POA will have it right

[Warren Kiefer]

Your POA bulletin was delivered today. I was looking forward to seeing it delivered. The "wall" occupied so much of the TOTV the past couple of weeks. I was looking forward because of all the information provided by other outlets in the Villages, Elaine Dreidame, the POA president usually is far ahead of all others in getting a story correct. I have found that when Elaine is involved in an issue, you can take her details to the bank.
:a040::a040::a040::a040::a040::a040::a040:

[PennBF]

It is 100% right that you can go to the Bank with what the POA covers and we are one lucky community to have Elaine as a President of the POA. We should not lose track that there is a Board that makes up the POA under Elaine and they are also critical to the providing input and expertise to the community. (Note: I am not on the Board but just an observer of the POA actions). Just a review of the POA monthly Bulletins gives one an idea of how knowledgeable that Board is and what great leadership they have. :bigbow:

[justjim]

Hasn't been delivered in Sanibel yet!

[Halibut]

It's available online (http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin_page.html).

(Save the POA some money and spare the world from more plastic/paper trash and stop delivery!)

[justjim]

It's available online (http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin_page.html).

(Save the POA some money and spare the world from more plastic/paper trash and stop delivery!)

You are correct---electronic copy online is now available----just read it! However, not everyone has a computer or "cares" to have one. Personally, I still like my "morning paper" along with my coffee. "Old school" I guess but we do recycle our newspapers. :coolsmiley:

[Barefoot]

It's available online (http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin_page.html).

(Save the POA some money and spare the world from more plastic/paper trash and stop delivery!)

Halibut, those of us in far-off places thank you for the link. :ho:

[Halibut]

I should have added: But still pay your $10 for membership! :laugh:

My only gripe with them is I wish they'd set up online payments. The renewal period comes up so fast every year!

Oh -- and the article seemed like a summary of the threads here, only accurate and much shorter.

[Schaumburger]

Halibut -- Thank you for the link to the POA bulletin. I'm just a wannabee, but it makes for interesting reading. I have seen the paper version of the POA when I visit TV, but I didn't know until reading the link that the POA archives past issues of their bulletin. :ho:

[Advogado]

It is 100% right that you can go to the Bank with what the POA covers and we are one lucky community to have Elaine as a President of the POA. We should not lose track that there is a Board that makes up the POA under Elaine and they are also critical to the providing input and expertise to the community. (Note: I am not on the Board but just an observer of the POA actions). Just a review of the POA monthly Bulletins gives one an idea of how knowledgeable that Board is and what great leadership they have. :bigbow:

We are indeed fortunate to have the POA. It is easy to forget, however, that just a few years ago, the POA was in real danger of going under financially. That situation was due to the Developer's sponsorship and subsidization of the VHA in an obvious effort suck membership from the POA and drive it out of business.

[Barefoot]

I should have added: But still pay your $10 for membership! The only gripe with them is I wish they'd set up online payments. The renewal period comes up so fast every year!

Thanks for the reminder. We do intend to renew our membership when we return in the Fall. I think that the POA is a very important advocate for residents' rights in The Villages.

[graciegirl]

We are indeed fortunate to have the POA. It is easy to forget, however, that just a few years ago, the POA was in real danger of going under financially. That situation was due to the Developer's sponsorship and subsidization of the VHA in an obvious effort suck membership from the POA and drive it out of business.


???

[rubicon]

The POA primarily serves those residents north of 466 and in that I include the Amenities Committee.

The VHA serves the Developer.

This leads a wide gap for those on the south side of 466 & 466A

[Advogado]

The POA primarily serves those residents north of 466 and in that I include the Amenities Committee.

The VHA serves the Developer.

This leads a wide gap for those on the south side of 466 & 466A

Rubicon, could you explain your point about the POA's primarily serving the residents north of 466? You are spot on about the VHA, but I honestly don't understand your point about the POA.

[Thnonne]

In the article on "the wall" the POA had to make a negative comment about the VHA which I feel is totally uncalled for. "(No one from the VHA spoke up if there was anyone present). Why the POA feels it makes them look better to put down the VHA I don't know. To me it does the opposite, tell me I should support you because of what good you do not because of what your rival does not do. The POA bulletins in the past were very negative in their comments about the VHA and I was glad to see it stop, but it crops up again. I have not seen the same in the VHA bulletins about the POA. These two organizations should not operate like our political parties, instead work together to improve The Villages for the villagers.

[Warren Kiefer]

Rubicon, could you explain your point about the POA's primarily serving the residents north of 466? You are spot on about the VHA, but I honestly don't understand your point about the POA.

