Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

I have been watching the VHA meeting on VNN and impressed with the informatiion, insight and eloquence of a family member. Down to earth, witty and willing to work with us on important and frivolous issues. My opinion is a job more than well done! I believe the Morse family will continue to listen and do everything they can to make TV the best community in the world! BRAVO!!! :#1: :clap2: Maybe, just maybe with our input, the buffalo will be back in view. I believe the Morse family will consider options. AGAIN BRAVO! POA, >:( what a negative, nasty, greedy bunch. 7 million to a lawyer!!! WHY??!! SHAME ON YOU! 7 loudmouth complainers now sharing $350,000, I see a personal greed factor here. The POA continues to bad mouth. I, for one, am not looking at their bulletin any longer. AGAIN, MARK I am impressed and wish you, your family, and my fellow, content, happy Villagers a lifestyle I used to only dream about! You have made my personal dream a reality! JOB WELL DONE! Could the Morse family please consider a New Years Eve party under the stars? My only wish.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Care to elaborate bit about the $7 million and other figures?? Have not watched VNN for a while.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

It was not mentioned at the meeting, but the class action suit against the developers by the POA was a matter that I feel was for personal gains. The attorney for the POA was paid $7,000,000. The 7 plaintiffs that brought the lawsuit were awarded $350,000. I would love to know if the lawyer was a relative or friend of a plaintiff. I would not be surprised if that was the case. I would also like to know the details of what and where the $40 million awarded will go??!! My short term memory is failing. The link to the settlement that was detailed in the Orlando Sentinal is no longer functioning! Sorry, Tal. I think this needs to be another topic, I just wanted this post to congratulate the DEVELOPER for a job well done! KUDOS TO THEIR VISION!! Please chime in with your thoughts and BRAVOS!.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Come on people, lets show some appreciation here!!! :bigthumbsup:

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Ronda,

I agree with you...I am watching it as I type this. He is doing a nice job....folksy, plain spoken, and does seem sincere about wanting the Villages to be a community we can all be proud of. He seems to have inherited his father's and grandfather's passion for TV.

For all others living in TV....VNN is doing a continuous broadcast of Mark Morse's talk to the VHA all weekend. So, carve out an hour (or so...) and watch it....it's well worth the time.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

This is such good news to hear and especially from one whose judgement I have come to value. I am so glad to "know" you Rhonda!

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Wish I could hear it up here in Ohio but two of my favorites have critiqued it for me. You go Mark Morse! :bigthumbsup:

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Right on Rhona, I agree with everything you said. Hope we can resolve this buffalo issue fast. Was there anything in the paper about these litagations before they were awarded? Maybe Daily Sun and VNN should let us know, so we can get helpful action started eariler or before it's too late. Maybe more of us should go to the meetings. I did notice the Savanna Center was pretty filled.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

:agree:

I'll add my praise. He does a good job, indeed.

This was the third year that I've gone to this particular VHA session at Savannah Center. It's the first one where Mark Morse spoke for more than an hour. It's the first one that I know of where one of the ballrooms was set up with a huge screen to accommodate the expected overflow. I was frankly more impressed this year than in others.

I just wish ther'd be some small opportunity for questions, but the logistics would be nightmarish!

SWR

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Mark Morse is just as phony as you can be. It took a class action suit for hiim to pony up on the millions of dollars of OUR amenities and to give them back to US! You can like him and give hiim all the atta boys you want but when it takes a law suit to get money back that is ours; it takes a law suit to fix sink holes; it almost takes a law suit to fix the vinyl siding in many homes, I am not going to give any atta boys!!!!

Mark Morse happens to be a charismatic speaker and the VHA folks are just like sheep following the dog. I happen to be a member of the VHA but am going to join the POA because FULL DISCLOSURE is an entitlement and not something we should have to sue to get.

The lawyers got what is routinely paid to lawyers in law suits, they got a specific percentage of the value of the suit. This DOES NOT make the POA greedy, etc. They simply saw a wrong and went about making it right in the only way they could because the developer would NOT give the money back that belong to the owners.

:edit: :edit:

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

As much as I hate to admit it...I think YOU are more right than wrong. I'd love to live in "La-La Land" and believe that the Morse family is here to take care of our every desire...but I know they worship a "golden idol" (money) and that's what they're here to get. There never would have been a siding issue if they had paid the money to hire the right/best contractors in the first place...

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Put simply, Morse and the VCCD tried to pull a fast one and not live up to their contractual obligations to the residents of TV. The fact this matter had to be litigated was no doubt due to Morse and the VCCD at some point saying, if you don't like it sue us. Fortunately somebody called their bluff.

