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"...experience has shown that in too many cases, the secrecy in homeowner associations is conducive to abuse. Historically, we have believed that transparency is the best protection against abuse. There is no reason to change that for homeowner associations – in fact, transparency is even more important in situations where board members are elected very often because nobody else wants to do it. There are enough reported cases of dictatorial and partisan board politics to justify a requirement of transparency in all cases."
From my experience, these are the most important words Elizabeth has written. When I moved into an HOA-controlled complex a little over two years ago I found a small group of original owners in control. They worked in secret and were patronizing and condesending when questions were asked by new owners. The usual answer was, "That's the way we've always done it." When too many questions were asked, they demanded that requests for information be submitted in writing. The letters were then ignored.
Now, a bit over two years later, most of the original owners who were impediments to open meetings are gone from the board, I am president with other, non-original owners serving as well. Transparency is the norm and a lot of things that came out of the benign neglect by previous boards are being addressed. The landscaper of 30 years is history. The improvement generated by the new landscaper was noticed by other owners in just three weeks. Other problems are being addresses as money is available.
It took time, it took organization of other owners, and it took aggressive action. It also took the knowledge that people can only intimidate you if you let them.
Posted May 1 2004 6:26PM CEST
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David Alexander
Garden Grove, California |
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Return to 'AHRC's REPLY TO CAI - CLAC OPPOSITION OF SB 1682' |
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