Answers to SLA Candidate Questions

Answers to SLA Questions from Michele Walter:

  1.            Have you read any documents that describe the role and responsibilities of a qualified HOA Board member, if so, what were they?  Do you believe the Sun Lakes board orientation provided to new board members adequately prepares new board members?

Answer 1

Yes. I have read SLCC’s CC&R’s, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations.  With my 23 years’ experience as a district delegate, committee member and committee chair, I am quite familiar with our policies and procedures.

I have not had the opportunity to participate in a board orientation; however, I recommend a comprehensive orientation for all board members and district delegates.  The training must clearly define the legal duties of care, loyalty, and confidentiality required of directors when making decisions on behalf of the community.  New directors should be fully trained on parliamentary procedures.  In California, a robust orientation must prepare directors to navigate state laws, specifically the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act.

  2.             How important do you think having a formal set of Sun Lakes Policies and Procedures is to effectively govern our community?  Will you support making this a priority? What would be you plan to see this accomplished?

Answer 2

Having a formal, comprehensive set of Sun Lakes Policies and Procedures is absolutely vital to effectively govern our community.  It serves in ensuring consistency, fairness, and transparency for all residents while shielding the community from unnecessary liability.  Board members have a legal and ethical duty to act in the best interest of Sun Lakes.  Presidents, directors, and committee chairs change over time.  A clear, written manual ensures that operational knowledge is preserved and that rules are enforced uniformly.  As outlined in my candidate statement, “I will pursue consistent and accountable HOA board governance”.

  3.            How did you or will you determine what your goals/priorities will be as a Master Board member? What would your primary focus be for the upcoming term?

Answer 3

If elected to the Master Board, I will:

·        Support greater transparency within our community

·        Work to unite our community and enhance our amenities

·        Oppose excessive HOA fee increases

·        Pursue consistent and accountable HOA Board governance

·        Protect our golf courses and keep our community private

·        Oppose the Sunset Crossroads Warehouse Project

We have fired FSR and hired Troon, we should have had more community input and followed the proper Request for Proposal procedures.

  4.            What unique leadership insight do you bring to the table that can enhance the working relationship among the three Sun Lakes executive functions (Master Board, District Delegate Assembly, and Advisory Committees) and with the management company to bring about a greater sense of cohesiveness and community involvement?

Answer 4

We need to return to a more transparent and respectful communication process between our Master Board, District Delegate Assembly and our Advisory Committees.  This current board is not listening to the DDA or our 14 Advisory Committees. Most of the committees don’t even make a report during the open session. Our current board appears to have an adversarial approach to the DDA.  We need a more cooperative approach and I intend to facilitate one. I will establish regular monthly meetings with the District Delegates and quarterly sessions with the advisory committees to improve communications and ensure more cohesiveness with our volunteers.

  5.            Over the past two years the Master Board has made two major decisions and taken on primary procurement responsibility for seeking a change in the Food & Beverage and HOA Management Company services. How effective do you think these initiatives were and what would you advocate that should have been done differently, if anything?

Answer 5

The Master Board hired CCL April of 2024 and the selection process was flawed.  This resulted in a financial loss of over $700,000 the first year as well as poor F/B services and numerous complaints.  It appears they are repeating the same mistake.  The RFP was again flawed and may result in more financial problems for our community.  Last year’s board unanimously rejected Troon as a management company due to its lack of HOA experience and our own attorney recommends that we do not hire Troon.  We should keep FSR on a month-to-month basis while we follow a proper RFP process to determine what management company is best for Sun Lakes Country Club.