Originally Posted by ROCKETMAN (Post 621300)

THE VHA HAS ALWAYS BEEN VERY PRO-DEVELOPER. POA HAS FOUGHT AGAINST DEVELOPER AND WON. HAVE VERY INTELLIGENT PEOPLE RUNNING THE POA. VERY INFORMATIVE.:22yikes:

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 621353)

I too have heard hundreds of times about the VHA being started by the Developer to compete with the POA. I also hear often that the VHA is little more than an another arm of the developer.
Personally, we had an issue where an entire neighborhood became opposed to how one neighbor was modifying their home. The president of the POA jumped right into the very tense situation while the VHA president when contacted, said they didn't want to get involved.

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 621274)

Today I received two toss out association papers on my driveway. One was published by the Property Owners Association (POA) and the other published by the Home Owners Association (VHA). I brought both into my home and read both publications thoroughly.
I went thru both papers and concluded the following; If one makes a judgement of the organizations by their publications, the VHA apperas to be a nothing association. The VHA publication was truly void of any meaningful information. On the other hand the POA paper was chock full of information. For example, the parade issue, a forum of many interesting resident questions and answers, The IRS/Developer issue, An informative presentation how a CDD works, a listing of possible people due a Bond Interest refund, minutes from various CDD meetings, Letters to the Editor regarding sinkhole insurance and LSV vehicles on the recreation trails and more, also an article on Seniors versus Crime.
No !, I have no axe to grind with the VHA, nor any particular attachment with the POA. Peruse both of the bulletins and judge for your selves.

Originally Posted by Xavier (Post 621535)

I have supported both the POA and VHA as I believe they both have a role that is beneficial to the residents of The Villages. If I had to make a choice today I'd probably pick the POA over the VHA. Fortunately, I don't have to make a choice.

When we first moved here we found that the POA newsletter and their approach in general was VERY negative and down-right nasty. Since the change of leadership, we have found their tone and actions to be more effective and have made them a representative group that I'd be proud to be associated with.

The VHA on the other hand has acted like they had taken the same orientation program as the rest of the developer held enterprises. This is a good thing. In my humble opinion, the really good thing is they do have that developer connection and (maybe) his ear. It's pretty obvious to me that in the last two (maybe more) editions of the VHA newletter there was almost no substance at all. They honestly weren't worth the paper they were printed on. Now that's a big change that I've noticed since their change in leadership.

Both organizations have done loads of good for our community. I'll continue to support both for now and give them a hearty pat on the back and a sincere "Thank you."

Xavier

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 621504)

CanI have the people that toss these things in my driveway charged with littering? I don't understand why I have to go out, pick these things up and throw them in the trash every few weeks. How can they have the right to litter like this?

Originally Posted by graciegirl (Post 621357)

Was the modification against deed restrictions?

It must have been awful if the "entire" neighborhood was opposed.

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 621812)

We have 106 homes in our neighborhood, 105 were opposed to the modification and the remaining one was the accused. The project was started without the required permits from Architectural Review Committee ( the contractor said the plans had been approved and somehow misplaced). The ARC subsequently denied the project three times as not being aesthetically conforming with the neighborhood. The issue was then appealed to our District Board of Supervisors who overturned the three ARC denials. The reason; basically, aesthetics are in "THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER". Our neighborhood concluded; a resident can do just about anything they want to do as long as it is not clearly and SPECIFICALLY spelled out in the deed restrictions..

Originally Posted by rubicon (Post 621833)

The outcome here is sad and may set precedent. The thing that TV had going for it was the ARC approval which protected residents.

The POA as a watchdog has to respond in kind. The period you refer too was such a period and what some call negative was the POA protecting residents interests.

The VHA had the Developer's blessing and contribution and was organized to compete directly against the POA which the Developer beleieved was a thorn in his side. However he issued this caveat that if they ever did anything he disapproved of or ws against him then he would withdraw his support . If you look closer you will notice the VHA is a quasi-public relation organization for the Developer. If you look even closer you will see that each of the past VHA presidents end up as a Board of Directors Southwest Water District, Village hospital Board ,etc. I will leave other to put a label on these moves.

I do not belong to either organization but if I did decide to support one it would be the POA

Originally Posted by Advogado (Post 622357)

I find it absolutely outrageous that the Developer subsidizes the VHA for the sole purpose of undermining the POA-- yet very few Villagers seem to feel that way. Your post doesn't mention the fact that, a couple of years ago, the Developer almost succeeded in putting the POA out of business. In my view, it is crucial for for the residents that the POA survive as a viable organization to protect their interests when their interests conflict with those of the Developer-- for instance, if the IRS investigation ends unfavorably for the Center Districts and the Developer.

In light of the background of the VHA and all the good that the POA has done, as recited in your post, I guess that I am a little surprised to read that you do not support the POA. Just out of curiosity, why do you take that position?