The resulting settlement was filed with the court and approved by a judge. All members of the "class" were given notice of the settlement prior to the court approval. The settlement and amounts awarded in fees to the plaintiff attorney and to the participating named plaintiffs were also court approved and in line with amounts typically awarded in multi million dollar settlements.

Withholding $40 million of our money and only "agreeing" to pay it after being sued is not doing a good job. You must be kidding.


http://www.thevillagesfl.us/classactionsettlement.htm

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

jkp and bimmerti you have seen the true reason we got those amenities back. I still find it hard to understand how anyone can applaud Mark Morse, et al when we as residents have to threaten a law suit or actually file one, to get the developer/family to "do the right thing" and he has the audacity to complain about the bad publicity and the POA downtalking the family!!!!

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Three cheers for Mark Morse and family. They make a heck of a lot more sense then some of the people posting on here.
I would hate to live with the attitude of some. So sad to live that way.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Fran, I have been away from the computer, enjoying life and just got back. Will you explain which amenities had been lost? What obligations were they not adhering to? I didn't think the ammenities fees were our monies to spend, but were for the upkeep. Did the Morse family cause the sinkholes? Could they have been predicted and could they have prevented them? I appreciate that our golf courses have acclaimed Audobon status. I have never heard anything but good about correcting siding problems. Maybe I drank too much kool-aid or have been brainwashed, but I do feel their lifestyle visions are commendable. ATTA BOY. Live and learn, I should not speak my mind. Criticism's will come forth. I am just a sheep following a dog. I will think twice before posting from now on. Don't expect me to go any further with this thread. This is why I stay out of political threads, also. Life is too short and I am enjoying every minute! :hot:

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Wow, the same can be said about Barack Obama! Amazing. The difference is that the Morse family is being productive and making a lot of people happy. And his words match his actions.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

I'll add my "atta boy" to the Morses' et al
.
Until there's more people moving OUT than moving IN, somebody's doing something right.
I don't think it's the POA or the people filing lawsuits because they were stupid enough to put their 'person' in harms way (buffalo) - go out on a golf course during a thunderstorm and raise your club in the air with metal spikes. Who ya gonna sue now!

Is Mark Morse a good speaker ?
Yes, probably better than George W Bush or Bill Clinton.

We still live in the best country in the world and a very VERY good community.

wav

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Someone made a comment about the Morse family worshiping the golden idol ...money.
I think they are a very clever family who formed a company to develop this area and made a grand success of it. They have earned every dollar they have made.
How can I respect an association that sued a company and then some of the members reaped extra financial benefits. We all won in that the money was set aside for the continuing up keep of our property. If the POA decided to initiate the suit then they took the risk as a group.The members in the group that handled the suit with the lawyers should not recieve compensation. Any money awarded should have been added to the final settlement to benefit the entire association The lawyers earned their money on both sides of this issue.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Robkin stay!!!! We think alike. If others dislike how things are done here then why not leave. No one is making anyone stay BUT please do not come here and try to change things. I am living in LALA land, drinking the Kool aide and loving every minute of it. Well, I will if I can still see the buffalo. No need to feed--just see. :)

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Is it true that the beneficiaries of the lawsuit (other than lawyers) are current or former officers of the POA.... Wonder about that...Who do they serve.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

YES!!!

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

ROKINRONDA......I can relate to your feelings. I said basicallythe same thing a month or so ago and am very hesitant to post anything positive on here about TV or to defend the family or developer. The response I got was something like...we know that folks monitor this board that are close to the developer...which is just plain crazy.

Listen, NOTHING is perfect but I cannot understand those who spend so much time listening to RUMORS, and almost all of the complaints are simple rumors OUT OF CONTEXT.

TV does a great job in an exploding community and I see nothing wrong with giving kdos when deserved. I certainly am not opposed to expressing concerns, but there are avenues to address them within TV. Seems if you dont hear what you want to hear the developer is at fault.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

This is from a prior post of mine concerning complaints about rolling the recycling charge of $1.47 into the trash charge and hiding it on purpose so the residents wouldn't notice and the Morse family was getting richer. GIVE ME A BREAK!

"I am so tired about hearing people bemoan the Morse family and how they are trying to pilfer every penny they can from the poor souls that bought homes here. It makes me feel bad about being a homeowner in TV. I don't want to feel bad about being a homeowner in TV I want to feel good and be happy and proud about it. We made the choice to move to TV and we will give every benefit of the doubt to TV unless things are proved to be otherwise. TV is paradise now and will be until the day I die. If you can't be a loyal homeowner, what's the sense of living here in the first place. I like the positives of TV".

