POA or VHA, what is best for our future?

[tony]

Russ_Boston said I should put the acronym POA in a thread topic and see what happens to page views.

Is he right?

[golfnut]

Worth a try but the best way to judge it though would be to make POA one of the first few words in the thread topic so it shows up in the topic name in recent threads

[Russ_Boston]

Yes - Try "POA or VHA - what is best for our future"

Then sit back.

From my reading on this site for the past 2 years it appears that you can't be 'for' both groups. Not sure why that is but I'm not invloved in the day to day politics since I'm not there yet. I know that the POA's position on the hospital seems to be one-sided though.

[Best Mom]

Here comes Dummy.!!!
I should not touch this topic with a 10 foot pole. I could write pages but have just a minute. As I said in other posts, there is a vocal group of people on TOTV who think the developer is always right. There are many silent viewers who are smart enough not to post!

VHA always supports the developer. Can't ask questions at meetings. People we bought our house from are on VHA, also work for the developer, and with tell you secretly that it is just another way to sell this place. They were hand picked to be on VHA by the developer and then a rubber stamp election.

POA is a small group that has no where near the money, members or good public relations -because they don't have the developer's money and means. As a matter of fact, the developer actively does everything he can to shut the POA down. Go to a POA meeting and the floor is open.!!!! You can ask any questions.!!!!! They will answer and discuss every question.
The POA won a large lawsuit against the developer (developer spent a fortune on top lawyers) so that tells you something. On the historic side, the developer was really riping off the residents and breaking promises. Many of the POA members are from the historic and old side. POA helped many residents get their home resided. Many rumors and lies are put out about this small group of active residents. I met the POA leadership and can say I was impressed.
Russ-they write about and print good experiences about the hospital too.
Favorite past time here is putting down the POA. Easy to do because they are small in number and don't have anywhere near the resources of the VHA. The longer I see how things are done here, the more I realize we need a POA. I don't always agree with their little bulletin and they really need better writers.
So In the end-we need both.
Don't expect a debate as I am leaving now and I was a complete dummy for sticking up fot the less popular POA.

[swrinfla]

From my perspective,the POA must be given credit for keeping an eye out for "bad stuff." And, I believe they have done some good. The vinyl siding issue may be their most visible tirade, but I'm led to believe that their nag-nag-nag approach got some results.

That's my biggest objection to POA: Their Bulletin is, without a doubt, the most consistently negative publication I've ever seen. They take a reasonably simple issue and beat it to death, not in just one edition but in every edition for a year and more.

The tone, frankly, is one of "There's nothing right about the developer or his organization, even though we admit to living in a near paradise."

Each issue causes me to thrup. barf

Yes, I could avoid reading it, but why give up my monthly anger session? :pepper2:

SWR

[rekop]

Bestmom, you're not the only one who will stick up for POA. I think they do a great service. Because their job is to deal with problem issues in the community, their publication focuses on negatives, but there are always positives in it as well. Most people come and live here with their heads in the sand, not wanting to deal with the political issues or home owner issues that the POA confronts, and that's their perogative. But I applaud the people in POA who I think do a wonderful job for all of us.

[Barefoot]

We need a Citizens Watchdog or Rate Payer's Group to ensure that residents' best interests are protected.

At present, I guess POA is the only organization we've got to fill that role.
I'm not a member, but I think residents' definitely need a unified voice.

[barb1191]

Yes, I too support the POA in every way. You know what they say about "the squeaky wheel?" Well, the POA is just that...."the squeaky wheel" and how lucky we are to have the advantage of their efforts!

Kudos to the POA and their great job of persevering issues that are obviously overlooked and/or ignored, intentionally or otherwise. They do a remarkable job, under continual duress with little or no cooperation from the deveoper as well as many homeowners here in TV. POA doesn't allow the negative criticism to affect their determination to right the wrong on issues.

POA focuses on democracy in this retirement community. Give them a break; they are looking out for YOUR best interest. No easy task!!

[ijusluvit]

Since the admins are counting I really need to weigh in.

