[bimmertl]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

How can it be good? It IS good. If you want to see a mess, turn the running of this place over to the general population. I know of what I speak.

Really?? This article from 2012 provides some insight into how Morse et al amass their fortune. The paragraph entitled "Pickleball, Golf" is enlightening.

Billionaire Morse Behind Curtain at Villages - Bloomberg

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by Peachie

If you do some reading on the history of the POA, you will find that Mr. Morse did at one time belong to the POA. He disassociated himself from this group when it turn out to be a gripe session from individuals about their problems which didn't always involve the entire community well-being.

It wasn't that he didn't think they had a right to exist, he was far more interested in a group with committees that tackled major issues that may occur within The Villages and not so much the smaller issues for which there were already avenues for resolution. The POA has tackled some larger issues but does more, shall we say "nitpicking" at smaller issues that really don't involve the developer, ie; seatbelts on golf carts, etc.

The POA spends its time on nitpicky issues??? May I remind you of some of the POA's accomplishments:


The Lawsuit Settlement - Villagers achieved a friendly class action lawsuit settlement with the developer in 2008 valued at $43 million. The key points of the settlement were: Provision for Reserve funds for eventual repair and replacement of our facilities north of Hwy. 466; provision for renovation of the recreation trails north of Hwy 446; creation of the AAC (Amenity Authority Committee) which allows residents elected by residents to make decisions about the expenditure of amenity funds north of Hwy. 466; and payoff of the Paradise Recreation Center renovation debt.

Defeat of the Sumter County Hospital Tax -The POA opposed the creation of this taxing district which would have taxed Sumter County residents about $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and also given 20% of the tax off the top to the developer's foundation.


Hospital Emergency Room - After receiving reports of continuing poor service and performance in our hospital's ER over the years the POA documented over 125 instances of serious problems in the ER and they publicized the problems. In response, LRMC brought in a new CEO of the hospital, a new director of the ER, dedicated more resources and staff to the ER, hired more nurses, established better training programs, and brought in three Villagers to sit on the Board of the hospital's parent organization.

Moffitt Cancer Center - The POA advocated bringing this cancer center to The Villages for what we believed would be one of the crown jewels in the medical facilities of The Villages. They organized a letter-writing program, researched the demographics, argued for bringing the center here, and voiced our hopes to the appropriate decision-makers.

Vinyl Siding - Sloppy work and installation procedures characterized the building effort of the contractors for homes in The Villages south of Hwy 466 in the 2005-2008 time period. Credit has to go to Ray Micucci and his wife Lori for spearheading the inspection of over 1,500 homes and prodding the work of the warranty department and various contractors to repair the problems.

Activity Policy Reversal - The Center Districts voted to restrict residents from gathering to protest anything. A liability insurance policy for $1 million was also required 30 days in advance of any protest gathering. The POA opposed this action, calling it a violation of our Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, and argued against it in the Bulletin. The Center Districts backed down and rescinded the rule.

Paradise Center - The original recreation center on the east side of Hwy 441/27 was deteriorating and an absolute disgrace. POA did a survey, organized residents, pleaded with the VCCDD to renovate the center, advocated renovation in the Bulletin, and were eventually successful in getting this $5 million project off the ground.

IRS/Bonds - We are waiting on this one. But, what the POA did do was caution restraint rather than wild speculation, and identified the developer as the only one to benefit financially from the issuance of the bonds as tax exempt. If we get the negative outcome, we trust that the developer will do what is necessary to protect residents from any adverse impact.

Conflict of Interests by District Employees - The POA documented the fact that some Center District employees were in line to benefit financially from certain dealings with the developer. The POA viewed this as a conflict of interests. As a result, one Center District employee was re-assigned, and any dealing like this in the future will be scrutinized for any potential conflict of interests problems.

Forgotten $200,000 Billing - Somehow or another, a VCCDD bill to the developer for about $200,000 for expenses related to his use of the Savannah Center was never issued. A POA director, Irving Yedwab, noticed the problem and the POA publicized the situation in the Bulletin. The developer did pay up once the bill was issued.....

and the list goes on and on. Nitpicking??? Not in my estimation.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by bimmertl

Really?? This article from 2012 provides some insight into how Morse et al amass their fortune. The paragraph entitled "Pickleball, Golf" is enlightening.