Confuses me too, especially when the POA has led so many issue fights that involve the entire Villages community.

[Bryant]

And don't forget to include a small donation with your membership fee. Small price to pay for its worth!

[Warren Kiefer]

In the article on "the wall" the POA had to make a negative comment about the VHA which I feel is totally uncalled for. "(No one from the VHA spoke up if there was anyone present). Why the POA feels it makes them look better to put down the VHA I don't know. To me it does the opposite, tell me I should support you because of what good you do not because of what your rival does not do. The POA bulletins in the past were very negative in their comments about the VHA and I was glad to see it stop, but it crops up again. I have not seen the same in the VHA bulletins about the POA. These two organizations should not operate like our political parties, instead work together to improve The Villages for the villagers.

Are you saying the VHA not speaking up was the right thing to do ??? In my opinion the VHA should have been deeply involved, after all they are the Villages Homeowners Association. Truthfully, I have not seen any articles of any importance in the VHA paper.

[gpirate]

You are correct---electronic copy online is now available----just read it! However, not everyone has a computer or "cares" to have one. Personally, I still like my "morning paper" along with my coffee. "Old school" I guess but we do recycle our newspapers. :coolsmiley:

Thanks for the link. As I have not moved to TV yet this is good information in this monthly bulletin and I will join as soon as I purchase a home. Thanks Halibut.

[ijusluvit]

In the article on "the wall" the POA had to make a negative comment about the VHA which I feel is totally uncalled for. "(No one from the VHA spoke up if there was anyone present). Why the POA feels it makes them look better to put down the VHA I don't know. To me it does the opposite, tell me I should support you because of what good you do not because of what your rival does not do. The POA bulletins in the past were very negative in their comments about the VHA and I was glad to see it stop, but it crops up again. I have not seen the same in the VHA bulletins about the POA. These two organizations should not operate like our political parties, instead work together to improve The Villages for the villagers.

I disagree that the comment about the VHA was negative. I see it as an important piece of factual information.

The August 12, meeting at Spanish Springs was the first open public discussion of "The Wall". Everyone in attendance heard the POA had already acted to hire an attorney to collect more information and the organization was poised to represent Villages residents in an effort to answer and resolve their concerns. The absence of the VHA from the meeting, and/or their decision to say nothing, was in itself a critically important decision on their part, and a powerful indication to the citizenry of their being in no particular hurry to represent homeowners concerns. It also lends credence to the widely held notion that the VHA was shortly thereafter coached by Ms. Tutt or other representatives of the Developer to claim it was their idea to remove the wall and install security gates.

Furthermore, the POA has done a fine job summarizing this whole issue to date in their latest bulletin. This public service will correct a lot of misunderstanding of facts and misinformation in social media and other forms of communication among residents. I haven't yet seen any helpful explanations from the VHA.

I applaud the POA efforts in this area to date, and again am reminded they are providing great service to us.

[Dbinac]

Best 10 dollars I have spent since moving to The Villages. Thanks, POA

[graciegirl]

Are you saying the VHA not speaking up was the right thing to do ??? In my opinion the VHA should have been deeply involved, after all they are the Villages Homeowners Association. Truthfully, I have not seen any articles of any importance in the VHA paper.

???

[Thnonne]

Are you saying the VHA not speaking up was the right thing to do ??? In my opinion the VHA should have been deeply involved, after all they are the Villages Homeowners Association. Truthfully, I have not seen any articles of any importance in the VHA paper.

I'm saying the POA should not try to promote itself by putting down the VHA, but by promoting what it does. Stating there are no articles of any importance in the VHA paper is the same type of thinking. Talk about the articles of importance in the POA paper instead if you wish to promote the POA. Again, if you want someone's support, get it by promoting yourself not by trying to denigrate others.

[Thnonne]

Are you saying the VHA not speaking up was the right thing to do ??? In my opinion the VHA should have been deeply involved, after all they are the Villages Homeowners Association. Truthfully, I have not seen any articles of any importance in the VHA paper.

I'm saying the POA should not try to promote itself by putting down the VHA, but by promoting what it does. Stating there are no articles of any importance in the VHA paper is the same type of thinking. Talk about the articles of importance in the POA paper instead if you wish to promote the POA. Again, if you want someone's support, get it by promoting yourself not by trying to denigrate others.