IMHO the POA is on a par with Habitat, Meals of Wheels, etc. Altruistic, caring of their fellow citizens, maybe even heroic.

The fact that they publish their work regularly and communicate openly is one of their strengths, but it opens them up to the cynics who criticize their sometimes unsophisticated style. If their monthly rag looked like the New Yorker or Rolling Stone, they'd be attacked for that. If they were more clandestine, they'd be dismissed for that.

The POA seems to care only about the issues, and honest talk. How refreshing!!!!

[Best Mom]

Boy I am surprised by these responses.!!

I must say again though that the POA is run by very hard working individuals who volunteer their time. It is easy to
criticize but how many of us would give up that much of our time for the good of the residents?

ijusluvit said it best. :agree:

[beady]

I just object to the POA's negative approach...I do not like being shouted at and that is how I feel when I read the newsletter. They are screaming at me . Speak to me in a civil tone and I will listen and participate. Found that approach worked when I was raising my kids.

Cudos to the organization for what they have accomplished...and yes..... the squeeky wheel gets the most grease.

[redwitch]

I think both have their good sides and their bad sides. VHA is too pro-developer. POA does use a sledge hammer when a little rap will do the trick. Not everything the devleoper does is a bad thing and it is necessary to have someone vote for things (although I'd be a lot more comfortable if I felt the votes were more democratic than just approving what is wanted). I think both are necessary but I won't accept what either says without doing my own research by talking to others, looking at whatever documents available to the public, trying to get my own perspective. Both organizations bring their own prejudices into their reporting, which is fine so long as it is understood by others that their agenda isn't necessarily the best agenda for the majority of TVers.

[rekop]

Boy I am surprised by these responses.!!

I must say again though that the POA is run by very hard working individuals who volunteer their time. It is easy to
criticize but how many of us would give up that much of our time for the good of the residents?

ijusluvit said it best. :agree:

:agree::agree:

[golf4me]

I think both have their good sides and their bad sides. VHA is too pro-developer. POA does use a sledge hammer when a little rap will do the trick. Not everything the devleoper does is a bad thing and it is necessary to have someone vote for things (although I'd be a lot more comfortable if I felt the votes were more democratic than just approving what is wanted). I think both are necessary but I won't accept what either says without doing my own research by talking to others, looking at whatever documents available to the public, trying to get my own perspective. Both organizations bring their own prejudices into their reporting, which is fine so long as it is understood by others that their agenda isn't necessarily the best agenda for the majority of TVers.

Very well articulated. POA is a necessary organization that needs a new editor. VHA is the mouth of the developer, who is a benign dictator.

[tonycirocco]

You should , of course attend both for a while and see for yourself the differences.


Just a little aside, IMHO, the POA is NOT always negative.

If you take the time to read the newsletter, they do give kudos when they are deserved.

Tony C

[Muncle]

Yes - Try "POA or VHA - what is best for our future"

Then sit back.


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.

[novelchick]

the vha is for the developer. the poa is for the resident. Some people say the poa is too negative. when they say that i always ask them if they ever attended a poa meeting. they usually say NO. Therefore, i don't feel they should make that comment. i have attended several poa meetings and find them very helpful!! And when you need something or something goes wrong with your home or something in general it will be the POA that will try to assist you and guide you to the right place if they cannot. For me its a no-brainer!! Residents should always come first. The developer has made plenty of money already and i wish they would take residents wishes into consideration instead of always seeing the "almighty dollar" An example is the Daily Sun. I love reading it but it ALWAYS publishes only the good experiences with the hospital!! The POA on the otherhand publishes good and bad experiences with the hospital. i want to hear both sides!! I'm sure plenty of folks have had bad experiences with the hospital along with the good experiences. The POA is there to protect OUR interests, not the developers. Please at least attend a few POA meetings before you made any kind of decision. That seems like a reasonable request!! And enjoy life in the villages. it's wonderful being here!!

