nomination to the board

Started by KateS2 • 7 replies • 731 views

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KateS2 (Connecticut)
Posts: 41

Posted:

We had a previous secretary on the board, who did not get along with the President at that time. She refused to sign letters, missed minutes on the reports, and is the HOA troublemaker talking about her neighbors to anyone who will listen. We have elections coming up and she wants to run again on the board. Has anyone rejected nominations because they were not a good fit for the board?

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

I can't imagine that rejecting nominations because some people feel a certain way about a candidate would withstand a legal challenge.

If you don't think a candidate is a good fit, campaign for other candidates in the election.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

ND (PA)
Posts: 792

Posted:

You can't reject a nomination of someone who meets whatever the requirements are for being a Board Member (if she has a pulse, she probably meets the requirements although she may also need to be a member in good standing).

If someone is not a good candidate, you have the ability to help ensure there are others running for the Board who are better candidates and to advocate for them to be elected to the Board. This can be done by making it clear to owners that certain candidates are qualified and a good fit; and/or making it clear that certain candidates are unqualified and not a good fit; and/or securing proxies of apathetic owners such that you largely control the outcome of the vote.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

It's not the board's place to dictate who should and shouldn't run for a spot on the board. I'm not a fan of nominating committees either, as that can really political, and the process is probably political enough with people saying why they should be elected over someone else.

You might want to consider holding some sort of "meet the candidates" event where the candidates can talk about their experience, why they want to be on the board and what they'd like to do if elected. Encourage other homeowners to ask questions of the candidates and see how they react. To wit, someone might ask "how should the board address a member who was made an officer, but has shown he/she isn't doing the job, such as turning in committee or BOARD MEETING MINUTES late, spreading gossip when a vote doesn't go his/her way, etc."

Everyone would have to answer the question, including the troublemaker, but she wouldn't necessarily be singled out (if someone wants to do that, he/she needs to stick to the performance issue and not make it personal). To keep things relatively civil, tell everyone at the start no offensive language, shouting, threats or fisticuffs will be permitted - if you can't or refuse to ask and answer questions like an adult, sit down and be quiet or stay home. Violators will be warned the first time and asked to leave if they persist (which may include being escorted out and not being allowed to return).

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

SueW6 (Michigan)
Posts: 814

Posted:

Kate
Officers are usually elected at the first meeting of the board, by the board. So if she is neglectful, the board could have removed her from that office, but not off as a general board member.

So why didnt that happen after all this time?

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Let "some of us" get together in a smoke filled room and decide who can run......NOT

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

That's not a good reason.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

If the board has the, um, gumption to do it, they should vote her out of the office of secretary now at the next open meeting, or call a special one meeting to do just that. This will be in the minutes for owners to read and will show the board feels she's not up to the task. You also can campaign against her when she runs again to be elected director.

A meet the Candidate night is a great idea too.

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