I felt that way then and do now concerning this latest complaint. Think this way, Thank you God for letting me have another day on earth. Thank you God for letting me have another day on earth and in paradise. How can you go wrong with that kind of attitude.

Wake up and smell the coffee and flowers folks.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Good post Johnny. The word profit has now morphed to greed. I guess the only reason for a business' existence is to do others a favor. I hope the family keeps up the good work. They've created something fantastic and not duplicated anywhere else.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

You folks just keep looking at the world through those rose colored glasses and don't worry about the $40million dollars of amentiy fees paid by residents and moved inappropriately by the developer...which was proven in court. I'll keep my eyes open and continue to read about BOTH sides of issues.

As for moving, no one ever said this wasn't a wonderful place to live and like no other. Simply said, the Morse family does not believe in full disclosure and neve will. The residents who give a rats behind will continue to threaten and/or file law suits to ensure the truth is known.

No, the developer/family didn't cause the sink holes but they did know from the examination of the land that they would likely occur then they tried to make the residents pay the cost that they KNEW was going to be incurred.

I won't bother telling you all the truth anymore. Evidently most of you are happy to sit in the sunshine with the rose colored glasses on while you smile all the way to the next happy hour.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Ya know Frangyomory, what is wrong with that. At our age, or at least mine, I DON'T CARE WHO IS ZOOMING WHO. I DON'T CARE WHO GOT 40 MILLION. I just want to enjoy what few remaining years I have in total happiness. Why are you such an angry person. Live and let live. My amenity fees in NJ are $154.00 a month and we have nothing close to TV as far as living is concerned. At $130.00 a month I am well ahead of the game.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

I think you have us figured out Fran, and your point is???? :beer3:

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

I love my rose colored glasses and happy hour!!! Everything here is not perfect but not bad enough to be so angry about it.

Have We Forgotten The "Bottom Line" Of The Annual Survey?
 

As noted by Mark Morse in his speech to the VHA last week, 97% of the survey respondents rated The Villages as a great place to live! It was about the seventh year in a row that the results were 96-97% and about the 15th year in a row where satisfaction was well above 90% of those responding. Geez, something must be going right.

I'd guess that if the statisticians did their thing, that the "margin of error" would be awfully low. Why? Because 33% of all Villages homeowners participated in the survey. That's a huge response, almost unheard of by those taking such surveys.

So a few people can express their disatisfaction and distrust for the developer of this place. They have every right to be as grouchy and suspicious as they choose. But they are a tiny percentage of the people who live here. The huge majority of the people who live here couldn't be happier with Florida's Friendliest Hometown. Personally, I've placed our house on the "do not throw" list for delivery of the POA newspaper. I've got a lot better things to do with my time than waste it reading poorly written, unsubstantiated and heavily-slanted articles written by people unwilling to take responsibility for their writing by placing their byline on the articles.

By the way, does anyone really believe that the developer knew that sinkholes would occur and where...and then went ahead and built structures on that land? As noted in Mark Morse's speech, about 45% of The Villages is undeveloped--that is golf courses, nature preserves, wetlands, parks and open space. I guess I might ask whether it's a common sense suspicion that the developer knew where the sinkholes would occur and then went ahead and built something there anyway? That sure doesn't meet the "common sense" test as far as I'm concerned.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

You got my vote, Fran. You are a true realist in that you realize the shortcomings of the Developer and yet profess to love living in TV. You support the POA (as do I) for their efforts to keep the scales balanced. I agree with you wholeheartedly and support your opnions. I certainly do not see you as a negative person because you can understand the problems and yet support the group willing to be the "whiners."

You get negative reactions in these forums to your beliefs and you hang in there and stand up for your convictions. You GO girl!!!! Don't let the barbs thrown by some get to you. You have never been disrespectful to any of the Members here on TOTV but certainly have done your homework and see both sides of the coin when it comes to this "paradise."

The "newbies" and "wannabes" can wear their rose-colored glasses during their early days here in TV and after a few years they may take an interest in the realities, as we have and see both sides. It's not a battle; it's merely living to standards one chooses.

barb1191

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

:clap2: :beer3: I agree wholeheartedly with Johnny, Ronda, Nonie, etc. Here's to the "rose colored glasses".

FYI, I've never been accused nor do I look at the world through rose colored glasses. I'm a realist. And here's what's real to me.

I am completely happy and content with my home. (I'm a bricklayer's kid and believe me I know it's well built!) When we moved in (6 mos. ago) and had to make any service calls, which is usual with new construction, not only did they call back right away, the repairs were practically done before I could hang up the phone.

