Summary of Serious Ethical Concerns at District Delegate Assembly Meeting
SUN LAKERS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
An Important Update to Sun Lakes Members
October 29, 2026 — Special District Delegate Assembly Meeting
Serious Ethical Concerns Involving the Removal of Recall Election Materials
At its October 29 special meeting, the Sun Lakes District Delegate Assembly addressed a serious matter involving the removal and disposal of recall election materials from a designated information table in the Main Clubhouse lobby.
The discussion centered on the actions of Master Board member Howard Katz and the reported involvement of Gary Burkel. The issue raises fundamental questions about ethical conduct, members' rights to receive election information, and the standards of accountability expected of those elected to govern our community.
What Was Disclosed
Delegate Assembly Chair Gail Bilek read a formal letter, dated October 6, 2026 requesting that the Master Board investigate the incident and provide a substantive written response. As of this meeting no response from the Board was provided.
According to statements made during the meeting:
Howard Katz acknowledged removing and discarding the recall materials. A Board representative confirmed that he admitted his actions.
Gary Burkel was reportedly consulted before the materials were discarded. Meeting participants stated that Katz had documented Burkel's involvement in writing. Burkel's own account was not presented in the transcript.
Video evidence was identified, and the Delegate Assembly Chair requested that management preserve the relevant recordings. She reported that the footage had been secured.
The Board had not provided the substantive written response requested by the Delegate Assembly Chair within the specified period, prompting the matter to be brought before the delegates.
These disclosures are significant because Board members have a special responsibility to respect the rights of all homeowners, including those expressing opposing views during an election.
Why This Matters to Every Sun Lakes Member
This issue goes far beyond the outcome of the recall election.
The integrity of our elections depends on every member's right to access information without improper interference—regardless of who supports or opposes a particular candidate or recall.
When individuals entrusted with governing our community are implicated in removing election materials, the concern is not merely the loss of printed literature. It is the potential erosion of confidence in the fairness of our election process and the judgment of our elected representatives.
During the meeting, delegates raised concerns about compliance with signed ethics commitments, the need for consistent standards, and the importance of preventing similar conduct in future elections.
The discussion also emphasized that accountability must be fair, proportionate, and consistent with established governing and legal procedures. No final determination of legal wrongdoing was established during the meeting.
The Delegate Assembly's Commitment to Follow Through
Importantly, the Delegate Assembly did not simply express concern and move on. Chair Bilek outlined a process for determining whether the Assembly should recommend action concerning Katz, Burkel, or both. Delegates were asked to provide their views for consideration by the Ethics Committee.
The proposed follow-through included:
1. Gathering delegate input regarding the need for corrective action.
2. Having the Ethics Committee evaluate the information and recommendations and prepare a proposed response.
3. Returning the proposed recommendation to the full Delegate Assembly for consideration, rather than allowing any single individual to determine the outcome.
4. Forwarding any approved recommendation to the Master Board, which holds responsibility for determining appropriate action under applicable procedures.
5. Seeking a report on the Board's review, including consideration of recusals by individuals whose conduct is under examination.
A Board representative confirmed that a hearing with Mr. Katz was planned and indicated that the Delegate Assembly Chair would receive information following the Board's review.
Delegates discussed possible responses ranging from a public apology or formal censure to calls for resignation or removal. These were proposals for consideration—not final actions or findings by the Assembly.
Accountability Must Be More Than a Promise
One of the most important messages emerging from the meeting was that ethical standards must apply consistently, particularly to those holding positions of authority.
The Delegate Assembly's willingness to address this matter publicly, gather input, involve its Ethics Committee, and pursue a formal recommendation represents an important commitment to accountability.
That commitment will ultimately be measured by follow-through: a fair review of the evidence, a documented response from the Master Board, and appropriate corrective action if warranted.
As Sun Lakes prepares for future Board elections, members deserve confidence that election information will be respected, ethical obligations will be enforced, and no elected official will be considered above the standards expected of the community.
Moving Forward
Sun Lakers for Accountability recognizes the seriousness of the concerns raised and supports the Delegate Assembly's commitment to pursue this matter through appropriate procedures.
We encourage all Sun Lakes members, regardless of their position on the recall, to remain informed and expect a transparent, fair, and timely resolution.
This is not about revisiting the recall election. It is about protecting the integrity of future elections, restoring confidence in our governing institutions, and ensuring that accountability applies to everyone.
Sun Lakers for Accountability
An Independent Grassroots Member Forum
Prepared from the October 29, 2026 Delegate Assembly meeting transcript. This overview distinguishes reported actions and statements from allegations, proposed remedies, and findings that remain subject to review.