[Mikeod]

I'm saying the POA should not try to promote itself by putting down the VHA, but by promoting what it does. Stating there are no articles of any importance in the VHA paper is the same type of thinking. Talk about the articles of importance in the POA paper instead if you wish to promote the POA. Again, if you want someone's support, get it by promoting yourself not by trying to denigrate others.
I don't disagree that using negative comments about your rival is not the best way to promote yourself, although it's become the norm in any election. But I didn't see the comment you cite in the same way you do. The statement merely notes the fact that, in a controversy that had the community up in arms, the POA felt it was their responsibility to attend the meeting and make known its actions to try to resolve it. In contrast, the other group either did not attend or was silent on the issue. That, to me, was newsworthy, and a factual statement. Now, if they belabored the point about the VHA, then I would agree it would be counterproductive.

[Warren Kiefer]

I'm saying the POA should not try to promote itself by putting down the VHA, but by promoting what it does. Stating there are no articles of any importance in the VHA paper is the same type of thinking. Talk about the articles of importance in the POA paper instead if you wish to promote the POA. Again, if you want someone's support, get it by promoting yourself not by trying to denigrate others.


Just trying to make a reasonable comparison between the two associations. You know why there are two don't you?? The POA has taken on more issues that possible to mention in this comment. Some resulted in companies making repairs at no cost to the homeowner, others resulted in huge refunds from the developer and lastly, there have been several multiple million dollar lawsuits won with the POA leading the way. The POA has made several attempts to unite with the VHA on particular issues but to no avail. The following are some of the issues important to the Residents where the VHA has shown leadership.

[graciegirl]

Who is the president of the VHA and what did he have to say about the wall?

I remember something he said.

I am not thrilled about either one and probably what Thronne had to say is part of it. I like the helping part, I don't like the put down parts.

[ureout]

it just seems funny to me that after being here 11 years that the VHA finally helps solve a problem against the developer????? It happened so fast that the VHA and Janet Tutt came up with this solution.....hmmmm like it wasn't on the back burner the whole time ....and finaly the VHA gets credit for something that the developer started????? :undecided:

[graciegirl]

I think...that there is something more to the slams and I can't quite figure it out.

I have a suspicion.

[Thnonne]

Just trying to make a reasonable comparison between the two associations. You know why there are two don't you?? The POA has taken on more issues that possible to mention in this comment. Some resulted in companies making repairs at no cost to the homeowner, others resulted in huge refunds from the developer and lastly, there have been several multiple million dollar lawsuits won with the POA leading the way. The POA has made several attempts to unite with the VHA on particular issues but to no avail. The following are some of the issues important to the Residents where the VHA has shown leadership.

"Truthfully, I have not seen any articles of any importance in the VHA paper." I just don't see a comment like that as a "reasonable comparison." It sounds like a put down of one group's paper by a supporter of the other group. Again tell me about the important articles in your paper rather than criticizing the other groups paper. Convince me to support your group, don't try to turn me against the other group.

[Warren Kiefer]

"Truthfully, I have not seen any articles of any importance in the VHA paper." I just don't see a comment like that as a "reasonable comparison." It sounds like a put down of one group's paper by a supporter of the other group. Again tell me about the important articles in your paper rather than criticizing the other groups paper. Convince me to support your group, don't try to turn me against the other group.

Am I missing something here.I thought I listed a few of the MANY issues in which the POA has been directly involved. Nearly every publication of the POA bulletin will have comments and details on the many issues that seem to concern the residents. It isn't important to me that I convince anyone to accept a certain point of view. Certainly both publications gives a reader information on the activities of the associations. Read each and judge for yourself.:spoken::

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

In the article on "the wall" the POA had to make a negative comment about the VHA which I feel is totally uncalled for. "(No one from the VHA spoke up if there was anyone present). Why the POA feels it makes them look better to put down the VHA I don't know. To me it does the opposite, tell me I should support you because of what good you do not because of what your rival does not do. The POA bulletins in the past were very negative in their comments about the VHA and I was glad to see it stop, but it crops up again. I have not seen the same in the VHA bulletins about the POA. These two organizations should not operate like our political parties, instead work together to improve The Villages for the villagers.

I agree with this and would like to ad that the article that the POA published is only a timeline of the events. I didn't see anything there that I didn't know.

I don't have any problem with either the POA or VHA. Quite honestly, I don't know that much about either of them. But this is not so much an article as it is a log.

[Easyrider]

I disagree that the comment about the VHA was negative. I see it as an important piece of factual information.

