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Letter of Transmittal January 8th, 2009 Dear PPOA Board Candidates:
Copy to Bob Kinney via US Mail, all others via email
2009 PPOA Board Candidate Questionnaire 1. Given the recent global economic downturn, PPOA resources and growth are now challenged. How would you suggest PPOA address current external economic factors as they relate to ongoing profitability? What, if any, specific steps would you suggest to improve PPOA’s overall financial performance without raising monthly assessments? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: We need to insist that management operates within the approved budgets and continues to encourage managers to operate below their budgets. If we are going to give manager bonuses they should be tied to their budget performance. Bob Kent: Although the current economic conditions obviously impact those of us who depend upon 401k or other retirement investments for our daily living expenses, these conditions are temporary and the economy will rebound (I am an optimist). I believe that during economic bad times, as well as good times, the Board has the responsibility to manage the organization to protect home owners’ investments including the assets of the HOA. We should stay within our means but at the same time maintain as many of the amenities as possible that make Pecan the great place to live. I am not sure that this can be accomplished without raising our monthly assessments. I have spent some time looking at our profit and loss statement and I need a lot more information from our comptroller before I could reach a decision on the need for an assessment increase to maintain the current level of operations. In addition, I do not have the information to determine if our operations could be more efficient, and obviously I would need a lot more information before making any decision that would curtail or reduce our services. However, the vote of the residents on the proposed fee increase may provide a good indication of the members’ wishes assuming the vote is representative of the membership. Based on my discussions with Pecan residents across the economic spectrum, it is my opinion that the real issue for many of our members is not the issue of raising assessment fees but instead is the general dissatisfaction with the lack of, or perceived lack of, transparency in the Board of Directors’ actions. Specifically, if I am elected to the Board, I will propose a review of our services to determine if they can become more efficient. Food service is the one that I hear about most often. Bob Kinney: Global economics is cyclical. During a downturn conservation of financial resources is essential. Possibly financial performance could be improved with data envelopment analysis but that involves an expert (are experts merely people from out of town?). Long range planning should continue as historically better times do come. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: There is a great probability that the downturn in the US economy will present itself to PPOA in the form of reduced income. If this happens, the Board and management team must initiate ways to reduce spending so that deficit spending is avoided. Tough decision will have to be made that reduce spending and minimize the loss of services. Adopting a “just in time” purchasing plan, adjusting headcount, freezing salary increases, avoiding bonuses, using a bid process for all purchases, etc. are ways to control costs during difficult times. We must also be very careful in spending our capital money even though thousands of dollars in capital spending has been approved. During uncertain economic times like we are experiencing, cash is king. We should be very protective of our capital reserve. Tom Roman: Fiscal responsibility is vital for the future success of Pecan. The steps that I would take to mitigate PPOA expenses and improve its financial performance were presented by me at the recent Town Hall meeting. This strategy is now being shown on Channel 28’s video of the Town Hall meeting. My cost containment strategy envisioned the PPOA taking a leadership role and forming a Hood County HOA CO-OP in order to obtain volume discounts when purchasing goods or services. When multiple associations band together to negotiate vendor contracts, significant discounts can be obtained that will benefit all associations. As a member, I was responsible for bringing paper recycling to Pecan. Through this program, Pecan in one year reclaimed 192 tons of paper and received approximately $4,000 increased revenue for PAC activities. Since our trash collection service is now not removing a total of 192 tons of paper or hauling this amount to a land fill, a new reduced price schedule should be possible. I also recently submitted an idea to the Marina Committee that would increase marina revenue. I am always looking for ways to minimize expenses or increase revenue and as a board member I would continue to develop, examine and implement cost-saving or revenue enhancement strategies. 2. What are Pecan’s top five (prioritized) areas for improvement? Why? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: Stay out of law suits if possible. Reduce the expense of operating Food and Beverage. Improve our system of obtaining member input. Establish and follow a clear definition of Replacement Capital. Change our tee time system to increase the usage of our golf course. Bob Kent: I do not know what the top five areas are for improvement because they are different for different groups of residents and to my knowledge there has not been a resident wide survey although there have been surveys and focus group meetings. Based on an informal survey I conducted with various residents (golfers, non-golfers, retired, working, children, etc), there are several areas that push peoples hot button. The two that seem to have the broadest concerns are: lack of transparency in management (sort of a good old boys club) and food and beverage cost and service. Although by no means are these universal complaints. Security seems to be an issue although I have seen no information to confirm we have a security problem. For instance, this is the first gated-community that I have lived in and security has never been an issue for me (I feel safe in both gated and non-gated settings). At this point, without more input from the residents, I would place transparency, accountability and communications between the Board, staff and residents as the number one area for improvement. It has been my experience as an officer, principal stockholder, board member and chairman of the board of an employee-owned corporation that clear communications and transparent board actions can go a long way in reducing strife and arguments among a diverse group of stakeholders. Bob Kinney: The list is long. I would welcome input from members before prioritizing as I will not be taking baggage to the Board meetings but rather an open mind to study issues. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius:
Tom Roman:
3. Please summarize any ideas you may have as to how PPOA could improve both Board and management performance and accountability? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: The Board of Directors can manage the management staff through the GM. The Board is accountable to the members and they need to be involved so they know what is going on. Bob Kent: Communications, communications, communications. Information is not readily available to Pecan residents (unless you read the PPCMA web site). I believe that better use of the PPOA web page could improve communication between management and members and dissemination of information. For instance the meeting dates and agenda of the Board and each standing committee could be posted to the member only pages. In addition, the minutes of the meetings could be posted. The calendar in the PPOA web page does not appear to be updated to reflect these meetings. Although the Columns does present some of information, I think the web page is a better avenue for information dissemination especially those with internet connections. Bob Kinney: Transparency is the key and communication is the method. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: There is a wealth of diverse experience living within Pecan. I believe it is time for the Board, management and various special interest groups to come together and harness this experience so that synergistic solutions can be developed for present and future growth and change. I believe more open and complete communications will give our community a better understanding of management and Board activities. The Board and management should avoid the negative perceptions created by protecting itself with such venues as Attorney/Client privileges and closed meetings. More of our residents should be encouraged to become involved in committee activities instead of recycling the same cadre of individuals. I suggest, in an effort to avoid the image of subjectivity, that some number of each committee be drawn by lot from those residents who volunteer their service. Tom Roman: To improve both management and Board performance, community supported goals need to be established to guide operations and measure results. Clearly established goals and measurable performance objectives will help to achieve more meaningful accountability. 4. Based on the fact that typically about 1/3 of Pecan members don't even bother to vote, few are willing to serve on the Board and committees, etc., a strong case can be made that "member apathy" is an issue in our association. What do you see as ways the Board can engage a larger portion of the membership in: a) serving the community and b) providing more input and participation in the decision making process? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: This situation is being addressed by the Member 2 Member program. I expect we will continue to be like most Home Owners Associations and 20% of the members will do 80% of the work. Bob Kent: Since the 1960s, voter apathy has become more common in the U.S. as evidenced in most local, state and national elections (recent presidential election excluded). I have only been a member of one other HOA and the percentages of people attending HOA meetings was about the same as Pecan (30-35 percent of residents were somewhat active.) This means that generally only a few members (certainly less than a majority of the residents make the decisions that affect the whole community. I am not sure the Board can change this. However, this means the Board has to work harder to understand the concerns of individuals or groups. Board member should “get out” into the community and meet with members and listen to their opinions. Only in this way can a Board member make decisions which reflect the interest of the majority. Although, one interpretation of apathy is that the members are satisfied with the status quo and do not wish or feel the need to make any input or participate in the decision making process. Bob Kinney: Having served congregations for 36 years, apathy is familiar. Instilling positive attitude toward being involved combined with leading by example to accomplish common goals is fruitful. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: There has to be leadership that encourages a “Pecan Community”. The people in the community must be given ways to focus on and communicate their wants and expectations. The more that people within our community are energized through involvement the more energized our community will become, resulting in more volunteerism and a greater voice through their vote as to the direction the community should take. Once the impression of “Top Down” control of our community is overcome, I believe our Board, our committees, our management, and membership will find themselves’ getting comfortable working together and the present formality of management and governance will be replaced with a flexible, adaptable and friendly environment. Tom Roman: Board meetings are the means by which Pecan runs its business, but many members miss these meetings. By meeting with members informally, more communication can occur and thus more members can be solicited for ideas. As a Board member, I would emphasize more member input through more personal contact by the Board and its members. Members should be encouraged to submit questions or comments and board members should willingly meet with anyone to discuss their ideas or listen to their comments one-on-one. I would also look at restructuring the committee make-up process. Committees must provide continuity in operations but new members must be added to them. The willingness of members to volunteer is crucial to the continued viability of our association. I would propose that a portion of the members of each committee be selected by lottery from the available list of applicants and that Committee meetings are conducted in the evening to allow working members to attend and participate. 5. Should the Board “govern” or “represent” the membership? Why? Should the Board establish the “vision” for Pecan or should the “vision” mirror the desires of the general membership? What steps would you take to insure you personally fulfill your above choices? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: The Board of Directors should represent the membership in all matters. Bob Kent: The Board, according to the by-laws “is responsible for enforcing the covenants and restrictions binding on the corporation by the developer” and has the responsibility and liabilities of managing its assets. The Board policies should represent the desires of the membership while preserving the assets of the HOA. The board must follow the by-laws and decisions must be consistent with general laws which govern the activities of non-profit boards. So, following sound management principles and fiduciary responsibilities and consistent with legal requirements, the Board should try to represent the desires of the membership. Given our diverse membership, this is sure to result in conflicts. The vision for Pecan should be a bottom-up process not top-down, which requires input from diverse interest groups. The vision may change as the population of Pecan becomes more diverse. In a private corporation, management can influence the hiring of individuals so that the organization’s vision remains consistent. Most Pecan residents probably purchased their home without reading or asking about a vision statement and there is no way to insure that new residents will buy into an existing vision. The vision of working adults with school age children is probably different from those who view Pecan as a retirement or golf community. If elected to the Board, I will maintain an open door policy and will meet and obtain input on a vision for Pecan from a diverse range of members. Bob Kinney: Board members are leaders and servants. As a congregation leader I proposed five year visions and encouraged input, sometimes we backed off and sometimes went forward, it was consensus leadership. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: I believe in government by the people for the people. There must be representative government, but those in elected positions must know what it is that their constituents want. Suggested ways to gain this information would be the continuation of Town Hall meetings, member surveys, a broader and changing make-up of committee membership, a comment program that allows members to make suggestions, more member participation in the Board and committee meetings and workshops. The key to all of this is energizing the community, as discussed in question 4. Tom Roman: This is a difficult question since Pecan is a voluntary organization that people join. It is a democratically elected representative type of government that makes rules and decisions that affect the community. It does direct and manage operations to represent the community’s vision as to how Pecan should function. This vision should mirror the majority’s view and can be obtained through meaningful surveys and ballot initiatives. By utilizing the community organizing skills that I acquired in my police career, I believe that I can help the Board achieve a greater understanding of the community’s vision. 6. How do you plan to ensure that the process of resource allocation (budgeting of association expenditures, employees, services, time, etc.) is fair and equitable to the community as a whole? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: I’m sorry but I don’t have enough information to establish a plan at this time. I would want to get quality service at a reasonable price. Bob Kent: As only one of nine board members and a junior one at that, I cannot assure the members that the resource allocation will be equitable to the community as a whole. I do not have the information or data to make a determination if the current allocation is fair! I can only assure the members that I will take an active role in reviewing all of our expenditures and will vote for what I believe to be fair and equitable to the various community interests, consistent with the Board’s legal requirements to manage assets. Personally, I have no special interest or axe to grind. I do not play golf or tennis, I do not use the swimming pool and I don’t have a horse. We do not frequently eat at the club and since we do not have young children living at home, we seldom use the parks. However, these amenities were here when members purchased their homes and I do not know which of them, if any, are the most important to them. Golf certainly seems to be the biggest attraction for many of those I have talked to. Even if I do not use the amenities, I believe they help maintain the value of my home and property. Budget allocation should be based on community usage and the ability of the amenity to be self-supporting. The operation of amenities and services that are cost, not profit centers, and that covers all of them except the marina and stables, should be reviewed to determine if they can become more efficient and if there is not sufficient moneys to maintain the service and it is the desire of the community that service be reduced versus raising fees, then the service should be reduced or eliminated. (I say this without knowing what the legal ramifications of this action would be. Would we be sued by a member, resulting in a greater cost than the cost savings? I think the Board would have to consider all these factors before they take any action to eliminate a service). Bob Kinney: Study the big picture in detail. Keep in mind what is fair to some may not be fair to another, but the whole community is the ultimate test. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: By determining what it is that members of our community want. We should budget and spend to support the services and amenities that best serve the desires of the people. Tom Roman: Pecan should maintain its current operations and not be forced to reduce amenities or services. By working smarter and utilizing cost containment measures, a reduction in services that would require a major change in resource allocation should not be necessary. However, if a drastic change in revenue or expenses should occur, the goals that the community values would guide any resource allocation. These goals should have been obtained in the long range planning process and will serve as a guide for resource allocation. Member input would be sought if amenities must be closed or reduced. 7. In 2007, PPOA disbanded the Long Range Planning Committee, creating concern as to how the planning function would be carried out as the community grows. Leadership for the Planning function was then undertaken by the Board. How should PPOA conduct Long Range Planning and what does the concept of planning mean to you? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: I think this should be done by a committee made up of members who have board and/or committee experience, some of the younger members who are still employed and have children at home and any other member who is willing to donate the time required. The “concept of planning” means to identify current facilities that require better maintenance or expansion plus additional facilities that will be needed. Bob Kent: A long-range plan forms the basis of a financially well managed organization. Decisions cannot be made on an annual or piece-meal basis without running the risk of devaluing assets. The plan should have some flexibility to allow for economic conditions. Obviously if the economic conditions persisted for several years, the plan would have to be modified. In my opinion, we should have a long range plan that is developed with input from the community. I am not sure if the long range planning committee should be a standing committee or once its function is complete, disbanded. However, the plan should be reviewed annually to determine if conditions are sufficiently different in the community. Bob Kinney: Long range planning is essential to a successful homeowners community. Regardless of who has responsibility, input from all is vital. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: The concept of planning means a prioritized schedule of activity to take place over a given period of time with specific times for accomplishment and the amount and source of financial requirements. I believe it is critical that PPOA re-establish the Long Range Planning Committee and that the committee be comprised of Board, management and unbiased members committed to the long-term future of our community. This committee should utilize data gained from the general membership as well as take into account demographic changes in our community, county and state governance and other relative information to establish the long-range plan. Tom Roman: A Long Range Planning Committee should be led by a Board member and be comprised of a member from each committee and members at large. The first step that this group should accomplish is to identify both current and future goals that the community desires. Once these goals are identified and community support for them is achieved, then a viable long range plan can be developed and presented to the community for input and support. I believe that the composition of this committee should remain constant for a least a 3 year period so as to develop a viable and meaningful plan that represents the view of the majority of the community. 