Billionaire Morse Behind Curtain at Villages - Bloomberg

It is NOT a sin to become rich through diligent endeavors and good ideas and taking a risk with your own money. It just looks easy from the outside. I have never run into this attitude in my whole life until I moved here..

It is called free enterprise. It didn't fall on him. And they are still doin' what they did to get what they got.

Thank you so much. I am enjoying the fruits of your labors, Morse family.

Good Grief.

[Peachie]

Originally Posted by mickey100

The POA spends its time on nitpicky issues??? May I remind you of some of the POA's accomplishments:


The Lawsuit Settlement - Villagers achieved a friendly class action lawsuit settlement with the developer in 2008 valued at $43 million. The key points of the settlement were: Provision for Reserve funds for eventual repair and replacement of our facilities north of Hwy. 466; provision for renovation of the recreation trails north of Hwy 446; creation of the AAC (Amenity Authority Committee) which allows residents elected by residents to make decisions about the expenditure of amenity funds north of Hwy. 466; and payoff of the Paradise Recreation Center renovation debt.

Defeat of the Sumter County Hospital Tax -The POA opposed the creation of this taxing district which would have taxed Sumter County residents about $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and also given 20% of the tax off the top to the developer's foundation.


Hospital Emergency Room - After receiving reports of continuing poor service and performance in our hospital's ER over the years the POA documented over 125 instances of serious problems in the ER and they publicized the problems. In response, LRMC brought in a new CEO of the hospital, a new director of the ER, dedicated more resources and staff to the ER, hired more nurses, established better training programs, and brought in three Villagers to sit on the Board of the hospital's parent organization.

Moffitt Cancer Center - The POA advocated bringing this cancer center to The Villages for what we believed would be one of the crown jewels in the medical facilities of The Villages. They organized a letter-writing program, researched the demographics, argued for bringing the center here, and voiced our hopes to the appropriate decision-makers.

Vinyl Siding - Sloppy work and installation procedures characterized the building effort of the contractors for homes in The Villages south of Hwy 466 in the 2005-2008 time period. Credit has to go to Ray Micucci and his wife Lori for spearheading the inspection of over 1,500 homes and prodding the work of the warranty department and various contractors to repair the problems.

Activity Policy Reversal - The Center Districts voted to restrict residents from gathering to protest anything. A liability insurance policy for $1 million was also required 30 days in advance of any protest gathering. The POA opposed this action, calling it a violation of our Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, and argued against it in the Bulletin. The Center Districts backed down and rescinded the rule.

Paradise Center - The original recreation center on the east side of Hwy 441/27 was deteriorating and an absolute disgrace. POA did a survey, organized residents, pleaded with the VCCDD to renovate the center, advocated renovation in the Bulletin, and were eventually successful in getting this $5 million project off the ground.

IRS/Bonds - We are waiting on this one. But, what the POA did do was caution restraint rather than wild speculation, and identified the developer as the only one to benefit financially from the issuance of the bonds as tax exempt. If we get the negative outcome, we trust that the developer will do what is necessary to protect residents from any adverse impact.

Conflict of Interests by District Employees - The POA documented the fact that some Center District employees were in line to benefit financially from certain dealings with the developer. The POA viewed this as a conflict of interests. As a result, one Center District employee was re-assigned, and any dealing like this in the future will be scrutinized for any potential conflict of interests problems.

Forgotten $200,000 Billing - Somehow or another, a VCCDD bill to the developer for about $200,000 for expenses related to his use of the Savannah Center was never issued. A POA director, Irving Yedwab, noticed the problem and the POA publicized the situation in the Bulletin. The developer did pay up once the bill was issued.....

and the list goes on and on. Nitpicking??? Not in my estimation.

Hi, Mickey. See that what was confusing to me, I thought I had previously read that two or three attorneys sued the Developer. I was seeking clarification that they were hired by the POA, I had thought they were filing on their own and a resident owner's behalf for a class action. I did not know they were under the employ of the POA.

I also didn't realize the POA brought Moffitt to The Villages, I thought the Morse family had a hand in that. There were many upset posters on TOTV that Moffitt was coming to The Villages and blamed it all on the developer, if only they would have known it was the fault of the POA.

