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Good questions to ask a potential BOD candidate

Started by KathrynM5 • 15 replies • 12205 views

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KathrynM5 (California)
Posts: 8
Posted:
We are already having problems in our HOA and 3 out of the 5 BOD will be leaving. We are looking for good, solid BOD additions and I am curious aobut some really good questions to pose to them? Outside of the why are you interested in serving on the board and can you make the meetings, any other thoughts on this? Thanks
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Kathryn,

I hope your board isn't thinking about "qualifying" potential candidates. I know some boards or nominating committees think they should do this, but I don't think it's proper. Anyone is eligible to serve on the board just by virtue of their membership in the HOA. However, some members may be more qualified than others so it is a good idea to require a short bio from each candidate.

Frankly, I'm not impressed when someone states their reason for wanting a board position as being their desire to contribute to the community. I like to see candidates who have some business background, perhaps some bookkeeping or accounting and most importantly any experience with HOAs, whether it be as a past board member or committee member. Or someone who's taken a few HOA educational courses; been involved with the legislative process for HOA laws or who has just taken an interest in learning about the assn's gov docs and applicable state laws.
KathrynM5 (California)
Posts: 8
Posted:
Mary,

No we are not looking for "qualified" candidates, however, we are looking for people who are willing to uphold the CCR's, ATTEND the board meetings,(one has not attended in an effort to thwart having a meeting at all), and not abstain from voting everytime a decision needs to be made regarding to fine an HO or send a letter when they are out of compliance. They are preparing bio's and have 3-4 minutes to present. I was hoping for a couple of really good questions to get a look at where the candidate stands.
SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
What talents or expertise do you think you can bring to the board?
What is your past experience in working in a group problem-solving situation?
Would you rather be the coach or a team player?
Are you willing to head up a committee? If so, which one?
Have you read our CCRS and bylaws?
JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967
Posted:
Kath,

I'd start with Are you interested? If the answer is yes, and (at least) 3 individuals appear to be breathing, consider yourself fortunate.
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Kathry,

Well I'm happy to know the board is NOT wanting to qualify candidates.

I suppose you could pose these questions:

1) "Are you willing to uphold the Board's duty to enforce the CCRs which might mean voting to take legal action on a delinquent account or imposing a fine for a CCR violation?"
2) "Exactly what are your feelings on the board's authority to enforce the CCRs?"
3) "Do you agree that each board member should feel obligated to vote on all board issues, rather than abstaining from voting on matters that are uncomfortable to you?"
4) "Will you be available to attend all board meetings?"
5) "Do you think you are capable of putting your personal feelings aside to take an action that is beneficial to the whole community even if that action would offend a close friend or neighbor?"

I know these may be tough and forthright questions, but's it's the only way you're going to get the answers to the concerns you have.

Good luck!
KathrynM5 (California)
Posts: 8
Posted:
John...How true that is! lol Our problems with the HOA, (probably not unique) are there are board members who are flagrantly flaunting their violations and want to return making the meetings long and unpleasant. Out and out yelling and screaming back and forth, etc. I have had to intervene which is unpleasant for me. Agree to disagree! Cheeze! Susan and Mary great questions! I appreciate the help. I was on this site approximately a year ago asking about becoming a board member. I was breathing and could say "yes" and the rest is history. Do I want to run again? Not really!!!! But probably will.
DanaB1 (Connecticut)
Posts: 319
Posted:
KM5,

I'd ask if they are willing to devote additional time outside of the board meeting?

As a board member what would be their ideas to improve the community.

I'd state that straws will be drawn(in this case due to multiple positions being open) amongst the new members as to whom will become the Secretary; this being the most despised postion on the board, the thought alone of having to fill this appointment might deter the less stellar. LOL

State to candidates that in no way, shape, or form may the words, "My Unit" be uttered at a board meeting. Any issues involving said unit must be forwarded in writing to the management company as per the documents. LOL

Dana
ThomasD2 (California)
Posts: 208
Posted:
Quote:
Posted By JohnK3 on 05/09/2009 10:04 AM
Kath,

I'd start with Are you interested? If the answer is yes, and (at least) 3 individuals appear to be breathing, consider yourself fortunate.

You might also ask if they can stay awake at a couple of meetings. Where I live it is very hard to persuade residents to serve on the board; I would never ask too many questions. -Tom
KathrynM5 (California)
Posts: 8
Posted:
We have a good number of possible candidates for 3 positions, (7 in all running). Unfortunately, it has become a political battle....good vs evil or HOA against the insurgents! How is it that home owners who are out of compliance can run for board positions?
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Kathryn,

Well, it really depends upon the wording in your bylaws. My former assn bylaws only that any member who was delinquent could not vote. No where did it say a delinquent member or a member in violation of the CCRs could not run for a board position. One year we had a delinquent member on the slate who appeared at the annual meeting with a check for his delinquent dues, thus earning him the right to vote. My bylaws also stated that a cause for automatic removal from the board was to be delinquent for 30 days or longer. So, supposing this guy did not come with check in hand, he still could have run for the office, even though he wouldn't be able to vote, and been elected. But if his delinquency was over 30 days and he didn't immediately pay up he could be immediately removed from office. Check your bylaws very carefully!
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Kathryn,
I know one good question to ask any prospective new Board member.

Ask them you they serve as a member of the Board?

If they don't understand enough to say, "I will serve the association." Suggest they go read your documents again and ask them at again when they have finished that.

So many Board Members want to serve the members, fairly, honestly and consider the majority. As a Board member you can't always serve the majority, but you can always act in the best interests of the association.
JohnK3 (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 967
Posted:
>>>Ask them you they serve as a member of the Board?<<<

A good follow-up would be:

Did you understand that question?
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Aw John, you just don't understand Robertese.

Translated for you:

Ask them who they serve as a member of the Board.
KathrynM5 (California)
Posts: 8
Posted:
Mary thanks for the reply. I will check the by-laws. Robert a great question the second time around after John translated. I think I've got a good idea of what to ask. Some candidates are just out and out violating the r&r's without regard to anything other than their own will. I appreciate all the assistance and will respond with a followup after our meet the candidates nite. Thanks again.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Kathryn,
When this clears up a little for you and things settle down, how about telling us how you were able to get seven candidates and even get them to a town hall election forum. Even if the reason was simply controversy. that is a great accomplishment. Maybe there is some hope for the the land of sunshine and health. I suspect it may be the presence of my Grandson who is in LA slaving at a desk with Van's.
How did you put this meeting together, I can't imagine it just happened. Good job and if you got the secret, tell us.

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