment made to the dues, equal to the rate published for the previous year, but never to be more than 4%. This would allow the board to keep up with the rising costs of running our community. If the CPI is zero, or if it is negative, there would be no change to the dues for that year.
Mark displayed a slide that showed that, had this measure been in place since 2004, our dues would now be equal to what we are actually paying ($1,000), and Alex Leslie said that it would “take the politics out” of the funding needed by the association. He added that the CPI amendment would be a way of obtaining the funds needed to maintain our amenities, while eliminating the need for the board members to fight and plead for these increases, and preventing future boards from looking for larger increases (like the 25% increase approved last year). Mark stressed that the F&P committee and the ELA Board consist of members, and that they understand the concerns of all members, but also accept the reality that, as costs go up, it will take more to maintain the level of services and amenities currently available in our community. This amendment is meant to be a non-partisan way of providing for those needs.
Amendment #2 – Allowing mail-in balloting
The amendment to allow mail-in balloting was presented by Gilda Spiotta. She began by describing the excitement and enthusiasm she felt in 2004 when she came to our community. When the annual meeting came around, she looked forward to participating by casting her vote for the issues presented that year. She was surprised to realize that the meeting would take so many hours, and eventually had to leave to meet the out-of-town guests she was expecting. Before leaving the meeting, she handed her ballot to another member to submit. This kind of “proxy voting” is not currently allowed in Emerald Lakes, but is widely practiced by many members each year. Gilda went on to describe successive years in which she was sometimes able to vote and others where she was not, due to work or personal obligations.
Gilda explained that this amendment only takes away the requirement for a member to be physically present at the meeting to cast a vote, it does not require mail-in balloting. It provides for options to the membership, and it allows the board to explore these options and develop a plan that will then be presented to the membership for approval. These options will show the membership that their opinions are valued; it will show that the community is more welcoming to all its members. It will “invite dialog…and responsible participation” in our community.
Amendment #3 – Eliminating the possibility of running from the floor while serving on certain committees
The last presentation was made by Pat Galderisi, a 27-year ELA member and former director, as well as a member of many committees throughout those years. This amendment states that a member of the Nominations committee, Elections Committee, or the Judge of Elections must resign his or her position at least 2 days prior to declaring his or her intention to run for the board of directors. Pat stated that the members “deserve, expect and depend” on the fact that our election process is “legal, fair and completely above board”. The tasks assigned to these committees require them to determine the validity of the votes that are cast, to settle disputes that may arise, and to tabulate and account for the results. Excepting these people from running while holding these committee positions, is the only way to ensure that the process is “above reproach and transparent in every way.” The intent of this amendment is to ensure that the election process is transparent and is perceived that way by the membership. If the membership distrusts the process, it could have a domino effect and disrupt everything from the day-to-day operations, to the board’s ability to make resolutions and even collect dues.
Discussion
After the presentations, the floor was opened to questions and comments. Some of these are included here. (Ed. Note – I took notes as carefully as I could here, I apologize if I missed or misspelled a name. If you are misquoted, or would like to elaborate on your statement, please leave a comment):
Connie Lewis stated that she thinks the amount of money that goes into the reserves should increase along with each cost-of-living increase as presented in Amendment #1.
Jerry Viola believes that if the mail-in balloting amendment passes and the CPI adjustment does not, then we will never be able to get a dues increase in the future, because we will be making it easier for members who don’t care about the community to vote, and they will automatically vote against an increase in dues.
Mr. Velasco (?) was uncomfortable with the way the call to meeting was written. He stated that in the past when there was a dues increase, it was clearly stated on the front of that document. He felt that the way this was presented as “an amendment” was deceptive. He thought that since there were 3 candidates and three positions available (“a slam dunk”), and only a vague statement about proposed bylaws changes, many people would not realize that this year’s meeting would include a vote related to dues increases. He also asked why the “Board’s wallet should have the same buying power when mine does not?”
George Haab told us that being president of ELA’s board was the hardest year of his life, but he understands the difficulties the directors face in paying for and maintaining amenities. He said that his road is not paved because of these difficulties and he believes the CPI will help remedy future cutbacks and revisions to services. He is for all of the amendments and hopes that they will pass, and asked everyone to please vote yes on them.
