It is time again--soon The Springs will be holding an election to fill two vacant, yes vacant seats. It is inportant that each resident VOTE in these elections as who sits on this BOD effects our everyday life here in various ways: our annual fees, the condition of the community, what get accomplished and not accomplished, our security, and many of the day to day items we take for granted.

I have not been impressed with the functioning of the current BOD and its lack of accomplishments. The BOD has not acted in the  professional manner one would expect of a group responsible for 400 Acs of the best property in Seminole Cty or a Million dollar bussiness. Ther have been huge cost over runs on projects, projects not addressed, shortened BOD meeting with agenda items being postponed for month after month, and general ineffency.

At the November BOD meeting the presedent after the budget was approved wanted to increase the annual fees to cover any projects that they may want to do in the future. Not that there are any spicific plans to attach the increase to in case there are plans developed.

The last BOD a year ago left several plans on the table, and had started discussions on funding them if you remember. This BOD put them aside, took off on anoyher path with little accomplished.

I would encourage that each resident become involved, read canidate Bios, ask questions, attend any meet the canidate meetings and make your choice and VOTE in the upcomming election.

This year's SCA Directors election CAN change the focus and direction of the  Board  from this year's back-sliding with petty maintenance criticism, fingerpointing, and unbudgeted-spending  to a progressive year of building on our past accomplishments and dealing with the important projects through teamwork and financial responsibility/

We can get back on track and  return to completing our 3 important SCA projects and upgrading our daily operations IF, the 2 open positions are filled by 2 directors who are critical thinkers understanding the real homeowner concerns about the Springs and their homes, not just the routine daily housekkeeping issues as debated in every meeting of '06.

When we consider the 5 nominees running for the 2 directorships, it is important that every voting homeowner realize that we are electing the POLICY-MAKERS of our HOA, not the streetsweepers!  This is not like a congressional or state election battle where one party is trying to dominate the country and wipe out the opposition. We are not enemies of each other!  We are all homewoners and neighbors in a wonderful place!  Above all, we DON'T need 6 of the 7 board members having the  same mindstep and will vote lockstep on all matters.  (That could happen because 2 candidates are avowed members of Wilson's SOS Party!)  We need a range of expertise and critical thinkers who will challenge us to stay on the enhancement track, and not gloss over the real problems.  

I don't believe any of the 5 nominees will destroy this place, but we can stagnate if we do not push forward with the important issues.  I think the '06 Board lost its focus by spending all its efforts on switching property manager and  legal counsel, on avoiding operating and budget guidelines.

Every year I have lived here (12), Nancy and I have made it our duty to get to know the directors and the nominees, and attend most of the regular board meetings.  As the current Board will attest, I also call them when I think they have made proper decisions.
AND, being appreciative of their willingness to serve, I call them to compliment them too!

For '07, I think Patrick Grady and Bob Shakar will help get our Board back on track and can better help direct Asher Mgt. to control our operations.  Both of them have special business experience , education, and  management responsibilities that will be an asset to us all.
The other 3 are capable and have their own unique gifts, but I think their views and abilities are already represented on the Board.  Let's enhance the Board.  

But, above all, take the time to know who is running.  You need to figure out why I am recommending Patrick and Bob.  It is your home you are voting about, not a seat in congress!

RK