I didn't say the POA didn't have a voice, they ring the bell when they become alarmed but quite often they are picking up on issues already in the public eye and just reexamining it. I said I thought the POA had a place for people who are fearful of the next harm the developer will wrack on The Villages citizenry. I do think it's somewhat humorous that the POA feels a billionaire was trying to skin $200,000. off a bill.

I did say the POA was not MY cup of tea and maybe someday I would change my mind, if or when the Morse family turns over the controls of this development to the residents.

Does the POA highlight often all that the Morse family has contributed to this area of Florida? How about keeping a running reminder in their bulletin that the developer has: made the 301 Hwy and other road improvements possible, had a hand in the fine Sumter County buildings which include a library, developed a wonderful school system, is attempting to improve medical services constantly in our community and so forth. Does the POA bulletin go out of its way to remind people the Morse family truly does appear to have our best interests at heart?

Bimmertl wants us to be alarmed with information that sources which include Andrew Blechman, (I'm not at all impressed with that source ), provided about the prosperous developer. If the Morse family has the business acumen to generate income after the buildout is complete so they may remain in this community, I am delighted.

The Villages operates in the manner that we desire and bought into years ago. I believe it will be a sorry day if the residents gain control and operate this wonderful community. Then I will have panic in my heart.

[Advogado]

Originally Posted by mickey100

The POA spends its time on nitpicky issues??? May I remind you of some of the POA's accomplishments:


The Lawsuit Settlement - Villagers achieved a friendly class action lawsuit settlement with the developer in 2008 valued at $43 million. The key points of the settlement were: Provision for Reserve funds for eventual repair and replacement of our facilities north of Hwy. 466; provision for renovation of the recreation trails north of Hwy 446; creation of the AAC (Amenity Authority Committee) which allows residents elected by residents to make decisions about the expenditure of amenity funds north of Hwy. 466; and payoff of the Paradise Recreation Center renovation debt.

Defeat of the Sumter County Hospital Tax -The POA opposed the creation of this taxing district which would have taxed Sumter County residents about $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and also given 20% of the tax off the top to the developer's foundation.


Hospital Emergency Room - After receiving reports of continuing poor service and performance in our hospital's ER over the years the POA documented over 125 instances of serious problems in the ER and they publicized the problems. In response, LRMC brought in a new CEO of the hospital, a new director of the ER, dedicated more resources and staff to the ER, hired more nurses, established better training programs, and brought in three Villagers to sit on the Board of the hospital's parent organization.

Moffitt Cancer Center - The POA advocated bringing this cancer center to The Villages for what we believed would be one of the crown jewels in the medical facilities of The Villages. They organized a letter-writing program, researched the demographics, argued for bringing the center here, and voiced our hopes to the appropriate decision-makers.

Vinyl Siding - Sloppy work and installation procedures characterized the building effort of the contractors for homes in The Villages south of Hwy 466 in the 2005-2008 time period. Credit has to go to Ray Micucci and his wife Lori for spearheading the inspection of over 1,500 homes and prodding the work of the warranty department and various contractors to repair the problems.

Activity Policy Reversal - The Center Districts voted to restrict residents from gathering to protest anything. A liability insurance policy for $1 million was also required 30 days in advance of any protest gathering. The POA opposed this action, calling it a violation of our Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, and argued against it in the Bulletin. The Center Districts backed down and rescinded the rule.

Paradise Center - The original recreation center on the east side of Hwy 441/27 was deteriorating and an absolute disgrace. POA did a survey, organized residents, pleaded with the VCCDD to renovate the center, advocated renovation in the Bulletin, and were eventually successful in getting this $5 million project off the ground.

IRS/Bonds - We are waiting on this one. But, what the POA did do was caution restraint rather than wild speculation, and identified the developer as the only one to benefit financially from the issuance of the bonds as tax exempt. If we get the negative outcome, we trust that the developer will do what is necessary to protect residents from any adverse impact.

Conflict of Interests by District Employees - The POA documented the fact that some Center District employees were in line to benefit financially from certain dealings with the developer. The POA viewed this as a conflict of interests. As a result, one Center District employee was re-assigned, and any dealing like this in the future will be scrutinized for any potential conflict of interests problems.

