Yesterday, like many Village owners, I received a mailing from concerned residents indicating there are alternative candidates who are running for the Board of Directors. Huh???
This mailing analyzes and provides opinions of the candidates who are on the official Arlington Village ballot sent by the Secretary last month. The signers DO NOT recommend any of the current Board candidates but the alternative slate.
Why are these current candidates running for the Board members so bad? Haven't many of them served this community for a long time? See the opinions in the mailing. I have my own, but I will keep them to myself and let the community speak up by voting.
Who are these alternatives? What will they provide for AV and who analyzed their voting records? There is at least one former Board member on the "alternative" slate. They have a voting record too and I would be interested in a similar analysis.
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36 comments:
Actually two former board members. Good point, they should share their records.
To the ex-board cadre:
I agree with the poster in the last entry. Take your time and money and go buy that blessed gold watch, make a reservation at Clyde's and give Carmen a party. Then move on!
The new blood has done many good things. New web site, new slate roof, new management company, new landscaping company, actually bidding on contracts, reduced condo fees.
Go back to the old guard? Why?
Where's the November Crier? Why can't they get that darn thing out on time!!
They don't give a rat's ass about Carmen, just about their perceived loss of control.
For those of you who are looking for the Crier, here is what you're missing:
- Remember to keep your storm windows in the right position.
- Be sure to bleed your outside faucet so it doesn't freeze. If it does you'll have to pay for it.
- Comment about the fall colors and or the weather.
- Annual meeting coming up.
There done!
Wow Dick and Paul, you guys knocked yourselves out. Especially loved #10 in the Q&A. You could have gone a little more rogue with a full-on Palin “You betchya!”
But seriously folks this was a little over the top. I think seven pages, and a yellow insert really boil down to a few things:
- Carmen was very much liked by many in the Village. She made many friends and those friends are now taking action. I can only hope I have friends like this when I need them. As much as Dick and Paul attempted to provide some sort of unbiased voting record, each of the candidate’s summary really comes down to how they voted on the GM position. Things got a bit out of hand in the Mesack and Miltenberger summaries. A vote that is “technically correct,” is of course by nature correct. Leave the gold watch and the party to Carmen’s friends. Leave the matters concerning the Village to the elected representatives. One really has to feel for Ed Miltenberger. There’s a guy with a heart and all Dick and Paul could pin on him was that he voted in the affirmative with the board members that were present. I’m assuming that some board members walked out that evening. Could Dick and Paul let us know who were the “quitters?”
- There now seems to be concern over BOD members abstaining during meetings. This has been going on for years so it really shouldn’t be a surprise. I have always believed that one abstains only if one has a conflict of interest or lacks certain knowledge needed to make an informed decision. From my observation members have abstained when they didn’t want to be on record for taking a position, didn’t like the position, or didn’t understand the position. As an example, if Reggie were to be elected to the BOD he would have to recuse himself from any discussion and abstain from any voting by the Board to extend his exemption from the rules pertaining to an in-home businesses for the massage parlor he runs from his house and advertises in the Crier. I personally agree with Dick and Paul that members should take a stand, up or down, after reviewing all the facts. An abstaining vote is a cop out in my mind.
- There is nothing “unusual” about this year’s ballot, or the fact that most of the candidates are incumbents. Until recently it was difficult to find candidates, and as a rule most were sitting board members. By referring to how “unusual” things are, the impression is given that something nefarious is afoot. The only thing unusual is this stunt by a few agitators.
Following up on Dick and Paul’s frank speaking, I am frankly convinced that the Village is in good hands, moving in the right direction, and I intend to vote to retain the current directors. I frankly feel very sorry that Takis, Greg and Ed have to endure this nonsense. I can only imagine what other residents might be thinking when considering to volunteer for the Board or committee. I frankly wish Carmen well and would be more than willing to chip in on that gold watch.
AMEN! To the last poster - you hit the nail right on the head! We, the obviously sane residents of AV really need to step up to the plate on this one and make sure these people no longer have control over AV,us and the staff any longer.
