The Man in the Arena

I felt like this at least every other month - after I became treasurer it was two or three times a month!

I've always said I don't mind criticism, but at least come up with a suggestion, if not an offer to help on Association issues. This is your community too, so why should I have to knock myself out all the time while YOU sit in the background nitpicking?

Then again, arguing with such people is like arguing with a pigeon - they strut around looking stuipd, knocking the pieces over, crapping all over it - and then fly off, telling everyone they've won!

Sort of.

Eventually I came to the realization that most of my neighbors are stupid. Not ignorant but actually stupid. I participate in the HOA to protect myself from those morons. By default I protect them from themselves but they are too dumb to ever realize it instead choosing to crap all over me for saving their homes.

And yes all they do is complain. They never offer solutions because that would require reason, intelligence and thoughtful consideration which are qualities these sheeple do not possess.

It's still very frustrating but I'm in the game for my benefit which gives me a degree of calm.

I have always reminded the members of the boards I have been a part of this saying.

"If you don't have critics you probably are not that successful"

I was just in a meeting with a Vendor we have been having trouble with lately. I reminded her that I have been on boards for 9 years and I have skin thicker than an Alligator and a Memory like an Elephant.

'my' people come up with solutions which 'usually' exacerbate the original issue

! would that they were thoughtless !

eg. storm water curbside catch basin concrete cover lasted 30+ years with truck traffic making 'wide turns' before finally 'snapping'

stupidity solution: replace with thicker, larger top which sticks up 6" above grade - result: trucks now hit and push same instead of driving over - lasted 3 MONTHS instead of another 30 years

'my' people, including me, are 55+

society thanks the Creator we are well hidden behind the 'facade' of our 'adult' HOPA gated community

yep, nonsense ..... but absolutely true nonsense

i could not make this up if i tried

borderline lunacy (in the medical sense)

i have simply resigned myself to the situation after obtaining a 'reverse mortgage' @ a greatly inflated appraised value

now, i can sit back and laugh because i have nothing to lose

(i consider my taxes, insurance, maintenance, assessments no more than cheap rent)

I disagree Shelia. I do criticize people for being potted plants. Things deteriorate and maintenance is a requirement.

I'll keep winking at you while I criticize your opinion. Ha! ;-)

Everyone always told me that being President of a HOA was a "Thankless" job no one wanted. I disagreed. It's a "Thank-FULL" job that your lucky to get. Now was it an "easy" job and not full or criticism? Not in a million years...

It depends on your attitude how your going to "survive" your term in office. No one wants to hear "Your going to want to live and breath the job". It just is true if you want to be successful and productive. You have to accept you are "President/Officer/Board member" when you walk out the door or answer communication. You now represent yourself and your neighbors. If you can't take a deep breath and accept this responsibility for yourself, then your not going to make it.

Yes, I've been called everything under the sun you can imagine. Heck, you've seen me be called a "racist" even here on this site. Been accused of taking kick-backs, favoritism, lying, stealing, and multitude of other FALSE claims. It's a shame it's part of the job but you keep the course you took on and keep going. All of the negative comments pale to the truth and determination of making something positive happen.

My HOA was very successful. Home sales increased thousands of dollars, we had a great pool area, nice lawncare, and a waiting list to get into the neighborhood. We kept the dues reasonable and expenses within budget. Collected from homes who owed money. The HOA thrived under my leadership so much that participation raised. We had people wanting to serve on the board. Which made my transition out easier as there were "bigger fish" available.

So I've been the "Man in the Arena" with the mud, dust, and scars. Would I do it again? Maybe if the need arose. Would I do things different? Yes as that what made things better for all. I say to those willing to step into that arena. You can't go farther than the arena walls so make that arena the home you and your neighbors want it to be.

I wasn't.. another poster was. But thank you again for bringing that up. Let's not forget your a lawyer. What's your number and are you on a billboard for hire? I am sure it's one with someone wearing a neck brace being loaded up in an ambulance your closely chasing behind... LOL!!!