David Pope said that the problem is (and has always been) that the way our money is spent is never explained properly to the members. He believes that there must be a specific plan in place and communicated to the members that is then faithfully carried out. He also suggested closing the bar and grill because it is losing money and that, even though the survey was flawed and only a few people answered, the results should still be used in determining what the members need from the board.
Mark Davis said that since Mr. Pope is a member of the F&P committee, he knows that there was a beginning of a 5-year plan, designed by that committee, but that they are awaiting the results of the Kipcon report before continuing to work on that plan. This report will be vital in helping to determine priorities and scheduling work in the community.
Dale Walsh wanted to know if other communities use the CPI to determine dues increases and also what provisions will the board make for running from the floor if the mail-in balloting amendment should pass.
Alex Leslie answered that other communities do not use CPI because other communities allow their boards to determine when a dues increase is necessary. Gilda Spiotta explained that the amendment to allow the possibility of mail-in balloting must be passed before the board can work out the details of that process and, once decided upon, those details would again be presented to the membership for approval. George Haab added that it would have been wasteful for the board to spend money on legal opinions and spend time on working out the details of a plan before it is actually allowed by our bylaws. This amendment is step one, the actual provisions for it would come later.
Another member said that he was concerned because amendment #2 (mail-in balloting) contained the word “may” instead of the word “shall”. He thinks that this may lead to confusion as some years we might have it and others we might not, at the whim of the board.
Frank Girgenti stated that the fact that the federal government uses the CPI to determine assessments is not a good reason for us to use it, given the enormous government debt. He thinks that if this amendment passes then the board will be less diligent in looking for ways to trim the budget and oversee expenses. Buz Whelan responded that the F&P committee and the board directors are all members too, and they are subject to any increases that they approve, so of course they all care very deeply about doing whatever they can to keep costs down.
Joseph Fisch stated that he was comfortable supporting the amendments, but was very concerned about the wording in one of the changes in the 36 changes that were presented first, and could not support it as it stands. He was referring to Article X, section 3, where the words “and assessments” are stricken out. Buz told him that those words were taken out because assessments are discussed in sections 4 and 5. Mr. Fisch then pointed out that section 5 does not say that the assessments must be approved by the membership at an annual or special meeting. He believes whether or not the change was intentional, its effect is to lead us to an “insidious slippery slope” that would allow the board to begin charging fees for using the amenities, and it represents a huge change in the philosophy of this community; a change that he cannot and will not support. He also pointed to the recent fee added by the board for registering boats as the first step in this process. He believes that this is an illegal assessment and that the board cannot enforce it, according to the bylaws. He requested that those two words be put back in to ensure that this does not continue to erode our ability to use the amenities without additional cost.
Golfing in the Poconos
Does everyone know about golfnow.com? I love playing golf, but the price severely limits how often I can play. In our area, the weekday rate for 18 holes at the Mt. Pocono public course is $44 for two people, with a cart. It’s a serviceable but small course, with only 9 holes (so we go around twice). Pocono Manor and Mt. Airy have much better courses; longer, prettier, and much more challenging, but the prices are nearly double that or even more, so I couldn’t afford to go as often as I would like.
But then we found golfnow.com. Wow! Today we played the Pocono Manor east course and we paid $20 total. Including the cart. With golfnow.com, you get the best deals early on the morning that you want to play, and you can’t be too picky about your tee times, but if you are flexible, it’s really an amazing deal. I will be out again tomorrow.
Meet the Candidates: One View
Opinion
Buz Whelan
On Sunday I wrote a straight report on the August 4th Meet the Candidates session. Now I’m going to give you my view on how it went.
For good news, all the candidates had a very positive attitude towards the community and service on the board. That shouldn’t be surprising, given the immediate circumstance. When they disagreed, they did so without being disagreeable. And they seemed to have a fairly good idea of how the board should function.