I am so over their inane arguments and their skewered perspective of reality. MAKE THEM GO AWAY!
To the sitting board - you are doing a great job and we stand behind you. Please don't give up - we need each and every one of you!
Let me see if I understand:
Old board = self-serving, nothing gets done, landscape contractor screws us, and condo fees go up.
New board = condo fees go down, web site goes up, new landscaper.
Remind me: why should I vote for the Old Ladies Club?
It is interesting that one of the non-resident candidates wrote on the old yahoo group that attending a Board meeting was difficult. I cut and paste from the old yahoo site:
Re: [ArlingtonVillage] Budget Meeting
I'm not sure how you got my email to the office, or who you are, but your
suggestion to attend the meeting is not helpful at all. As I said in my
email, I am a non-resident owner, and the Tuesday night meeting is never
convenient for me, especially with such short notice.
Jane Heron
Re: "I frankly feel very sorry that Takis, Greg and Ed have to endure this nonsense." Quoting Harry Truman: "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." They are big boys; they can handle it.
There is also an email going around from a concerned group about a meeting at Walter Reed to discuss their strategy this week and about retaining legal counsel.
I ask - for what? THE BOARD MADE A DECISION IN GOOD FAITH AND WHAT THEY BELIEVED TO BE RIGHT FOR THE COMMUNITY. Sorry you don't agree with it but it is time to move on. Arlington Village will not be sued unless it is by some of our own crazy residents.
That's right. Move on and get over yourselves.
I have complete faith in this board to make good decisions.
And oh yeah, THANK YOU for decreasing my condo fees. Given they went up over 7 percent the last two years, clearly new Board members have taken control and are making better decisions for our community.
I still don't understand what's gotten all these ladies (and a few gents) panties in a wad. Can someone explain?
Jan Kennemer & Barbara Burch walked out of the meeting. An abdication of their duties and right to vote on the matter.
What a waste of paper and resources. Reconfirmed why I was happy with my Proxy being submitted based on original four qualified candidates.
To the poster who said "Takis, Greg and Ed are big boys and can take it" - you're right they are and they can. But isn't it unfortunate that our board members have to put up with the daily BS only to have that compounded by this posse of bozos and their nonsense?
I wouldn't want any of those 'concerned residents' leading me anywhere! Remember we've been there, done that and it didn't get us anywhere.
To the sitting board - you're doing a great job and the majority of the residents are behind you all the way!
The only way we can stop them is for EVERYONE to submit their proxy before the November 18th meeting. Spread the word - we need all owners to vote this year! This is our chance to finally be rid of these people once and for all!
After reading the mailing it seems the only reason the alternative slate is running is they are mad because Carmen was fired. To me that is not a reason to elect them. Please encourage everyone to submit their proxies, re-elect the current board members and let's be done with this nonsense.
Has the crier come out yet?
As an owner for a little over two years, I think the board is doing a great job. I think they should all be re-elected, and the mailing for a write-in slate should be ignored. Please mail your proxy in to re-elect the current four members.
I've been an owner for a little over two years now, and I think the board is doing a fine job. Ignore the mailing about the write-in candidates and re-elect this board.
To clarify, there are three existing board members up for re-election: Greg, Takis, and Ed.
Craig is a newbie
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot...
is an ageist person?
Sheesh. I don't think the guy was insulting ALL Old Ladies Clubs, just the one at A.V.
Personally, I love old ladies. Am I an ageist sexist too?
I hear the alternative slate is offering a happy ending to all voters.
What was so great about Carmen? Why are they so upset that she was fired?
Where's the frickin' Crier?
There was nothing objective about this mailing. It's good to see that more people than I thought understand the situation. We all liked Carmen as a person but we also need a GM that will be up to the job. Ignoring problems does not help anybody.
After I read the mailing, I felt even stronger about voting for Takis, Greg and Ed. If you separate the facts from fiction, even that mailing shows that they are doing a pretty good job.