8. Should broad member input, representative of the overall general membership, be obtained and incorporated into the PPOA planning and budgeting process? If so, how would you propose such broad member input be obtained? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: There are plans for an internet based survey system which will help in this area. All members should have the opportunity to have a voice in all matters. Bob Kent: Any organization, profit or non-profit, should obtain as broad an input from stakeholders as practical. However, as noted, with the low member participation in meetings this is sometimes difficult to achieve. In my previous capacity as a board member of a for-profit organization I found I could obtain input by informal meetings and discussions with different interest groups within my organization. Open door policies and emails also assisted me with obtaining broad input from stakeholders. Surveys, town hall meetings, and attendance at various interest group meetings are several methods that can be used to obtain input. However, surveys must be well worded, relatively short and focused in order to obtain any meaningful data to allow decisions to be made. Face to face meetings provide more useful information. If elected to the Board, I will encourage member input and within reasonable limits meet with individuals and groups. I am available by email and phone. Bob Kinney: Yes, it should. Compile E-mail, send surveys with monthly statements, welcome participation at workshops. Communicate how budgets are prepared each year. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: I believe in government by the people and for the people. I would propose a 100% survey of all members to find out exactly what it is they want and what they are willing to support financially. Holding Town Hall Meetings and greater member participation in Board Workshops and committee meetings will also provide the Board and management with input to aid in the development of the operational plan. All member input at such Town Hall meetings must be respectfully received without the “shouting down” of diverse individual opinions as we have seen done in the past. Tom Roman: Broad member input should be solicited through informal meetings, meaningful surveys and ballot initiatives. 9. Prioritize your top three amenities, defined herein as any facility or service that benefits PPOA members. Please explain your reasoning for each choice. Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: Golf - If we don’t have adequate tee times, our property values will decline. Security - This is important to prospective home buyers. Roads & Grounds - Roads must be maintained or we will be back where we were a few years ago. This also affects property values. Bob Kent: As I previously noted, I do not use many of Pecan’s amenities. I purchased my home based on other factors (riverfront, wildlife, view and the overall pleasant appearance of the community). Personally, preservation of our infrastructure, especially roads and bridges is my personal priority followed by preservation of amenities that maintain or increase property value. If elected to the Board, I would focus on member’s priorities even if they differ from my own. Bob Kinney: Golf, tennis, PAC/Clubhouse. Large participation in these amenities. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: FIRE/EMS – These dedicated people save lives and property as well as provide a very competitive fire insurance rate. The Robinius family has benefited from the services of both our Fire and EMS volunteers and we are very thankful for their service. SECURITY – One of the attractions to Pecan Plantation was the concept of gated community with 24-hour security. Our community is a safe place to live and free of serious crime. I do have concern about reduced patrol during the night hours as well as unattended gates after midnight. INFRASTRUCTURE – Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Marina, Roads, Parks, Air Park, clubhouse, PAC, etc. These are the amenities that attracted us and will continue to attract future families to Pecan Plantation. We must protect them and ensure that they are serving our community as expected, but within a reasonable budget, acceptable to the majority of the members. Tom Roman: I believe the top three amenities in Pecan are Security, Fire/EMS, and Roads/Grounds. Security is perhaps the greatest reason that people move to Pecan. Security is defined as the measures a community takes to minimize the opportunities for crime. Pecan does this through gated access; security officer and crime watch patrol; and citizen involvement. However, Security is not a law enforcement agency and when a crime does occur, trained and armed professionals must respond. As a former Police officer and a member of the Security Committee, I have sought security improvements. I was responsible for chairing the sub-committee that recommended the summer off-duty Sheriff Patrol program at minimal cost ($8,000) to reduce vandalism. By having Sheriff Deputies patrol in marked patrol cars, Pecan achieved crime deterrence, instant