Forgotten $200,000 Billing - Somehow or another, a VCCDD bill to the developer for about $200,000 for expenses related to his use of the Savannah Center was never issued. A POA director, Irving Yedwab, noticed the problem and the POA publicized the situation in the Bulletin. The developer did pay up once the bill was issued.....

and the list goes on and on. Nitpicking??? Not in my estimation.

Nice try mickey100. But rational arguments on this subject will get you nowhere with the Developerphiles of this forum.

In defending the POA and pointing out that the Developer has, from time-to-time, done some things, that, charitably put, are questionable, you are wasting your time. You are interfering with the Developerphiles' dream that everything in The Villages is absolutely perfect, that the Developer is totally altruistic, and that the Developer would never do anything that enriches himself at the expense of the residents. According to their view, we should all kick back, turn off our brains, play golf, and trust the Developer. Heck, after all, it's fun here and we are retired.

The Developerphiles will now reply to your post with a personal attack--accusing you of being negative and anti-Developer. They will not, however, present any facts to support their accusations. Presenting facts and a rational argument, as you did, takes time and effort--and, even worse, thought.

[Peachie]

Originally Posted by Advogado

Nice try mickey100. But rational arguments on this subject will get you nowhere with the Developerphiles of this forum.

In defending the POA and pointing out that the Developer has, from time-to-time, done some things, that, charitably put, are questionable, you are wasting your time. You are interfering with the Developerphiles' dream that everything in The Villages is absolutely perfect, that the Developer is totally altruistic, and that the Developer would never do anything that enriches himself at the expense of the residents. According to their view, we should all kick back, turn off our brains, play golf, and trust the Developer. Heck, after all, it's fun here and we are retired.

The Developerphiles will now reply to your post with a personal attack--accusing you of being negative and anti-Developer. They will not, however, present any facts to support their accusations. Presenting facts and a rational argument, as you did, takes time and effort--and, even worse, thought.

I find this so common on TOTV, unless you fall into the "developerphobics rational", (since you've decided to skip civility), there is an attempt to dismiss logical arguments. Not working for me, Avogado, I've already stated there is a place for the POA. It serves a certain population in The Villages but I didn't know following their philosophy was mandatory.

I found your name calling and post to be most thoughtless, too bad; a good discussion is far more desirable.

[Peachie]

Originally Posted by mickey100

The POA spends its time on nitpicky issues??? May I remind you of some of the POA's accomplishments:


The Lawsuit Settlement - Villagers achieved a friendly class action lawsuit settlement with the developer in 2008 valued at $43 million. The key points of the settlement were: Provision for Reserve funds for eventual repair and replacement of our facilities north of Hwy. 466; provision for renovation of the recreation trails north of Hwy 446; creation of the AAC (Amenity Authority Committee) which allows residents elected by residents to make decisions about the expenditure of amenity funds north of Hwy. 466; and payoff of the Paradise Recreation Center renovation debt.

Defeat of the Sumter County Hospital Tax -The POA opposed the creation of this taxing district which would have taxed Sumter County residents about $200-$300 per home for use by our hospital and also given 20% of the tax off the top to the developer's foundation.


Hospital Emergency Room - After receiving reports of continuing poor service and performance in our hospital's ER over the years the POA documented over 125 instances of serious problems in the ER and they publicized the problems. In response, LRMC brought in a new CEO of the hospital, a new director of the ER, dedicated more resources and staff to the ER, hired more nurses, established better training programs, and brought in three Villagers to sit on the Board of the hospital's parent organization.

Moffitt Cancer Center - The POA advocated bringing this cancer center to The Villages for what we believed would be one of the crown jewels in the medical facilities of The Villages. They organized a letter-writing program, researched the demographics, argued for bringing the center here, and voiced our hopes to the appropriate decision-makers.

Vinyl Siding - Sloppy work and installation procedures characterized the building effort of the contractors for homes in The Villages south of Hwy 466 in the 2005-2008 time period. Credit has to go to Ray Micucci and his wife Lori for spearheading the inspection of over 1,500 homes and prodding the work of the warranty department and various contractors to repair the problems.

