Conspiracy in getting votes

My husband was nominated to serve on board again (Past: 2 terms as president - 2 terms as secretary/treasurer) - he didn't win this time (only original owner left here of 31 years.) Heard through the grapevine that a group of mostly single women didn't want him on (because they don't like his aggressive/forceful personality) and lobbied other homeowners via getting their proxies and/or convincing them to show up at the meeting and vote for a last-minute candidate that they wanted in - bottom line - 2 board positions were open - 2 people were on the ballot to begin with until... the "hail mary" pass of getting this other woman to put her name on the ballot to have three choices. These women are all nice to our faces - but have their hidden agenda/vendetta. After the meeting we found out the count - and my husband only got 8 votes - the other 2 twice that. We don't know whether to laugh or cry - so WE ARE TAKING THE HIGH ROAD - AND LAUGHING! Good luck to all of us now. The conspirators got what they wanted. My husband will hold his head up and be a gracious loser - wonder if "these women" slept well last night?

Conspiracy by definition means their actions were illegal.

He just got "politic-ed"... thats all.

Don't take this the wrong way, but be thankful that your association had a competitive election. In many associations there are problems getting enough people to run to fill all of the seats. A competitive election is a healthy thing for the association IMHO and the association is bigger than any person on the board at any given time.

Based on your comments about being original home owners for 31 years and the women being mostly single I'm going to assume two things. First, you and your husband are older residents and second, these women are younger. In my previous association we had to beg the younger owners to run for the board, but year after year it wound up being the same group of retired folks yet there would be a perception that we were nothing but a bunch of old fuddy-duddies who only wanted to to live in the 1950s again. Nothing was further from the truth - we wanted younger people to step up and offer their ideas and leadership. Your association is lucky to have younger folks looking to get involved.

Perhaps it seemed a little underhanded how they did it but maybe they wanted to avoid being rude and making a scene at the meeting. Like Donna said never miss a member's meeting. If you or your husband are still interested in running there's always next year! I wouldn't take it personally, I'd consider it a healthy thing for the association. Good luck!

Eileen,

Usually the knee jerk reaction is to fight when we feel that we were wronged. Thank goodness that you and your Husband are mature enough to accept this with grace. There will be another day or time when he can be an assett to your community, perhaps without being on the Board. Good for both of you.

Eileen,

Just as I thought, this may have hit you harder than it did your husband. But, that's normal especially when you've married a long time and only you know what kind of a man your husband is. I think I would feel the same way. I'm glad your husband isn't upset over this. Take care and enjoy the next 3 years free of the committment of being a board member and the wife of one. I know what both of those are like!!!

Eileen, I hope your husband continues to be involved. He could be on a committee or participate in any one of many things to do around your HOA. He could probably get a lot done on a committee.

I am always troubled by the throw-away of the last presidency. I witnessed a good president being upseated by the "younger" ones, and his expertise was not even wanted. Came back to bite these whipper-snappers in the butt later.

Ah well, sometimes ya jus gotta let people be wrong . . .

Susan,

Thank you for your reply. My husband is on the grounds/architectual committee and some of the "conspirators" are on it, too. He isn't going to resign either, he is going to show up just as before before - plus the chair of that committee is always asking for his help and input (a good friend & next door neighbor.)

I'm so happy you responded to me as well as others. Initially, I just wanted to reach out anonymously and "talk" to someone about what I perceived at "unfair / conspiracy" during voting - however, I have now softened my stance on that and life has moved on for me and my husband. I'm so glad I found this site and it has really been beneficial to read everyone's comments, not only about my personal subject - but going into other topics as well.

Thanks again!
Eileen.