To everyone in
Diamondhead:
First of all if you
have not read the latest Diamondhead Focus and have not seen the articles about
the board and the article “What the Heck is Going On ?!?!” we wish you would
read it. It will help you to understand our following response.
In response let me,
Alan Thornton, and Mary Gage, address the issues in both articles. First of all
I am not sure that we would describe ourselves as “highjackers“. We would
agree that we are residents that are gravely concerned about the direction and
lack of wisdom that is holding Diamondhead hostage. But there are not just a
few of us. There are many unhappy residents and the articles make this evident.
No one in Diamondhead has ever told any property owner that they had to be an
elected official or a long-term resident to have a vote or to voice an opinion
as the article indicates. No matter whether you have lived here one day
or 100 years, if you are a current dues paying member, you have the same rights
equally. We are not “these people” we are residents and concerned
citizens of Diamondhead and our future. An ethical and fair minded board
with maturity would understand this.
In response to the
next statement that “we finally have a General Manager with the strength and
business acumen to run the daily business of Diamondhead and allow the board to
make policy decisions” we must bring to light a few facts. While
bankruptcy is not a disqualification from employment, it is a strong indicator
of financial irresponsibility. Public records show our current GM filed
chapter 7 in 2004 and filed chapter 13 in 2010. As far as mentioning the
issue of bankruptcy, this can all be attributed to the board’s actions and the
GM’s invitation to research his background.
Suzzi, you are
our board President. Please do not refer to us as despicable people who
only want to humiliate a person because of their misfortune. Our biggest
concern is the poor decisions of this board and the impact it will have
on all of the hard working residents of Diamondhead and protecting their
investments. The articles in the Focus, written on behalf of the board,
attacks concerned residents, and that is despicable. It is also
deplorable when a GM (who is a Taekwondo black belt) tells a resident that he
will deal with them one-on-one. How about chasing a resident to their home?
How about accusatory and unprofessional e-mails from curent board members
to residents? Does that sound like
professional management? Is this a POA board that is steering the ship or one
that is being led down a financially disastrous path? Let us focus on the
reason that brought us together. We love our community and we hate to see
deceitful bullies and incompetent people ruin our neighborhood. The
article is correct about one thing. It is time for the madness to stop!
That is what we have been trying to do!!!
Our areas of concern
in your articles:
DUES INCOME: It
is written that if everyone paid, it is less than $800,000 per year. Per
the calculations as of June 27, 2013 - 1,107 lots were billed, 483 are current $263,235;
homes 629 were billed 575 have paid for a total of $485,875 so as of June 27,
2013, we have already received $749,110. However, if everyone paid the
dues would be more like $1,134,820 not less than $800,000.
FINANCES: There
has not been a financial statement provided to the residents per the by-laws in
over a year. The accounting firm you hired (another bad decision) failed
to fulfill their obligation but our curiosity would be why? Were the books in
that bad of shape? Are they now suing us for $23,000? Is it true
there is not an employee experienced in Quick Books or accounting functions?
First of all the
computer system was locked up by our last GM in 2012. The new computers
were paid for in advance (to our GM’s friend) without board approval, more than
$10,000. The computer consultant -Jim Dalton- held us hostage for
additional money (some $6,000). However, he agreed to accept $2,000. He
was not licensed to sell the software to operate these computers. A
current board member stated that the situation now is nothing but a mess.
Now the residents will have to pay for another bad decision by the board
coupled with the fact that we now have to pay to clean up the mess.
BY-LAWS COMMITTEE:
At the request of the community????? Exactly where did a request
for a new by-laws committee come from? Where was it posted and how did
this selection follow Roberts Rules of Order? How did you notify the
community so more could be involved in this decision? Why did the five
person committee consist of board members and/or spouses? Would you
consider this (per Roberts Rules of Order) a fair sampling of our community?
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES:
The article stated the GM was hired and is now part time to save costs?
Is that the truth? When in fact the GM was hired full time and he
requested to go part time due to other obligations in his own business.
So, if not for this, he would be full time. At the same token he
saves money by using our POA office for his personal business.
DUES: An
increase in dues is coming! The article stated their plans are to raise
your dues which is repeated at every town hall meeting. Increased POA
dues will do nothing but hurt this community and our property values.
We speak for the
silent majority who feel that we need transparency (which we have not had) and
clarification on where our money is spent. Closed door meetings do
nothing but breed dictatorial actions and view points. It draws a line in
the sand between you and me. Diamondhead is our neighborhood. Our
committees are in place to convey to the board what we as residents desire.
We the residents are the main governing body. The board is in place
at our will to improve Diamondhead, not to dictate but to listen.
We are not children
who can be intimidated and bullied or sit by silently while you destroy our
community. This is our home and we will defend it and make it better!
We can not thank the
people of Diamondhead enough for the unbelievable outpouring of support and
donations! We thank each and every one of you for the signed petitions
and proxies. It is because of your support that we can look forward to a
better community. Please continue to support your community and let’s not
allow apathy to destroy us. Please stay involved and voice your opinion.
Mail in your petitions and proxies and let’s all rebuild our community!!!
Your concerned
neighbors,
Alan Thornton and Mary Gage