[Muncle]

the vha is for the developer. the poa is for the resident. Some people say the poa is too negative. when they say that i always ask them if they ever attended a poa meeting. they usually say NO. Therefore, i don't feel they should make that comment. i have attended several poa meetings and find them very helpful!! And when you need something or something goes wrong with your home or something in general it will be the POA that will try to assist you and guide you to the right place if they cannot. For me its a no-brainer!! Residents should always come first. The developer has made plenty of money already and i wish they would take residents wishes into consideration instead of always seeing the "almighty dollar" An example is the Daily Sun. I love reading it but it ALWAYS publishes only the good experiences with the hospital!! The POA on the otherhand publishes good and bad experiences with the hospital. i want to hear both sides!! I'm sure plenty of folks have had bad experiences with the hospital along with the good experiences. The POA is there to protect OUR interests, not the developers. Please at least attend a few POA meetings before you made any kind of decision. That seems like a reasonable request!! And enjoy life in the villages. it's wonderful being here!!

Have you attended VHA meetings?

Re the Daily Sun, it's owned by an off-shoot of the developer. Have you ever read the Ocala, Leesburg, or Orlando newspapers? All are very negative re TV and all frequently quote statements/opinions of the POA spokes-piece.

Oh, and by the bye, it's none of your business whether the developer has "made plenty of money" or not. He's the one who took the risk and did the work, not you.

[golfnut]

We need both, they each have their own agenda and bring balance to the equation, the yin and the yang. The yin and yang are complementary opposites within a greater whole......GN

[MelZ]

Golfnut

Well said

:agree:

[novelchick]

IT may not be my business whether the developer made plenty of money or not but it is my OPINION that most times you get more out of life when you GIVE to others. I agree. They did the work. However, if i were in the position to do the work i probably would give residents a little more breathing room (meaning more space between homes) even if if means a little less money in MY pocket. . After speaking to many many people most would love more space to spread out so you don't hear each others conversation while on our lanais. But that's just my opinion. I can sleep at night knowing i always do my best to make others happy even if it means sacrificing a little. Therefore in the end i will have NO regrets that i did the best i could to make others happy!!

[golfnut]

novelchick, I agree with you, but I also feel that the developer should sleep well every night knowing he has given us this place that I call paradise. Whether I have 10 feet or 20 between me and my neighbor is of little consequence to me. I have to go to bed now as I have a tee time tomorrow morning.......GN

[Sidney Lanier]

My first contact with the VHA came nearly a year ago when I sought support from them regarding an original construction defect in the irrigation system of our house that cost the original owners thousands of dollars without their ever realizing it in the four years that they owned the house. When I explained the issue to our VHA rep, I was basically accused of acting like a recalcitrant adolescent who is having a hissy fit because his father (equated to the deverloper) won't buy him a new car even though he can afford it. (I'm not making this up; I saved the email exchange....) The conclusion I reached is that they may do things that are good for TV as a whole but that they are a shill for the developer and offer no support whatsoever for individual homeowners with specific issues.

I read through the POA newsletter and was so taken by their constant haranguing and interminable negativity about TV Regional Hospital that when I had a horrific accident a month ago and my wife was driving me to an emergency room, I asked her to take me to Leesburg or Ocala or ANYWHERE other than TV Regional. She felt we really had to get somewhere fast, and so we went to Regional. After all the POA (dis)information, I was so flabbergasted at the extraordinarily superb and timely care I received there that I wrote to the CEO of the hospital with specific details, a copy of which I posted on TOTV and which I sent, along with an explanatory email, to the POA. I have yet to have the courtesy of a response from the POA, in spite of the fact that a recent POA newsletter had asked for experiences about TV Regional, particularly the ER. Can they not tolerate and acknowledge a positive experience? Hmmm....

[Best Mom]

Sid,
I know what you mean. They have a communication problem. It is just a few very hard working people. I think each is pretty busy. Each director is very different. They have a web site with home phone numbers. If I was you, I would just call them directly.

[JohnN]

well, I've just got a little patio villa, but it's all the land I want,
so I think the developer did just fine and I'm appreciative.

I've had really big yards, I'm happy with a small one now