response to Pecan 911 calls and reduced vandalism during the 2008 summer. I also presented a security access idea at a recent town hall meeting that will improve and monitor visitor access and improve gate efficiency. A software improvement will soon be accomplished that will implement this idea. I am also a Reserve Hood County Deputy Sheriff and a member of the Hood County Dispatch Advisory Board. Though these positions, I have submitted federal grants for Hood County to improve its dispatch operations that will not only benefit Pecan but all of Hood County. I also interface monthly with the Sheriff and other county officials as a member of the board and have always been able to advocate Pecan requirements. Pecan’s second most important amenity is its Fire/EMS Department. As a member of this organization for the past three years, I have seen the great value that this amenity provides the community. I am currently a member of an EMS crew and volunteer for a weekly 12 hour shift on Sunday. Pecan’s Fire/EMS ability to respond to a member emergency within 5 minutes is a tremendous asset and has saved many lives in Pecan. The third most important amenity is our roads and grounds. These amenities are the first impression a visitor receives of Pecan and have the greatest impact on maintaining our property values. Their high state of repair is crucial and must be maintained. 10. Should ALL meetings and records of the association (excluding commercial negotiations, personnel and legal matters) be open to the membership? Should the Board and committees operate in public, or use “executive sessions” for business other than commercial, legal and personnel matters? Explain your answers. Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: All meetings should be as open as possible. There are situations when the BOD needs to meet behind closed doors. I don’t know if this is being abused or not. If elected I will know more on this matter. Bob Kent: Board meetings and committee meetings should be open to all members and the minutes of these meetings available and posted to the PPOA website. The use of executive sessions should be limited to legal, personnel and contract issues since closed sessions does not give the appearance of a transparent organization which in my opinion is necessary to maintain confidence in the Board. Bob Kinney: In my long career of serving churches I had all open meetings and minutes always available. Transparency was appreciated. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: I believe in order to gain the needed respect of the people and avoid the “WE/THEY” image that many people have towards the Board and Management that meetings and records should be open to the members and executive sessions should be reserved for dealing only with highly sensitivity personnel and legal matters. Tom Roman: The Board should strive for openness when possible. Complete transparency in operations should be the goal of the board. Only when legal, personnel or other matters dictate that executive sessions are required should they be conducted. However, the results of these sessions should be communicated immediately to the membership. All meetings to discuss or conduct PPOA operations should be open to the public. I would recommend that the closed Monday morning board meeting be eliminated. 11. PPOA has a new communications program underway, generally consisting of long time venues such as the Columns, Channel 28, etc., with occasional email “blasts”, newsletters and “Member to Member” controlled Town Hall meetings now added. Do you feel this effort is adequate for the overall membership in terms of timeliness, thoroughness, fairness and accuracy of information? Please explain any other approaches you believe could be utilized to further improve communications. Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: I understand the new PPOA Web Site will allow us to conduct surveys and collect the member responses on the internet. I feel this will enable us to obtain better quality information from the members. In situations like vandalism, an email blast should be sent ASAP, the members have a right to know. Bob Kent: I believe that more communications is possible through use of the PPOA website. I find the Columns provides good information however, dissemination over the web would be faster. I note the Columns accept letters and opinions although I have not noted a large number of letters or opinions other than from general management. I find the security reports informative. I do not believe that channel 28 is used to its full capacity although the recent broadcast of the Fee Assessment meeting is the type of information that the channel should be used to disseminate. Bob Kinney: I enjoy the Columns each month and attend Town Hall meetings. Possibly a Town Hall gathering with open agenda to let members express opinions on any subject (except personnel). A lot can be learned from complaints and concerns. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: I believe these forms of communications media provide adequate coverage of social and organizational activity within our association. It stops short when reporting on Board and committee activities because often issues are broadly mentioned without providing detail needed by members. This is also true of the minutes of Board and committee meetings. I believe detailed reporting is wanted and needed by our community. I like the concept of the M2M and Town Hall meetings, but the Town Hall meetings must avoid “CONTENT CONTROL” so long as the discussions pertain to the meeting agenda and are civil and respectful. Communications via email and channel 28 has limited reach because all members do not have the ability to receive them. Presently, The Columns is the only communications tool that reaches ALL of the members and it usually has very little information relative to the pros and cons of issues. The Columns should definitely address all sides of issues coming before our community. As a member of the Communications Taskforce, I suggested that it might be time for Pecan Plantation to have a weekly newspaper. Tom Roman: Pecan’s current communication programs and its M2M group have been great steps in improving communication within Pecan. They can be enhanced through more informal board contact with the membership and through greater emphasis on membership surveys or ballot initiatives. 12. Should communications resources, owned by all PPOA members, such as the Columns, Channel 28, web blasts, Town Hall meetings, etc. be cordially open to both sides of issues when differing opinions exist within our community, or should these venues only be used to offer the Board and Management point of view? Please explain your answer. Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: To my knowledge, most of these resources are available to all members. Bob Kent: There should be a method(s) available to air conflicting views perhaps the Columns or Channel 28 are two mechanisms. I support using these venues. Obviously this would need to be organized and limits set. If elected to the Board, I would entertain and support a motion or recommendation to develop procedures to view different sides of issues. Public debates aired on Channel 28 could be one method. Bob Kinney: All members should be allowed to express themselves. I have neither Cable (Channel 28) nor computer (web blast) so I favor Town Hall meetings. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: All of the members own the facilities of PPOA, including the communications media. To ensure the Board and management are following the will of the people, all sides of issues must be understood prior to any vote. The various PPOA communications media should be available to air all sides of issues, so long as the differing opinions are discussed in a civil and respectful manner. Tom Roman: When possible, increased community opinion should be reflected in these communication venues. The town meeting format currently used allows individuals to express differing viewpoints and should be continued when community issues arise. 13. If elected, would you be open to member input via email, phone calls and/or direct meetings? If so, what steps would you take to maintain such open lines of communication? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: I would prefer the input be in writing so email would be my favorite. I am anxious to see what improvement Member 2 Member will have on this matter. I also invite any member to contact me with their questions. Bob Kent: I am open to member input via email and phone and direct meetings with individuals or groups. Bob Kinney: I would welcome contact with members in whatever channel is convenient. Written form is most productive as it allows time to study the issue and report back promptly. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: There is a theory of management in the business world called MBWA (management by walking around). I practiced this form of management so that I could obtain the opinions of all of my associates and not just have information filtered to me by my staff. I practiced the “Open Door” policy in business and will continue to do so when elected to the Board. I will be most happy to communicate with our community via email and telephone and plan to establish a time each month where I can meet with members face to face. Tom Roman: If elected, I will always make myself available to the membership. I prefer to discuss issues one on one with members and will take the opportunities that email and phone contacts present, to meet personally with a member and get to know him or her on a individual basis. 14. What are your views on the current By-laws requirement of a 2/3's approval threshold (of those members voting) to amend the By-laws and change the monthly assessment? Gary Bailey: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Don Drake: I prefer the 2/3’s approval requirement. Bob Kent: I support our current by-law which require 2/3 approval of a quorum of voters to amend the by-laws and change the monthly assessments. Article 6, Section 6 of our by-laws states “the members holding ten (10) percent of the total voting rights of the corporation shall constitute a quorum at membership meetings.” I am in favor of increasing the percent of voters necessary to represent a quorum. Bob Kinney: Upon moving here 10 years ago, I favored the 2/3’s approval provision. When roads fell apart and maintenance delayed, I reconsidered that position. Presently, I would have to be convinced that changing the By-laws is in the best interest of PPOA. Jim Miller: Candidate Chose Not to Respond to Question Mike “Robo” Robinius: I am 100% for the protection and continuation of this By-laws requirement, which is one of the membership’s best safeguards. The 2/3’s vote requirement helps to ensure that only well planned and thought out proposals will pass. Tom Roman: I support continuing the 2/3 majority vote at the present time.
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