About a Negative Campaign

Several homeowners have asked why this Board election has become so negative. It's a fair question.

In national politics, we've almost come to expect contentious elections, personal accusations, and negative campaigning. But why should that happen in a community of homeowners? Our elections are nonpartisan, the positions are unpaid, and the responsibilities are substantial. We're neighbors who presumably share the same objective: making Somersett a better place to live.

So why has this election become so contentious?

I think some background may help explain.

During my four years on the Board, I devoted approximately 10,000 hours to helping build a friendly, welcoming, and financially sound community. Together, we resolved longstanding problems, improved management, restored financial stability, and established a foundation for continued success.

When I completed my second term and departed on a two-year sailing adventure, I believed Somersett was on a good path.

Upon returning, I was saddened to discover the conflict and dysfunction that had developed on the Board. Much of what transpired occurred in confidential Executive Sessions, so I cannot claim to know every circumstance, nor would it be appropriate to speculate.

Because I know and have worked with every current Board member, I was asked to help find common ground. I met with each of them often face to face, listened to their concerns, discussed their objectives, and explored possible solutions that might restore a productive working relationship.

Unfortunately, those efforts were unsuccessful.

What became apparent was that the problem extended well beyond ordinary disagreements over policies or priorities. There had been a serious breakdown in working relationships. Four of the five current Board members have publicly stated that they can no longer work effectively with the remaining member. After speaking individually with all five, I came away with similar concerns about the prospects for restoring effective collaboration under the present circumstances.

That's not a personal judgment about anyone's character. It's a practical assessment of a serious organizational problem.

Disagreement itself isn't the issue. A good Board should welcome different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and debate difficult decisions. Yet those decisions must be arrived at while preserving cooperation, mutual respect, and a willingness to move forward together. When those relationships break down, the consequences reach far beyond the Boardroom. Time and resources are diverted from the business of the Association. Volunteers become discouraged. Professional management and staff can find themselves caught in disputes they did not create. Ultimately, homeowners bear the consequences.

And that helps explain the contentious nature of this election.

I've been accused of negative campaigning myself. I've defended my record, challenged allegations I believe are inaccurate, and expressed frustration with some of the public commentary surrounding this election. I won't pretend that every exchange has been positive. But there is a distinction between personal attacks and legitimate discussion of serious governance concerns. It is reasonable to question statements, correct the record, and examine whether our elected representatives can work together effectively. Those are matters of consequence to every homeowner.

I had not planned to return to the Board. But I care deeply about Somersett and want to preserve the progress we've made. I'm willing to contribute my time and experience once more.

I also recognize that no individual, regardless of experience, can make a Board functional on their own. Effective governance depends on the willingness of its members to work together, particularly when they disagree. Therefore, I’m asking you to elect a Board that can be functional for the benefit of this organization and its members.

This brings me to Hal Lenox.

Hal has impressed me with his thoughtful judgment, levelheaded temperament, and willingness to listen to homeowners. He brings extensive experience managing complex organizations, considers differing viewpoints carefully, and approaches difficult questions with professionalism and respect.

In my interactions with him, I've found someone who is interested in solving problems rather than prolonging disagreements. He understands that serving on the Board is about serving the community.

Those are qualities worth recognizing, particularly in light of the challenges our Association has experienced.

I cannot promise that the next Board will always agree. Nor should it. But I believe we must not allow disagreement to produce adversaries, we must respect one another despite our differences, and work toward solutions that serve the broader interests of Somersett.

Our community has accomplished a great deal, and that progress deserves to be protected.

Your ballot will arrive by email this Wednesday, October 28, with a link to vote online. Please take a few moments to participate, and please consider the importance of effective collaboration in governing our community.