Activity Policy Reversal - The Center Districts voted to restrict residents from gathering to protest anything. A liability insurance policy for $1 million was also required 30 days in advance of any protest gathering. The POA opposed this action, calling it a violation of our Constitutional Rights of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly, and argued against it in the Bulletin. The Center Districts backed down and rescinded the rule.

Paradise Center - The original recreation center on the east side of Hwy 441/27 was deteriorating and an absolute disgrace. POA did a survey, organized residents, pleaded with the VCCDD to renovate the center, advocated renovation in the Bulletin, and were eventually successful in getting this $5 million project off the ground.

IRS/Bonds - We are waiting on this one. But, what the POA did do was caution restraint rather than wild speculation, and identified the developer as the only one to benefit financially from the issuance of the bonds as tax exempt. If we get the negative outcome, we trust that the developer will do what is necessary to protect residents from any adverse impact.

Conflict of Interests by District Employees - The POA documented the fact that some Center District employees were in line to benefit financially from certain dealings with the developer. The POA viewed this as a conflict of interests. As a result, one Center District employee was re-assigned, and any dealing like this in the future will be scrutinized for any potential conflict of interests problems.

Forgotten $200,000 Billing - Somehow or another, a VCCDD bill to the developer for about $200,000 for expenses related to his use of the Savannah Center was never issued. A POA director, Irving Yedwab, noticed the problem and the POA publicized the situation in the Bulletin. The developer did pay up once the bill was issued.....

and the list goes on and on. Nitpicking??? Not in my estimation.

After doing some research, Mickey, it appears a sister and brother, both attorneys, filed suit on behalf of a resident and the POA is not mentioned. Are there additional facts regarding the lawsuit that weren't included in the article that would indicate the attorneys were under the employ of the POA?

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

How can it be good? It IS good. If you want to see a mess, turn the running of this place over to the general population. I know of what I speak.

I was hoping for a retional answer. You would not turn these two boards to the general population. We have exceptionally qualified people right here in the Villages that could go thru the election process to serve on the boards. These board members would held responsible by the Villages electorate. Surely you have made yourself aware of those who the Developer elects to serve. You might be surprised ! I recall that once upon a time one member elected to the board was head of the Buffalo operations, I am sure you see how this would make him uniquely qualified to support the residents purchasing the Savannah Center for 84 million dollars.

[KeepingItReal]

Originally Posted by rubicon

GG
The charge against the POA concerning its negativity and dislike for the Developer is absolutely incorrect.

Contrary to what most people know the POA has made every attempt to work with both the Developer and the VHA. In fact at one point they wanted to merge the POA and VHA organizations together but were snubbed.

Why did it not occur? It did not occur because the VHA gets funding from the Developer. The VHA essentially serves as a PR firm for him. He began the VHA in an attempt to eliminate the POA. Why? Because the POA takes him to task on responsibilities he ignores ergo the amenities Lawsuit (circa 2008). Ask yourself why is it the VHA's "Voice" is delivered with your Daily Sun but the POA is not?

Some villagers reaction to the POA's efforts remind me of the Gary Cooper character in High Noon. The towns people hire him to protect them and when he does they turn on him because he did what they asked of him.

I do not always agree with the POA but I am convinced that they are the only organization here which truly is on guard for residents.

I encourage you and others to reconsider your position on the POA

One more thing. A repeating theme on this blog seems to be that criticism of the Developer equates to hate, jealousy or bias. This in my view is in most situations factually incorrect because it is about the way the Developer (Villages Lake Sumter Inc.) does business

If a resident complains about a bank, an insurance company a restaurant, a contractor is it hate jealousy or bias? Hardly.


Personal Best Regards:

PS I forgot to mention that the POA have elections every year for every position in their
organization

Rubicon well said and I would only ask residents to ask themselves what they think would happen if there was no place for them to have their concerns addressed? No place to receive help with a problem? No place to find out what has happened towards resolving an issue? No one keeping an eye out for their concerns?

Absolute power leads to absolute corruption and this has been demonstrated many times.

Roofing, siding, amenities improvement, AC line set failures, and many other issues are only a few of the problems which have been made known and resolved by the efforts of the POA. To think there is no useful purpose for an agency to keep a watchful eye on things would be equal to trying to convince ourselves there are no problems in our utopia.