The rec centers, pools, golf courses, country clubs, the list goes on and on, far exceed standards of other communities. (And we looked at quite a few.)

When I drive around, I see nothing but beauty. Everywhere I look, by any standards, The Villages is absolutely breathtaking. I keep wanting to pinch myself because I still can't believe what a glorious community this is and that I really live here.

In Illinois, we paid $175 a month in association fees and all we had was a retention pond that they called a lake.

As far as the people go, be they snowbirds or frogs, I've never ever come across such a wonderful, friendly, welcoming group in all of my life. It actually took me by surprise and warms my heart everyday.

When I wake up in the morning, I thank God that my husband and I are living here and the joy we feel is overwhelming.

As far as the Morse family goes, I think they are brilliant, creative people who deserve every penny they get. And I don't give out compliments easily. They have set up something here that staggers the mind. Is anyone or anything perfect? No. But, I have to say, The Villages is as perfect as you can get.

I come from an advertising background. I was a member of the "Gold Ring" at Ralston Purina. This is a group of creatives that would meet in St. Louis and brainstorm to create new product ideas. I'm telling you this, because I look at things with a critical eye. What can be presented in a better way? What can be improved? What can be added or subtracted to make this product close to perfect.

If there's something missing in The Villages -- I haven't found it. And believe me, I've been looking.

So BRAVO to the Morse family! :#1: May you all continue to improve this planet for generations to come.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Well said, Chels!!!!!!1 :agree: :bigthumbsup:

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

:agree: :agree: We love "Happy Land"!! Really miss the beauty of TV when I drive around our home town of Bloomington. After the terrible winter there are many potholes and road repair to be done. More new schools to be built in our area because all of the new people moving in since we have two Universities and State Farm home headquarters.Our taxes are about as high as Chicago and continue to go up yearly to keep up with what a city has to do with 100,000 population.We return here because we want to be with friends and family and to come home to Il. is a very real balance for us and makes us appreciate what the Village is all about. It is not a surprise to have the fees increase yearly --take a look at everything else from eggs to bread to gas. Go with the flow and enjoy the minute!! The family is :#1: with us and they truly amaze us in their plans for the balance of the Villages. If they are able to make their fortune by building this Retirement Community I for one am happy for them. Hey, you can always move!! :'( :'(

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

1rnfl LOL Uncle Muncle, I love you! :a20:

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Chelsea,

What a lovely articulate post!

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Not a newbie been here 7 years!!!!

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

OK, I'm a newbie. I love TV. I love the people of TV. I love the landscaping, the golf carts, even the silly gates and especially the greeters. I have yet to drive around and not see somthing that makes me smile. I thank the Schwartz and Morse families from the bottom of my heart for giving me this.

That being said, I understand what Fran is saying. The Morse family is in this for the money. TV was not created out of the goodness of their hearts but to make a profit. I'm sure they were well aware that there was a risk of sinkholes considering that risk is true of about 99% of Florida. They did foul up on the amenities issue and a lawsuit was required to straighten that mess up. However, they did post a couple of articles about it in the Sun and acknowledged that had the POA not stepped to right a wrong, the wrong would have been continued. They didn't say, but did imply it was not deliberate but rather one of those things that just hadn't been well thought out. No one is perfect, not developers, not attorneys. Some things are overlooked -- that's one of the reasons there are lawsuits. Taking our beloved buffalo away is a tragedy. Understandable considering the stupidity of some but a tragedy nonetheless.

So, my view is three cheers to TV and TVers as a whole! Five cheers to Harold Schwartz for having the vision to create TV. Three cheers to the Morse family for continuing that vision. Zero cheers for the business side -- don't care how good, honest, etc. you try to be, it's still business and the greed factor does step in and make things less palatable than the average person wants it to be.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

Chels,

Thanks for your honest, uplifting post that puts life here in TV back in perspective.

Sometimes folks can get mired in negatives and complaints and lose sight of all the good, beautiful, positive things surrounding them.

Yes, the family business is concerned with selling houses and making money, but, I still have to believe that there is also a lot of family pride about the community they have built and their legacy going forward.

Re: Mark Morse...BRAVO!!!!
 

I can see just fine through my rose colored glasses, thank you. Maybe Mark Morse is for making a lot of money, but isn't thats why you go into a business. This just happens to be a BIG one. Lots of money to be made, and while he's at it makes a lot of people happy. Maybe he has learned a lesson from the $40 million episode. I watch the HOA meeting on VNN and thought he was quiet sincere. He might not have apologised or confessed but don't forget he's a MAN.
Now let's get back to saving our buffalo. I really think we can change his mind when he sees all the petitions and letters.