The August 12, meeting at Spanish Springs was the first open public discussion of "The Wall". Everyone in attendance heard the POA had already acted to hire an attorney to collect more information and the organization was poised to represent Villages residents in an effort to answer and resolve their concerns. The absence of the VHA from the meeting, and/or their decision to say nothing, was in itself a critically important decision on their part, and a powerful indication to the citizenry of their being in no particular hurry to represent homeowners concerns. It also lends credence to the widely held notion that the VHA was shortly thereafter coached by Ms. Tutt or other representatives of the Developer to claim it was their idea to remove the wall and install security gates.

Furthermore, the POA has done a fine job summarizing this whole issue to date in their latest bulletin. This public service will correct a lot of misunderstanding of facts and misinformation in social media and other forms of communication among residents. I haven't yet seen any helpful explanations from the VHA.

I applaud the POA efforts in this area to date, and again am reminded they are providing great service to us.




Agree, stating a fact is just that, a fact. No one from the VHA, if there wanted to speak. No wonder our news gets so censored.

[graciegirl]

The meeting I remind you was August 12, a Monday. The wall went up on Saturday. On Tuesday it was reported in The Daily Sun what the president of the VHA...Gottshalk? said. That the developer would deed over the property in front of the wall and a gate would be installed.

Are we going to reargue this whole thing again?

The same people gather sides on the VOA that usually gather sides on politics. Mostly.

[Bogie Shooter]

The meeting I remind you was August 12, a Monday. The wall went up on Saturday. On Tuesday it was reported in The Daily Sun what the president of the VHA...Gottshalk? said. That the developer would deed over the property in front of the wall and a gate would be installed.

Are we going to reargue this whole thing again?

The same people gather sides on the VOA that usually gather sides on politics. Mostly.

Couldn't someone just copy all the posts from that big thread?:loco::loco:

[twinklesweep]

I suspect that there has been nothing in the history of the POA that will build its membership and support as much as this wall issue. I can see the POA's membership exploding, thanks to the strong position it took in support of residents, many of whom might not even have been familiar with the POA prior to now.

[ureout]

Warren you are correct.....some people just can't see the forest from the trees.....

[Warren Kiefer]

Warren you are correct.....some people just can't see the forest from the trees.....

Thanks. Your words pretty well describe it. I would add that a lot of people live their life wearing blinders. ( Blinders, those things they put on race horses so they only see straight ahead and will not be aware of things happening around them)

[Thnonne]

I agree with this and would like to ad that the article that the POA published is only a timeline of the events. I didn't see anything there that I didn't know.

I don't have any problem with either the POA or VHA. Quite honestly, I don't know that much about either of them. But this is not so much an article as it is a log.

Thank you Winston. Ureout you are correct some people can't see the forest from the trees, or a ball from a strike or an out call from a safe call they only see what they want to see.

[Bogie Shooter]

I suspect that there has been nothing in the history of the POA that will build its membership and support as much as this wall issue. I can see the POA's membership exploding, thanks to the strong position it took in support of residents, many of whom might not even have been familiar with the POA prior to now.

How about $40 million?
Here is some history for you.
The Villages, FL - Class Action Settlement Notice - www.thevillagesfl.us (http://www.thevillagesfl.us/classactionsettlement.htm)

[ijusluvit]

How about $40 million?
Here is some history for you.
The Villages, FL - Class Action Settlement Notice - www.thevillagesfl.us (http://www.thevillagesfl.us/classactionsettlement.htm)

Yep, that was the big one. However, there has been a steady stream of issues since which the POA have really helped with. There are lots of folks here whose vinyl siding was repaired or replaced, even though warranties had expired. The POA spent many months on this, so much so that they even wrote an article in October 2007 defending themselves against those who complained about continued attention to the topic. That issue, btw, also contained the article: "Let's Give Some Credit to the VHA".

The vinyl siding fight may have been the topic which led to the largest single rise in membership. Thankfully there are enough folks here who have felt the beneficial impact of POA work and still retain their membership. But of course we have some veterans and lots of newbies who have never heard of the POA.

[twinklesweep]

Thank you Winston. Ureout you are correct some people can't see the forest from the trees, or a ball from a strike or an out call from a safe call they only see what they want to see.

How true it is that some people can't see the forest for the trees. This would certainly apply to saying it's a negative comment when it's pointed out that at a residents' meeting about the wall, certain FACTS were stated, for example, the POA speaker said this and did that; the VHA chose not to be present or, if they were, they chose not to speak. Credibility is lost, and desperation seems to come across, when one takes a fact that could be construed as embarrassing insofar as support of residents is concerned and make more of it in an attempt to hide the reality of the fact.