If any resident thinks they are going to receive an audience for their concerns or a problem from those in charge you should rethink that position. It took over 9 months to resolve the recent bond interest issue. Numerous times I was rebuked and told there was nothing being done incorrectly by the CDD and even by the CDD attorney. Only the threat of a class action lawsuit finally got their attention and brought about a meeting with Gary Moyer... Their letters are still available if anyone doubts it happened. In the end it was proven the VCDD was wrong and the issue was corrected resulting in hundreds of refunds from years past. It was like a David and Goliath story but just because they are big does not mean they are always right whether it is intentional or not. If residents want to just give up and hope they will always be treated fairly then they will suffer the outcome. The POA helped publicize the change in policy and demanded those previously overcharged be notified which would not have happened without their help.

The POA is not perfect either as some expect them to be apparently, but they do have the residents back. If anyone wants to change the way anything is done they are always open to help.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by Advogado

Nice try mickey100. But rational arguments on this subject will get you nowhere with the Developerphiles of this forum.

In defending the POA and pointing out that the Developer has, from time-to-time, done some things, that, charitably put, are questionable, you are wasting your time. You are interfering with the Developerphiles' dream that everything in The Villages is absolutely perfect, that the Developer is totally altruistic, and that the Developer would never do anything that enriches himself at the expense of the residents. According to their view, we should all kick back, turn off our brains, play golf, and trust the Developer. Heck, after all, it's fun here and we are retired.

The Developerphiles will now reply to your post with a personal attack--accusing you of being negative and anti-Developer. They will not, however, present any facts to support their accusations. Presenting facts and a rational argument, as you did, takes time and effort--and, even worse, thought.

Thanks. But you forgot about the part where they will accuse me of being jealous of the Developer or any other business person. To be precise, though, even some of the things that were mentioned that the poster assumed were "charitable" by the developer, some were not so. For example, when a development such as The Villages affects the road system, (adding 10,000/year to the driving population on the roads qualifies), a permit is required by the State or County, depending on which roads are affected, to mitigate such effects. Any improvements made to Route 301 would fall into that category - required by law in other words.

I realize that there are a certain number of posters who have their heads in the sand and foolishly think the Developer is some sort of benign king with our best interests at heart. "Don't worry, be happy, just turn off your brain" is their mantra. Some of us tend to be a little more cautious. Had the Developer been so altruistic, we never would have needed a class action lawsuit. The folks back then would have pointed out (and actually they did request but were denied) what was needed, that the funds hadn't been set aside for maintenance, and the Developer would have kicked in with a mea culpa, and everything would have been wonderful. But that didn't happen. He didn't voluntarily put up the funds that were allegedly misappropriated, he had to be prodded into it with a lawsuit. And that says something to me. Like I said, just being cautious.

Anyways, I am grateful for the POA and all they have done and continue to do for the residents.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by mickey100

Thanks. To be precise, though, even some of the things that were mentioned that the poster assumed were "charitable" by the developer, some were not so, they were required by law. For example, when a development such as The Villages affects the road system, (adding 10,000/year to the driving population on the roads qualifies), a permit is required by the State or County, depending on which roads are affected, to mitigate such effects. Any improvements made to Route 301 would fall into that category.

I realize that there are a certain number of posters who have their heads in the sand and foolishly think the Developer is some sort of benign king with our best interests at heart. "Don't worry, be happy, just turn off your brain" is their mantra. Some of us tend to be a little more cautious. Had the Developer been so altruistic, we never would have needed a class action lawsuit. The folks back then would have pointed out (and actually they did request but were denied) what was needed, that the funds hadn't been set aside for maintenance, and the Developer would have kicked in with a mea culpa, and everything would have been wonderful. But that didn't happen. He he didn't voluntarily put up the funds that were allegedly misappropriated, he had to be prodded into it with a lawsuit.

Anyways, I am grateful for the POA and all they have done and continue to do for the residents.

It it were NOT for the Morses and their climb to huge financial success and achieving all of the things that folks on the other side of the aisle seem to hate; big business, tax breaks for big business etc. etc. etc.
All of us who live here wouldn't be living here in this very unusual situation, the first of this kind on earth..ever.

