DianeW (Maryland)
Posts: 147
Posts: 147
Posted:
advocate for a candidate or a proposal at the annual meeting or should the Board let the chips fall where they may?
A service of:
Community123.com
Professional websites for HOAs & condos, since 2004
Professional websites for HOAs & condos, since 2004
🎁 1st year FREE for HOATalk members! →
Is it proper for a Board member to...
Started by DianeW • 6 replies • 1453 views
💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.
Create Free Account →
⚡ Takes 30 seconds
Already a member? Log in
MaryA1 (Arizona)
Posts: 7,043
Posts: 7,043
Posted:
Diane,
There is certainly nothing wrong with a board member making his position known regarding a particular issue the board or membership is discussing and/or voting on. However, to state his preference for a particular candidate would be very unprofessional. He may say he is only expressing his position as a member of the assn; however, everyone will view him as a board member. He should just keep his mouth shut and secretly vote for his preferred candidate.
There is certainly nothing wrong with a board member making his position known regarding a particular issue the board or membership is discussing and/or voting on. However, to state his preference for a particular candidate would be very unprofessional. He may say he is only expressing his position as a member of the assn; however, everyone will view him as a board member. He should just keep his mouth shut and secretly vote for his preferred candidate.
LynetteB (Texas)
Posts: 141
Posts: 141
Posted:
I am a Board member and I do what I can to get proper proposals passed and to get specific candidates elected!
Most of the time, I am the one who wrote the proposal. Of course I should try to "sell" it to the membership. Most of our members have done no research on the subject so it is up to me to make sure it passes.
For us, we have a very small group of people to choose from and generally beggars can't be choosers, but if we have a choice between someone who will work and someone who won't, I will campaign for the one who works. Most times, it is the board members who have the most knowledge of candidates. I can't tell members that a person doesn't pay dues, doesn't follow rules, or doesn't respond to emails or letters, but I will do what I can to get anyone but that person elected!
I don't want any chips to fall. I want to keep from having that mess.
My opinion.
Most of the time, I am the one who wrote the proposal. Of course I should try to "sell" it to the membership. Most of our members have done no research on the subject so it is up to me to make sure it passes.
For us, we have a very small group of people to choose from and generally beggars can't be choosers, but if we have a choice between someone who will work and someone who won't, I will campaign for the one who works. Most times, it is the board members who have the most knowledge of candidates. I can't tell members that a person doesn't pay dues, doesn't follow rules, or doesn't respond to emails or letters, but I will do what I can to get anyone but that person elected!
I don't want any chips to fall. I want to keep from having that mess.
My opinion.
HelenK1 (Washington)
Posts: 68
Posts: 68
Posted:
We put it the announcement that a board position is open. We ask that any candidates possess certain qualities.One being that they are in good financial standing with the association. That has kept certain individuals that we suspected would try for a position but were not current on their dues from even trying. I think they fear that we will bring it up at the meeting.
DianeW (Maryland)
Posts: 147
Posts: 147
Posted:
Candidate "A" has been on the board for the past 2 years and has done an amazing job working for the Association. Candidate "B" has a grudge and just wants to add his name to the ballot to cause "A" problems and will probably win because "B" has been here longer and has more friends. A very unfair situation. As the current treasurer, I know that candidate "B", who was an officer a couple years ago, will not be as proactive as candidate "A". The HOA is fairly new and has a lot of issues we are trying to work through and losing candidate "A" would hurt us significantly as we try to work through transfer of control from developer to the HOA. I know I should not interfere with the election process, but this is really bothering me.
HB (Oregon)
Posts: 143
Posts: 143
Posted:
Board members are also part of the membership and should have the same rights as anyone else (ie. nominating a candidate).
Just because they are on the Board does not give them more votes or any more power to elect someone at an annual meeting. I don't see any problem with advocating for a candidate.
Just because they are on the Board does not give them more votes or any more power to elect someone at an annual meeting. I don't see any problem with advocating for a candidate.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
HB,
You are right HB. There are also some things you can't regulate. There is also not one person sitting on a bench somewhere decreeing who should say what. But, those that do speak up should do so within the limits of civility.
These are your neighbors and over the long haul it is best to consider that.
Try and keep it business like, hard but posible.
You are right HB. There are also some things you can't regulate. There is also not one person sitting on a bench somewhere decreeing who should say what. But, those that do speak up should do so within the limits of civility.
These are your neighbors and over the long haul it is best to consider that.
Try and keep it business like, hard but posible.
🎯 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