Negative campaigning from a board member

Started by NancyM2 • 9 replies • 2587 views

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NancyM2 (California)
Posts: 249

Posted:

Dear HOATalk

Our annual election will be held this May. Our ballots have just arrived. Just prior to receiving the ballots we recieved a very negative letter signed by a current board member along with two past baord members signatures..

They have defamed and criticized one board member (who is up for re-elction)along with defaming three other candidates that are on the ballots. These three hopefull's have volunteered their time on various committees, and are now running for a board seat. This letter ripped those three apart with untruths and false information ~~ These "scare tactics" have had a negative effect especally when most of our owners don't know what is going on.

If you are a current board member (representing our HOA) should you be allowed to do negative campaigning against potential candidates, especally when the information was false.

NancyM2

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Quote:

If you are a current board member (representing our HOA) should you be allowed to do negative campaigning against potential candidates, especally when the information was false.

Allowed? Hehe, this isn't kindergarten. Adults don't play fair. If its false and the person wants to sue them, that is up to them. You cant stop people from writing anything they want.

Best thing you can do to combat the false information is to put out your own "true" information and let the members decide.

Good luck.

GlenL (Ohio)
Posts: 5,491

Posted:

As long as the letter wasn't identified as coming from the HOA then yes he has the right to campaign and solicit votes. The opposition has the right to refute the allegations by sending their own letter. I suggest you visit http://www.davis-stirling.com and read the section under campaigning.

Studies show that 5 out of 4 people have problems with fractions

CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563

Posted:

Right, if the nasty campaigners didn't use association funds or association staff to deliver the letters, they can do it.

Something similar happened in our HOA when 3 then-directors sent a very nasty, poorly-written letter to owners. The two good guy-candidates sent a dignified and factual campaign letter. The bad guys were soundly whupped and our HOA has been benefiting in every way since then.

Your team should very write a powerful, clear sincere, carefully-proofread letter to all owners.

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

If you are a current US President should you be allowed to do negative campaigning against potential candidates, especally when the information was false.

NancyM2 (California)
Posts: 249

Posted:

Dear HOATalk

Thank you for your response to my thread.

To answer your question, This "hate" letter was sent out with our associatoions name on the top of it, So it looked oficial ~ However they call themselves the "STEERING COMMITTEE" for the (xxxx) association.

I believe they paid for the mailing themselves. The management is sending out a letter to all our owners informing them that this "steering committee" has not been santioned by the board, and is not official. That letter will go out Monday.

We are putting together a rebuttal ASAP

NancyM2

JanetB2 (Colorado)
Posts: 4,219

Posted:

Hi Nancy:

Your clarification on the situation is greatly appreciated!

If they did it with the association name … they were wrong. Your rebuttal idea is great informing everyone that the alleged “steering committee” is not properly sanctioned by the board. Good job!!!

Hopefully that will assist everyone in making an “informed” decision in the upcoming elections.

Good luck!!!

JeanneK3 (Maryland)
Posts: 562

Posted:

Way out of line Janet B. HOA Talk: Please remove her post. Thank you.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Nancy,

In your rebuttal, stick to the facts only and let them speak for themselves.

If you let emotions get into the letter or expand on an area, it can be seen by the membership as childish. Just a simple statement of facts should be enough. Example:

You may have all received a letter from people identified as the steering committee. The Board wishes to make it clear that the Association does not have a "steering committee" and anyone identifying themselves as such does not have the approval of the Board.

The Board wishes to clarify the facts that was claimed in that letter:

1) The letter identifed abc.
2) Fact: a is true b&c are false. Mr/Mrs so and so has been [state facts that disprove b & c)

Tim

NancyM2 (California)
Posts: 249

Posted:

Thank you Tim, Good advise.... Since I am not a candidate in this election, but are considered "The watchdog" in our community. Having been a board member several years ago (treasurer) I have remained involved, attend all meetings along with being on the Finance committee.

I have taken it upon myself to send out a rebuttal, keeping the candidates hands clean. I have composed, and mailed out a "FACT" letter along with my endorsement letter. I pointed out (7) "FACTS" to set the record stright. However I was a little strong in my opening staterment in the letter when I refered to the litany of lies sent out by this "Steering committee" The "Facts" were simple and to the point, no mud slinging

I ended the letter with the statement (These FACTS could be verified by board meeting minutes)

NancyM2

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