Vote ‘Yes’ for the future

As I read the letters to the editor, I agree with some of the points being raised; however, I ask myself, does my opinion on these issues rise to the level of justifying a “No” vote on an assessment increase — as some writers have indicated?

We have one of the largest POAs in the country, paid for by one of the lowest assessment rates. We have available to us an array of amenities for us to enjoy — whether we chose to use them or not. The association has more than 100 buildings and properties that we own and maintain. There are approximately 28,000 members, all of whom have an opinion on what amenities they want and don’t want and how they should be managed.

The complexity, understanding and agreement of all of this is a recipe for a history of failed assessment increases, even though there is ample opportunity for us to educate ourselves about what is going on as to why a decision is made.

There are audit reports, financials, board meeting minutes and board meetings available for us to educate ourselves and to provide input. The majority of us will stay mostly uninformed.

Keeping up with all of this is not exactly like reading a good novel. Our information flow comes from our friends and groups, who oftentimes are no more informed than we are, but they do share many of our opinions, which serve to reinforce us.

I have to admit, I don’t have a clue how to turn this around so that we, as members, become active participants. We are in agreement with the majority of decisions made and, just as importantly, agree to the direction the POA should seek to follow, which drives those decisions.

I do believe that we can agree that if we did not receive an increase in our personal income in nearly 20 years, we would be desperately in need of an increase, regardless of how responsibly it was judged that we spent that income over that period.

For this reason, I encourage you to vote for an assessment increase.

Roberta Dale Bella Vista