Here I am quoting myself:

I suspect that there has been nothing in the history of the POA that will build its membership and support as much as this wall issue. I can see the POA's membership exploding, thanks to the strong position it took in support of residents, many of whom might not even have been familiar with the POA prior to now.

How about $40 million?
Here is some history for you.
The Villages, FL - Class Action Settlement Notice - www.thevillagesfl.us (http://www.thevillagesfl.us/classactionsettlement.htm)

Very true!

Yep, that was the big one. However, there has been a steady stream of issues since which the POA have really helped with. There are lots of folks here whose vinyl siding was repaired or replaced, even though warranties had expired. The POA spent many months on this, so much so that they even wrote an article in October 2007 defending themselves against those who complained about continued attention to the topic. That issue, btw, also contained the article: "Let's Give Some Credit to the VHA".

The vinyl siding fight may have been the topic which led to the largest single rise in membership. Thankfully there are enough folks here who have felt the beneficial impact of POA work and still retain their membership. But of course we have some veterans and lots of newbies who have never heard of the POA.

Also very true.

The $40 million and vinyl siding settlements (and others as well) were enormous accomplishments by the POA! What I was getting at was not the enormity of the accomplishments but rather the willingness of this residents' organization to take on this very public issue immediately in the service of all Villages residents, even though it affects one group more than others. The POA as a residents' group, through this episode, likely became known to residents who had never heard of them--and better known to those who had only a vague awareness of them. This is where I see a resulting increase in membership and support--from residents seeing exactly what the POA is and how they are willing to stick their necks out in support of residents.

When I first moved to TV, I had a property issue similar to the vinyl siding or the roofs now being replaced. I didn't even know the POA existed! I did contact the VHA, as I had been given considerable info about them when I purchased the home. Not only did they do nothing for me, they actually gave me an argument for making an issue of it (another typical "kill the messenger" type of response). Had I known of the existence of the POA, there is a possibility (I'm not saying a certainty; I'll never know...) that my outcome could have been different....

[Advogado]

How true it is that some people can't see the forest for the trees. This would certainly apply to saying it's a negative comment when it's pointed out that at a residents' meeting about the wall, certain FACTS were stated, for example, the POA speaker said this and did that; the VHA chose not to be present or, if they were, they chose not to speak. Credibility is lost, and desperation seems to come across, when one takes a fact that could be construed as embarrassing insofar as support of residents is concerned and make more of it in an attempt to hide the reality of the fact.


Here I am quoting myself:





Very true!



Also very true.

The $40 million and vinyl siding settlements (and others as well) were enormous accomplishments by the POA! What I was getting at was not the enormity of the accomplishments but rather the willingness of this residents' organization to take on this very public issue immediately in the service of all Villages residents, even though it affects one group more than others. The POA as a residents' group, through this episode, likely became known to residents who had never heard of them--and better known to those who had only a vague awareness of them. This is where I see a resulting increase in membership and support--from residents seeing exactly what the POA is and how they are willing to stick their necks out in support of residents.

When I first moved to TV, I had a property issue similar to the vinyl siding or the roofs now being replaced. I didn't even know the POA existed! I did contact the VHA, as I had been given considerable info about them when I purchased the home. Not only did they do nothing for me, they actually gave me an argument for making an issue of it (another typical "kill the messenger" type of response). Had I known of the existence of the POA, there is a possibility (I'm not saying a certainty; I'll never know...) that my outcome could have been different....
By taking the Developer's side in the matter, the VHA was merely carrying out its primary mission. I wouldn't have an issue with that organization if it would, in the interests of full disclosure, change its name from VHA to VDA.

[PennBF]

Lets assume a resident had a problem which required an unbias opinion and help with the problem and it related to being a resident of The Villages.
Who would they go to. Let's assume The Village manager who owes their positions and loyalty to the Developer? Probably not since it is reasonable to assume any decision would be based first on loyalty to the Developer. Well since that is out how about going to the VHA? Oop's no better than The Villages Management since again their loyalty is to the Developer and by default also to The Villages Management. Thus, the priority of the decisions are first to the Developer, second to The Village Management, then if needed to the VHA and last to the Resident. OK..Lets go to the POA. Their loyalty is to the Resident. Period..!! The next time you need help or a decision regarding your position as a Resident you may want to keep this in mind and act accordingly. I should add the CDD monthly meetings. Again, they are strongly influenced by The Village Manager and therefore if there were question as to the decision the same priority list exists and you would be last. Unfortunate but this is the priority list for residents. I don't think this is any surprise to anyone who has lived in The Villages for a year or more and if it is they should get more involved. :popcorn: