False Rumors and Accusations.. Undermining attempted.

We have a past board member who has been rumored to be speaking poorly of one of our board members. It was mostly hearsay until today when our manager notified us of an interaction with this individual who clearly stated untruths about the same board member. I feel that feeding a troll and actually challenging this past unhappy camper is futile. However, from a standpoint lies are being told in attempt to undermine the hard work we have done especially one of our hardest working board members.

extreme as it sounds, it is being contemplated by the person who feels she is being harassed to get a restraining order served.

Just curious.... has anything like this happened to you, anyone you know or any other board, what were the actions if any.

Nicole,

Do not waste any time on trying to get a restraining order. Board members are considered public figures and are fair game under free speech. The board member would have to prove that not only are the statements false but also that they were made with a malicious intent. This is a very high barrier.

Tim has the right idea although I would question the wisdom of repeating the false statements or even acknowledging that someone is spreading rumors. I would stick to the facts and tell the members what the board and its members have done.

Nicole

Sometimes in life confrontation is in fact the only option to counter the behavior of a bully.
Turning the other cheek or playing nice-nice does not and will not work.

Your goal should be to prevent these lies from becoming reality in the minds of the property owners.

And I agree one tool would be a letter sent out to all the residents detailing what has been said (with written proof or solid evidence)
And what in fact the truth is.

Depending on circumstances I would avoid using the problem child's name but if it becomes necessary then I would address them by name.
As Tim suggested best to fight fire with fire.

The goal win the war not the public opinion battle on behavior.

Nice guys do sometimes finish last.

There is a fine line between neighborhood "gossip" and harassment. Harassment is real crime and punishable by the law. No board or neighbor should be subjected to that without drawing the "legal line". It's NOT the HOA's job to control bad behavior or rumors.

I disagree with sending letters to address the issue. It costs the HOA money and it's not going to be cared about by most. Those who know the truth won't believe the lies. Those who don't know the truth, don't care enough to participate anyways. What are you doing it for anyways? Addressing "gossip" just makes it spread.

Yes, I have been harassed, lied about, and even physically attacked. My nickname was "Dictator" and compared to Hitler. The new board went around and lied about me to gather a vote. One board member took it upon herself to chase me out of a meeting and try to physically attack me.

In the end, the truth prevailed and those who mattered knew it. I don't need to lower myself to their level. Ignore it and the person. They are jealous and have their own issues... What I try to live by: Your problem with me is NOT my problem with me. Live your life in honesty and it will all work out.

Things like this happen all the time. We have one HO that bad mouths the BOD to the extend he almost says they are cheating. No one pays any attention to him.

To the OP. I say it is childish and boring behavior but it is not a BOD issue. My advice it to leave it alone.

I have been on our board for 7 years, president for 5. In my "herstory" I have endured the harrassment of one particular neighbor that has left absolutely horrendouse voice mails, incredible in your face emails that have included comments about my family and has tried to force my front door open when I wouldn't answer on several ocassions. When this homeowner wrote to the president of the company I work for and acused me of less than stellar moral character, I drew the line. I went before the magistrate and got a restraining order. Things died down for a year and this homeowner is now back on her "high horse" and accusing me of some pretty serious racial name calling. This homeowner knows no boundaries. All this in appreciation for the hard work I've done for our community. Sometimes I just want to give up!