One sensitive area, one ripe for pandering, is that of youth programs and services. This is one of those questions that is a third rail for candidates. To say anything against such programs is to be against young people. The voting parents will punish the answerer. So, when asked what we should be doing, the candidates fell in line. They referred to past success, wondered aloud why we ever stopped our more extensive programs, and suggested we revisit them. The problem is that the numbers don’t agree. While we were spending approximately $100,000 per annum on a youth services director, assistants and activities, less than 10% of the community’s young people participated. Hard as it may be to accept, the programs were not cost effective.
There was a question about delinquency that seemed to throw them a little. The question involved delinquent members and went something like, “Given that we have a 20% delinquency rate on dues, what would you do to reduce this?” Margaret believed that if the board does a better job that would help. Bob Leon said that programs to increase involvement would help. Al looked to the newly instituted quarterly payments as an answer, and Joe said we already use a lawyer. Joe may have been closest. The problem with the question is that the actual long term delinquency rate is closer to 8% than 20. The 20% figure represents those who owe all or some of their dues at the end of the fiscal year. But most of that will be collected over the next 3 to 4 years through court action or property sale when all liens must be settled.
As I reported in the original article, one noticeable characteristic was the lack of rancor among the rival candidates, but that was far from the only takeaway. There seems to be a slow, subtle, but carefully choreographed dance away from the practices and values of recent boards and towards what I see as a dark place. The word to watch for now is ‘confidentiality.’ This was uttered more than once by the current board president and candidate Alex Leslie. The first question asked was about the principle of confidentiality and the oath (a signed paper, actually) that each member is asked to take. Al’s response was that confidentiality was “the key to board service.” It wouldn’t be the last time during the meeting that he would make such a reference. I found it to be at least a little curious, if not disturbing. While other candidates volunteered more nuanced responses, Leslie was adamant. Both Joe Miller and Margaret Fitzgerald were cautious in their answers, each indicating that this could be easily abused and should be used only when absolutely essential. Bob Leon, who had to answer first, merely stated that he believed the oath to be binding, while not going into detail on the concept.
The reason I found Mr. Leslie’s response curious was that he was on the board when we had our reorganization meeting immediately after the August ’08 Annual Meeting. I was elected president at that meeting, and my first statement involved the importance of transparency. The directors, both new and returning, all expressed the idea that, after 5 or so years of opaque boards, transparency’s time had come. We would, as much as legally possible, avoid executive sessions, and even our workshops would be open to the general membership. This new emphasis on ‘confidentiality’ seems to be a return to that opaqueness we, along with Mr. Leslie, had foresworn. In congruence with this I take note that we have gone from 2 executive sessions in 2 years to about 2 a month. Why is this new confidentiality necessary?
Then there was the question of the newspaper. “Should the board control the content of the association newspaper?” was the actual wording. As reported, Bob Leon sidestepped the question by giving the opinion that newspapers were a dead issue and online or electronic reporting was the next big thing in information dissemination. Margaret Fitzgerald was clear; she prefers a newsletter limited to event announcements and schedules. President Alex Leslie stated clearly that we hired professionals and they should decide what goes into the paper, under close board control. Only Joe Miller was unequivocal in his belief that the system previously in place with an editorial board of experienced writers should have editorial control, subject to pre-publication legal scrutiny.
What is the subtext to the meeting? Is ‘confidentiality’ a codeword for secrecy? And what ‘secrets’ must be kept? Any legal consultation between the board, GM and the association attorney must be kept confidential to protect privilege. Details of any disciplinary action directed at an employee, or any legal conflict between the association and a member or members must also be kept confidential due to the possibility of court action. And while there is no legal obligation, it is well to keep employee compensation confidential as a courtesy to employees. Virtually everything else should be visible to the membership, whether or not the information is ‘pleasant.’ Too many directors get the notion that election to the board endows one with special powers to process information that the run-of-the-mill member doesn’t possess. I don’t buy that. In conjunction with that, I agree with Director Miller. Those who control the finances should not control the flow of information. There is too much opportunity for mischief. Someone needs to be watching the watchers. We’ll do our best here.
Emerald Lakes Free Press 