I've sent in my proxy and will be at the annual meeting.
I'm sure the show will be worth it too... It's been more drama than I've seen in the past 5 years living here.
I too am very pleased that so many of our residents understand the REAL situation as well but that doesn't mean that these 'concerned citizens' will stop their shenanigans. Apparently they think they have just cause to behave badly and they do not. All they do is stir the pot and not one of them has a resume worth reading. They have screamed at our sitting board during meetings claiming that they've never seen a worse board. REALLY? Did you take a look at the boards you served on? What exactly did you accomplish? Oh that's right another party and the Xmas lighting contest! This is truly so nonsensical and has to cease.
My fear is that the nastiness that has been spewed at our current board is going to make some of them wish they hadn't signed on for the task. The truth is - they are great people, doing great work at a thankless job. We need to support them and let them know we appreciate what they are doing and all of the effort they have put into taking care of us and AV. We must come together and as a show of support we ALL need to attend the meeting on November 18th.
Also, PLEASE talk to your neighbors folks - we HAVE to get these proxies in asap. Let's finally make a stand and let these people know we are not going to put up them or their 'issues' any longer.
With reference to the following postings, I ask you, gentle AV Owner Blogger, to remember your own counsel that you posted exactly one year ago and not allow to be posted those comments from ANONYMOUS posters that resort to ad hominem attacks on individuals or groups and criticizing fellow owners by name—while the poster hides behind his anonymity.
A year ago, here’s what you, gentle AV Owner Blogger, said:
“Arlington Village Owner said...
Please do not comment on people and say disrespectful things on this blog. We are not children and therefore should not act like them. The fact that I had to delete a comment is ridiculous. Plus the person didn't have the decency to even leave their name.
November 10, 2008 1:51 PM"
It behooves you to reinstate that commandment, which you can easily do, since you are, after all, moderating your own blog.
Comments that include personal attacks include:
Fenwick Babbitt said...
Wow Dick and Paul, you guys knocked yourselves out. Especially loved #10 in the Q&A. You could have gone a little more rogue with a full-on Palin “You betchya!”
Fair is Fair said...
Let me see if I understand:
Old board = self-serving, nothing gets done, landscape contractor screws us, and condo fees go up.
New board = condo fees go down, web site goes up, new landscaper.
Remind me: why should I vote for the Old Ladies Club?
Anonymous said...
It is interesting that one of the non-resident candidates wrote on the old yahoo group that attending a Board meeting was difficult. I cut and paste from the old yahoo site:
Anonymous said...
There is also an email going around from a concerned group about a meeting at Walter Reed to discuss their strategy this week and about retaining legal counsel.
Arlington Village will not be sued unless it is by some of our own crazy residents.
That's right. Move on and get over yourselves.
Confused said...
I still don't understand what's gotten all these ladies (and a few gents) panties in a wad. Can someone explain?
Anonymous said...
Jan Kennemer & Barbara Burch walked out of the meeting. An abdication of their duties and right to vote on the matter.
(Still) Confused said...
What was so great about Carmen? Why are they so upset that she was fired?
Abdullah Abdullah said...
I agree with the long post above. The behavior of these people is childish at best and evil at worst. Declaring one candidate's submission of interest "late" and thus invalid when it was AOL's fault--purely so they could claim that we don't have enough candidates and thus conveniently have to accept candidates at the meeting. Disgusting. Oh, and who are these "new" candidates? Why, the clique of ex-board members and their posse. In the words of Dana Carvey's Church Lady, "Well, isn't that...special."
Anonymous said...
Good Lord, the $260 spent on that silly mailing would have done more good at a food bank or other worthy cause. Unit 444 must be loaded!
November 8, 2009 8:52 AM
Exiled Democratically elected Leader of Burma said...
Don't worry about the cost--I'm sure it was printed out from a Federal employee's computer using taxpayer funds.
