Quote:
Originally Posted by Russ_Boston
Yes - Try "POA or VHA - what is best for our future"
Then sit back.
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First of all, the preliminary question is faulty. It implies that the two organs have similar purposes. I really don't find that to be true. First I'll quote the VHA:
"Our Goal: To protect and Enhance the Value of Our Lifestyle and Homes.
"Our Mission: To enable and encourage constructive communications between the residents and the local government agencies and the developer.
"The Association is a "not for profit corporation" organized under Chapter 617 Florida Statute. The specific purposes of the Association are:
"To promote and foster goodwill among all residents.
"To encourage a harmonious relationship and better communication between residents and Developer.
"To serve as a constructive and reasonable voice in dealing with resident/Developer and governmental issues.
"To act as a negotiator for the VHA membership in matters that are voted on by the members.
"To serve as an educational, as well as social stimulus to our members.
"To exercise all rights and powers conferred by the State of Florida upon nonprofit corporations."
Now from the POA:
"The Property Owners' Association of The Villages is an independent organization devoted to the home ownership experience in The Villages.
"The Vision/Objective of the POA is to make The Villages an even better place in which to live, where Residents' Rights are respected, and local government is responsive to the needs and interests of residents.
"Specific POA attention is focused on housing, community, neighborhood, and government issues. Special emphasis is directed at Community Development Districts (CDDs) and the Florida Chapter 190 law that regulates CDD operations in The Villages.
"The POA serves residents of The Villages through programs of education, research, analysis, representation, advocacy, and legislative action.
"The POA also functions as a "watchdog" organization overseeing the actions of the developer and our local governments.
"The POA has no ties or obligations to the developer of The Villages that might compromise the POA position or its advocacy of Residents' Rights.
"The POA, founded in 1975, is the original homeowners' association in The Villages. Membership is open to all Villages residents."
Now both statements are, at least in part, "pie in the sky" BS, but there is some truth in each. For the POA, the 5th paragraph seems to be the most critical, wherein they serve as "watchdog" over the developer and governments. This would be, by nature, an adversarial position.
The VHA, on the other hand, seems to stress a sense of cooperation among residents and the developer and governments. Their mission appears to be to work out a solution where possible. "In bed with the developer"? No, I think not, but it does imply if not demand a spirit of collaboration among the principals.
So, "what is best for our future?" I believe TV needs both. We are greatly served by a group of volunteers who live in each Village and provide a source of information for residents, who will take concerns forward to the proper gov't or developer channel, and who will help in a variety of ways when needed. But they must be watched to insure that issues are elevated and addressed. And every organization needs its doomsayers, its internal auditors, its Inspectors General, its GAO. But these must also be monitored to validate that concerns are actually concerns, that the "whole" truth is reported, and that criticism isn't leveled just for the sake of having something to criticize.