One resident's reply to "How would you stop vandalism in our subdivision?"

“Get a new board that a tally (sic) does a job. This board believes that by hiring someone to care for the community, their only job is to go to a meeting once a month.” - a resident

Actually yes, that IS their only job as defined by the Book of Indentures. It's what they do at that monthly meeting that helps steer the way the subdivision is run. I say “help” because even if they met more often than that, it's still up to the residents to do their part.

For one, everyone MUST pay their annual assessment. Period. No excuses, if, and or buts. Without funds to pay the community bills, the board absolutely cannot do any job and if you don't pay yours when due, you have absolutely no right to say or complain about anything.

If you do pay yours, you should not tolerate anyone who says they don't pay theirs. Why? Because the non-payers are not only making the job of maintaining your subdivision more expensive and harder, they are, in fact, unfairly benefiting from the money you pay by driving on your streets, having snow removal from in front of their house so they can get around, street lighting and all the other aspects of a managed community. Next time you see the lawn service cutting the common ground or clearing snow, remember you are the one paying for it, not your neighbor who refuses to pay their fair share. Be sure and tell them how much you appreciate them for it.

And people who don't keep up their property or park cars in their front yard or any other infraction of the rules it takes in keeping a decent place to live, thank them for wasting your assessment dollars as well. They think it's smart making the board take legal action against them, then costing you more money in legal fees by refusing to pay for their actions, much less take responsibility for them.

Speaking of responsibility, how about all the parents of the kids who are causing the damage by vandalizing subdivision property? That not only degrades the look of the subdivision but costs more of the assessment money you pay. And it's not just the kids. Many residents calling themselves adults, do their fair share of damage too. How? Dumping trash, lawn and tree debris over their backyard fence onto the common ground; using the streets and greenbelts as their own off-road race track; parking their cars in firezones (no it's not legal, not even for just a moment.) The list goes on and on with residents who won't be responsible for themselves ...or their kids ...or their animals.

When was the last time you called the police and reported an illegal drug deal going down? You say the cops won't do anything? Maybe not but they sure can't do anything if nobody reports it. Use your cellphone to record any illegal or suspicious activity. After all, you're not the one breaking the law. Are you? (You shouldn't take offense to that unless the shoe fits.)

You want a better community? Try being a better homeowner. There's been a long standing, open invitation to any homeowner to join the board and help make a difference. But of course there are certain “tough” requirements, like having paid your assessment on time for the last two years. And not having any violations cited against you in the last two years. And putting first the better interest of the community as a whole, instead of any personal agendas. Requirements, that by the look of it, many homeowners can't meet. And those that do, always say they're just too busy to be on the board. Must be that grueling once a month meeting they can't fit in their busy schedules. Yet, they seem to always find time to complain about the job somebody else is doing for them.

Imagine that.

And just for the record, the board is responsible for hiring someone to take care of the subdivision on a full-time, daily basis. That position is called the "Administrator" and is authorized by the Book of Indentures. Perhaps the above resident who replied to the poll should read it sometime.

This is an unsolicited editorial submitted by a homeowner, published here with board permission.