endorsing new board members

Started by LouH1 • 18 replies • 843 views

💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in

LouH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 214

Posted:

I am a board member and we are having our annual election the end of October. We have probably 4 members running for 2 openings. I want to write an endorsement for 2 NEW member Candidates who have lived in the community many years and I have encouraged to run. As a board member, I think, probably not, but if I write and designate myself as a co-owner endorsing these 2 NEW candidates, would that be ok?

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

As an Owner you may endorse and campaign for any candidate you like. Just make it perfectly clear that you aren't speaking on behalf of the Board. And do not use HOA funds for any costs you may incur, e.g., mailers.

I probably will do the same next month for a couple of candidates here.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 09/23/2020 4:14 PM
As an Owner you may endorse and campaign for any candidate you like. Just make it perfectly clear that you aren't speaking on behalf of the Board. And do not use HOA funds for any costs you may incur, e.g., mailers.

I probably will do the same next month for a couple of candidates here.

I agree

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Although you can certainly do such a thing, I don't think it's a good idea.

What if they don't get elected?
Now you have to work with those who have the perception that you thought they weren't good enough for the job.

LouH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 214

Posted:

No,I disagree. I am not sure who is running or who the candidates are and wont for awhile. So I will be endorsing them before the list comes out. Also, I am the only female and would like another female on the board with me.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Feel free to disagree.

You asked for opinions.

I gave you mine.

MarkM19 (Texas)
Posts: 1,459

Posted:

Lou,
I have been involved in 10 Elections and I always have my favorites. I think we all do to some extent. I always try and talk to my friends and ask them to vote and I also ask them to tell their friends to as well. This usually gets the popular person elected. I always say that Board HOA elections are a popularity contest. The people that know the most usually get elected.

I have also had a few elections where I had major issues with an existing Board member (ethics violations that were proven, self dealing) in those cases I actually sent a letter to every homeowner explaining in detail the offenses. It cost a $1.00 per house to do such a mailer so this is not always needed or recommended. The first time I did it the offender threatened to sue me for slander. I told him that if you tell the truth and can prove it, it ain't slander. He lost the election and the next election and then never ran again.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 09/23/2020 4:14 PM
As an Owner you may endorse and campaign for any candidate you like. Just make it perfectly clear that you aren't speaking on behalf of the Board. And do not use HOA funds for any costs you may incur, e.g., mailers.

I probably will do the same next month for a couple of candidates here.

Good advice. Don't even mention the fact that you're a Director.

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

I also agree with Kerry. I get what Tim's saying, but I'm also only one vote - ultimately the homeowners decide who will serve or not, and if you're already a board member, you should be willing and able to work with whoever gets elected or appointed.

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

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Right, Sheila; that's how I see it too.

GeorgeR8 (Arizona)
Posts: 182

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LouH1 on 09/23/2020 5:55 PM
No,I disagree. I am not sure who is running or who the candidates are and wont for awhile. So I will be endorsing them before the list comes out. Also, I am the only female and would like another female on the board with me.

Endorsing a person because they are female seems ok to you? I want people that are qualified and willing to do the work.

LouH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 214

Posted:

Thank you Tim for your opinion. I appreciate it, but I have an opinion as well. You don't know our particular board, I do. Another woman, I know her, she would be fabulous! RBG type of woman

LouH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 214

Posted:

I need another woman on the board. I don't expect you to understand. You don't need to, it's om believe me!;

LouH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 214

Posted:

I agree too. Thanks!

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LouH1 on 09/24/2020 4:31 PM
I need another woman on the board. I don't expect you to understand. You don't need to, it's om believe me!;

Why wouldn't he understand? Is your intellect superior to his?

GeorgeS21 (Florida)
Posts: 3,808

Posted:

Given the extraordinary level of apathy, the very idea of sex based, color based, religion based, hair length based, etc choice seems silly ...

I would work human flesh-eating aliens if they would work.

LouH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 214

Posted:

Great reply! Made me laugh right out loud!

LouH1 (Michigan)
Posts: 214

Posted:

ofcourse!

🎯 You've read this entire discussion

Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:

✓ Ask follow-up questions
✓ Share your experience
✓ Get expert advice
✓ Access 350,000 discussions

Create Free Account →

⚡ Takes 30 seconds

Already a member? Log in here