Originally Posted by Advogado (Post 622357)

I find it absolutely outrageous that the Developer subsidizes the VHA for the sole purpose of undermining the POA-- yet very few Villagers seem to feel that way. Your post doesn't mention the fact that, a couple of years ago, the Developer almost succeeded in putting the POA out of business. In my view, it is crucial for for the residents that the POA survive as a viable organization to protect their interests when their interests conflict with those of the Developer-- for instance, if the IRS investigation ends unfavorably for the Center Districts and the Developer.

In light of the background of the VHA and all the good that the POA has done, as recited in your post, I guess that I am a little surprised to read that you do not support the POA. Just out of curiosity, why do you take that position?

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer (Post 622591)

If you reads my additional posts you can only determine I support and am a member of the POA. I didn't want my posting to appear as an attack on the VHA by a POA membe. I had hoped for some lively discussion and got it. It is my belief the VHA has no value for the residents. Your assumption that I do not support the POA is just wrong.

Originally Posted by Xavier (Post 621535)

I have supported both the POA and VHA as I believe they both have a role that is beneficial to the residents of The Villages. If I had to make a choice today I'd probably pick the POA over the VHA. Fortunately, I don't have to make a choice.

When we first moved here we found that the POA newsletter and their approach in general was VERY negative and down-right nasty. Since the change of leadership, we have found their tone and actions to be more effective and have made them a representative group that I'd be proud to be associated with.

The VHA on the other hand has acted like they had taken the same orientation program as the rest of the developer held enterprises. This is a good thing. In my humble opinion, the really good thing is they do have that developer connection and (maybe) his ear. It's pretty obvious to me that in the last two (maybe more) editions of the VHA newletter there was almost no substance at all. They honestly weren't worth the paper they were printed on. Now that's a big change that I've noticed since their change in leadership.

Both organizations have done loads of good for our community. I'll continue to support both for now and give them a hearty pat on the back and a sincere "Thank you."

Xavier

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 621504)

CanI have the people that toss these things in my driveway charged with littering? I don't understand why I have to go out, pick these things up and throw them in the trash every few weeks. How can they have the right to litter like this?

Originally Posted by buggyone (Post 660147)

Call their circulation depts and ask them not to deliver to you. No problem.

Personally, I enjoy reading the POA paper to see what kind of ridiculous actions have caused the golf cart accidents.

Reading both of them is kind of like flipping channels between FOX Noise and MSNBC. The truth is in the middle.

If someone is so doggone against the Morse family and what they have provided for us in The Villages, why continue to live in this repressive community? Move on to Ave Maria or Elgin, Iowa.

Originally Posted by Moderator (Post 660210)

The topic is the publications of the VHA and the POA. Stay on the topic and refrain from the personal attacks.

Moderator

Originally Posted by Sable99 (Post 660246)

Is there anyway an off-site owner can get a copy of both of these publications?

Originally Posted by KeepingItReal (Post 660250)

Not sure about the HOA but POA Bullentins etc. can be seen on this site.

Property Owners, Association of Florida

Originally Posted by Sable99 (Post 660252)

Thank you.

Originally Posted by OnTrack (Post 660227)

:thumbup:

On a related note, I see where the powers that be for the POA newsletter took responsibility for the lack of info regarding the St. Patrick's day parade.

Apparently, they didn't pay for advertising in the Happy Paper (just the recreation section)....and the paper/radio station refused to mention anything about the parade.

It seems pretty petty on the papers part to me, but at least the POA folks stepped up and took responsibility.

Good for them. :thumbup:

Originally Posted by Dr Winston O Boogie jr (Post 621504)

CanI have the people that toss these things in my driveway charged with littering? I don't understand why I have to go out, pick these things up and throw them in the trash every few weeks. How can they have the right to litter like this?

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter (Post 660272)

Actually...................
This should clear up all the speculation and accusations that have been posted on this thread. Also Ms Tutt should be commended for her actions.
The POA April bulletin has an article regarding the lack of mention of the word "parade" in the Daily Sun or the radio. The article; The "Bump" in the "Parade" Road, quotes Janet Tutt, District Supervisor. She explains why this occurred and took responsibility for it happening. The John she speaks of is John Rohan, Recreation Director You can read the full text at: http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_file...etin201304.pdf

This is the summary paragraph quoting Janet Tutt.

"I just want to make sure that the con-cerns (blame) for the lack of media cover-age is in the right place and it really is John and I. We both thought we were sav-ing money. Fortunately the parade was a success and we will know to have adver-tisements next year"

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 660293)

DWOBJr, At least with the POA, you can contact them online and have delivery to your address suspended. Don't know about the VHA because we have never received their newsletter in our driveway.

I don't remember ever reading VHA's newsletter, actually. we might be off their radar somehow. I like the POA, especially for their drive to make people aware of the need for safety and seatbelts in golf carts through the reporting of golf cart accidents. I think they represent the residents' interests in many aspects and present us with issues we might not otherwise be aware of.

I would like to read VHA newsletters too, for another perspective. I will go online and find out how to get them.