Thank you, last Anonymous Poster, for pointing out some of the comments that appear under this blog posting. Please continue to question me and why we do things. Speech protected under the First amendment is a great thing.
While some of the comments reach the edge of appropriateness I do not believe they are personal attacks. This election is of great importance to Arlington Village.
When you decide to run for an elected office you can be scrutinized. This is what the recently alternative mailing did in assessing voting records. I point out they failed to assess the voting records of former board members, who stepped up as candidates, in the same way.
We need to let the residents speak up and let voices be heard. I would be nice if everyone would stick to happy topics. Unfortunately though, people do not read blogs that gloss over issues.
There is still a need to moderate comments. You would be shocked at the comments the moderator did not, and will never, approve.
Voting records used in our letter to owners are available to anyone upon request. Both the most recent board votes as well as the prior two years are available.
Just drop us a line at:
palmervilla at yahoo dot com
And we'll get 'em right out. Be sure to specify which listing you're requesting.
Dick and Paul
By putting themselves forward, the alternative candidates have to subject themselves to the scrutiny that has been leveled at current board members.
Fact: In the Fiscal Year 2007 budget, in which the former board president was leading AV, there was a 8.51% increase in condo fees, far outpacing the rate of inflation.
Fact: In the Fiscal Year 2008 budget, in which the former board president was leading AV, there was a 7.32% in condo fees. This was described in a January 2008 mailing to the AV community as "modest" although it far exceeded the rate of inflation.
Fact: In the Fiscal Year 2009 budget, in which the current board president was serving as treasurer, there was no increase in condo fees.
Fact: In the Fiscal Year 2010 budget, prepared under the current board president and new treasurer, there appears to be a modest decrease in condo fees.
Dick and Paul,
why didnt you publish the voting records of the alternative candidates? Can you provide them for us now?
I "Dick & Paul" cannot or will not provide the requested voting records of those that live in the village, I believe that their bias will be revealed.
Also...FACT....one of the "alternate" candidates lives in NJ...how will she attend board meetings? How will she know what is going on in the village?
FACT....one of the "alternate" candidates didn't want a decrease in condo fees. She wanted to keep your money. Doesn't the government do enough of that already? Don't you deserve your money back, especially in this economy? Kinda like paying union dues.
Hello?
Anonymous said: I[f] "Dick & Paul" cannot or will not provide the requested voting records of those that live in the village, I believe that their bias will be revealed. Also...FACT....one of the "alternate" candidates lives in NJ...how will she attend board meetings? How will she know what is going on in the village?....one of the "alternate" candidates didn't want a decrease in condo fees. She wanted to keep your money. Doesn't the government do enough of that already? Don't you deserve your money back, especially in this economy? Kinda like paying union dues. November 11, 2009 4:21 PM
_____________
A mere 3 posts above yours is Paul & Richard's offer to provide you with "Voting records used in our letter to owners are available to anyone upon request. Both the most recent board votes as well as the prior two years are available." If you want to see previous board votes, contact Paul & Richard--they provide an email address for your convenience.
Regarding the candidate in NJ--hello? Teleconference much?
Regarding "one of the alternate candidates didn't want to reduce condo fees" You really, really need to educate yourself on legal requirements for managing a condo association. Like all condo communities, AV is REQUIRED to maintain a certain amount of funds in RESERVE. When our auditors determine that we have fallen below that amount, the Board has a fiduciary duty to the community to make the tough decisions to bring us into compliance. Currently, we're running a reserve surplus, which resulted in the < $5/mo. decrease in our condo fees. And the Board President doesn't make the decision--the entire Board does. Please, please, please educate yourself BEFORE you post.
Personally I do not want a sitting Board member who lives in NJ to teleconference into meetings each month. I want a 'hands on' board.
What is with you Ms. Anonymous Poster 11/11/09 6:41pm? Why do you think this is acceptable?
The last thing we need is someone living out of the area being on the board. It seems like this is a way for Jan K. to get some more of her people on the board.
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