[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

I saw the anti-developer attitude right away when we moved in several years away. I will not be involved with an organization that that direction of thinking. They claim to work for the residents, when they actually seem to simply work against the developer. "For" would be great, but it does not seem to be there.

“For”?

“WITH” would be better.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Bilyclub

It is here. The VHA does some good things, but has never gone against the developer even when it would have been good for the residents.

Very true

[ScottFenstermaker]

Originally Posted by charlie1

Now that the election is over, I have to say that I am done supporting or being a member of the POA with its current leadership. I am done with them endorsing candidates with only one platform – “Blame the developer”. I am done with them accusing people of being “paid off” by the developer. The POA has become a political organization that is taking an adversarial role with the developer. They are in a war with the developer! Really not sure what else they do at this point! I do not agree with this approach. I believe that the POA should be working in conjunction and together with ANY organization regarding improvements wanted by the majority of the residents. They are not my voice anymore! I have found conversations gets results. I have found willingness to compromise and agreeing to smaller steps will open doors to continued discussions. This is how you help both parties feel good about change and get to mutual agreement. I also have found that demanding never works. It slams the door shut and nothing constructive ever gets accomplished!

As pointed out in an earlier reply to your post, there have been a number of instances where the Developer has taken actions that prejudice the residents, and the POA has acted on behalf of the residents. The most glaring example, which is not mentioned in that post, are the facts that underlay the POA-backed, class-action suit against the Developer. The suit was settled with the Developer ponying up (as I recall) about $40 million dollars. If you really feel as strongly as you do about the POA, some simple arithmetic can give you your approximate share of the $40 million and you can refund it to the Developer.

[jebartle]

Agree with OP, this conundrum is not black or white, sometimes the answer is gray.

[charlie1]

Originally Posted by ScottFenstermaker

As pointed out in an earlier reply to your post, there have been a number of instances where the Developer has taken actions that prejudice the residents, and the POA has acted on behalf of the residents. The most glaring example, which is not mentioned in that post, are the facts that underlay the POA-backed, class-action suit against the Developer. The suit was settled with the Developer ponying up (as I recall) about $40 million dollars. If you really feel as strongly as you do about the POA, some simple arithmetic can give you your approximate share of the $40 million and you can refund it to the Developer.

That's old history! I sure the POA has done some great things in the past. Things change, however. Leadership changes! Objectives change! Motivation changes! Staying OUT OF POLITICS or finding funds for politicians should never be a part of a POA!

[Marathon Man]

Originally Posted by charlie1

That's old history! I sure the POA has done some great things in the past. Things change, however. Leadership changes! Objectives change! Motivation changes! Staying OUT OF POLITICS or finding funds for politicians should never be a part of a POA!

Agree. POA supporters always point out the lawsuit. That was years ago. What have they done for us lately?

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

Agree. POA supporters always point out the lawsuit. That was years ago. What have they done for us lately?

Sometimes you have to ask yourself, what might of happened that possibly didn’t because of their presence?

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by tophcfa

Sometimes you have to ask yourself, what might of happened that possibly didn’t because of their presence?

Seems to me the POA may not be greatest organization to protect us and look out for our interests but do not know of any others doing this.

Developer family has done a great job building this place but sometimes their interest and ours do not coincide. Besides how is it a good idea they have such immense political power over us.

[Love2Swim]

Originally Posted by Marathon Man

Agree. POA supporters always point out the lawsuit. That was years ago. What have they done for us lately?

Just a few of things the POA has done recently, you can go to the POA website to see a full listing:

Sumter County Property Tax increase of 25% - the POA held meetings where residents voiced their objections. This increase came from Sumter County, not the Developer. The county commissioners refused to fully answer the questions and concerns of the residents about the size of the increase, so the POA launched Fair Government for Sumter County. This reminded residents that our government is more than just the CDD, but encompasses county officials.And it also gave residents a well deserved dialogue with the county.

Health care issues – the POA lead opposition to a proposed Sumter County Hospital tax which would have taxed Sumter County residents $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and would also give 20% of the tax off the top to the Developer's foundation. It was defeated. The POA also assisted in bring to light care issues at the hospital which resulted in dedicating more staff and resources to the ER, and bring 3 Villagers onto the hospital Board, and replacing the hospital CEO and Emergency Room director.

The POA was a strong advocate for Villagers on the issues of defective Owens Corning roof shingles.

The Paradise Center used to be termite and rat infested, raccoons living in the ceiling, mold, etc. The VCCDD ignored the pleas of the residents to renovate. The POA campaigned strongly, and as a result, the VCCDD eventually decided to proceed with a renovation.

[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Love2Swim

Just a few of things the POA has done recently, you can go to the POA website to see a full listing:

Sumter County Property Tax increase of 25% - the POA held meetings where residents voiced their objections. This increase came from Sumter County, not the Developer. The county commissioners refused to fully answer the questions and concerns of the residents about the size of the increase, so the POA launched Fair Government for Sumter County. This reminded residents that our government is more than just the CDD, but encompasses county officials.And it also gave residents a well deserved dialogue with the county.

Health care issues – the POA lead opposition to a proposed Sumter County Hospital tax which would have taxed Sumter County residents $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and would also give 20% of the tax off the top to the Developer's foundation. It was defeated. The POA also assisted in bring to light care issues at the hospital which resulted in dedicating more staff and resources to the ER, and bring 3 Villagers onto the hospital Board, and replacing the hospital CEO and Emergency Room director.

The POA was a strong advocate for Villagers on the issues of defective Owens Corning roof shingles.

The Paradise Center used to be termite and rat infested, raccoons living in the ceiling, mold, etc. The VCCDD ignored the pleas of the residents to renovate. The POA campaigned strongly, and as a result, the VCCDD eventually decided to proceed with a renovation.

Thank you for sharing