Bogus no vote reasons

Considering the revote for a proposed assessment increase, let’s review reasons to vote against the new 2020 Plan.

1. The $13 proposed increase for improved lots is too high. BOGUS! If we had raised dues yearly since 2001 by the national inflation rate our dues would now be above $39 per month. That’s $2 dollars more than our board has proposed.

2. Bella Vistans voted to be an incorporated city to get rid of the POA. BOGUS! The vote to incorporate was to bring equity to Bella Vista and save the POA. Our property taxes were the cash cow of Benton County, putting $millions into the county coffer yearly while the county was only spending about $500,000 per year in Bella Vista.

3. Bella Vista is no longer a “retirement community.” BOGUS! Bella Vista has never been a retirement community with an age restriction such as a “55 or older.” We are an “amenities community” similar to a Del Webb but without dues of $175 to $225 per month like a Del Webb. Bella Vista was designed to give middle and upper-middle-income families lots of activities at a reasonable cost.

4. COO Tom Judson’s salary is too high. BOGUS! The Trafalgar fire fell into Tom Judson’s lap and instead of accepting the estimate of between $21 and $37 million dollars for the state to put it out, he “took the bull by the horns” and got the job done. It is estimated he saved us $12 to $15 million dollars by being pro-active. It would take a long time at his present salary to get anywhere close to the amount of money we owe him.

5. Our property values will stay up even if a dues increase fails and some amenities have to close. BOGUS! We’ve heard from several Realtors that if amenities begin to close, every homeowner in Bella Vista will experience real losses due to decreasing property values. Who in their right mind would vote no to virtually guarantee a devaluation of their home. Are you kidding me?

6. “I moved here when I was younger to play golf, tennis, and enjoy the lakes when older members than me were paying their dues, but now I’m too old so I’m voting no.” BOGUS! This is the same attitude as people who say, “I voted for an increase in school funding when I had kids in school but now that they are out I’m not voting for schools. Can you look yourself in the mirror with a clear conscience and really say that? Please!

7. We need our own independent school system in Bella Vista instead of spending money on amenities. BOGUS ARGUMENT AGAIN! This is the “apples and oranges” argument. These two things are unrelated. I would be willing to support a school system in Bella Vista, RIGHT AFTER WE PROVE WE CAN KEEP OUR POA DUES UP WITH INFLATION.

It truly is time to vote yes, friends.

Ralph Patterson Bella Vista