Maybe he is a smelly old goat who farts in public and scratches his fanny and doubles his negatives and kicks the dog. Maybe he doesn't go to church, imagine that, and fails to edge his lawn and does other nasty things beside contributing to the other political party. YOU don't know and I don't know and any information about the law suit is MUZZLED other than what we can read in the Orlando paper that I link time and time again. WHAT IF HE IS A NICE PERSON and the only thing that really makes you mad is his yacht and his airplanes and his huge financial success? What if he raised his kids to work hard and his grandkids to work hard and they also became financial successes. What if they are working now, just as he is except to sit down together on a Monday night and watch the granddaughter in her role on television and are proud that she too is earning a living. It really does not seem too different than our family.

My husband is still working at the age of 73, be it on the internet and the phone and trips on the airplane. Our granddaughter is employed in her dream job after interning on the Today show. We have worked hard, our kids are working hard and our grandkids worked all though high school and college even though they got scholarships and we could afford to fund them. I see the work ethic in this family. There is more to life than money. They appear to be achieving their dream of creating a place unlike any other on this earth in human history.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT?????? What is right with that? I see a lot of good in them.

If I so hated the philosophy of someone who was this powerful in the community I lived in, I would move.

[Advogado]

Originally Posted by mickey100

Thanks. But you forgot about the part where they will accuse me of being jealous of the Developer or any other business person. To be precise, though, even some of the things that were mentioned that the poster assumed were "charitable" by the developer, some were not so. For example, when a development such as The Villages affects the road system, (adding 10,000/year to the driving population on the roads qualifies), a permit is required by the State or County, depending on which roads are affected, to mitigate such effects. Any improvements made to Route 301 would fall into that category - required by law in other words.

I realize that there are a certain number of posters who have their heads in the sand and foolishly think the Developer is some sort of benign king with our best interests at heart. "Don't worry, be happy, just turn off your brain" is their mantra. Some of us tend to be a little more cautious. Had the Developer been so altruistic, we never would have needed a class action lawsuit. The folks back then would have pointed out (and actually they did request but were denied) what was needed, that the funds hadn't been set aside for maintenance, and the Developer would have kicked in with a mea culpa, and everything would have been wonderful. But that didn't happen. He didn't voluntarily put up the funds that were allegedly misappropriated, he had to be prodded into it with a lawsuit. And that says something to me. Like I said, just being cautious.

Anyways, I am grateful for the POA and all they have done and continue to do for the residents.

Although they are residents of this community, I am unaware of any philanthropic actions on the part of the Developer family to benefit their community. I realize that they are under no obligation to contribute to local charitable or civic causes and they may be really nice people, but let's not view the Morse family as candidates for canonization.

They do have tremendous business acumen and have showed absolute genius in building a wonderful place for retirees to my live. From time to time, however, the Developer has tried to improperly profit at the expense of the Villagers. In those instances, the POA has stepped in on behalf of Villagers and rectified, or attempted to rectify, the situation.

BTW, it continues to amuse me that some posters here continue to attack the class-action lawsuit. Not one of these attackers, however, has returned his or her share of the settlement proceeds to the Developer.

[Moderator]

Originally Posted by nitehawk

Just wondering how many TOTV are member of POA

Just reminding folks of the original post. This discussion has veered far off topic and will be closed if it continues to stray so far.

[mickey100]

Originally Posted by Advogado

Although they are residents of this community, I am unaware of any philanthropic actions on the part of the Developer family to benefit their community. I realize that they are under no obligation to contribute to local charitable or civic causes and they may be really nice people, but let's not view the Morse family as candidates for canonization.

They do have tremendous business acumen and have showed absolute genius in building a wonderful place for retirees to my live. From time to time, however, the Developer has tried to improperly profit at the expense of the Villagers. In those instances, the POA has stepped in on behalf of Villagers and rectified, or attempted to rectify, the situation.

BTW, it continues to amuse me that some posters here continue to attack the class-action lawsuit. Not one of these attackers, however, has returned his or her share of the settlement proceeds to the Developer.

That fuels my membership in POA, the way they keep on top of these "glitches" for want of a better term, regarding the Developer, and act in our best interests. I am not attacking the Developer, but these things have happened for whatever reason, and need to be rectified. The POA has been the organization that has kept tabs on things, documented the problems and initiated action when needed. That is huge.

[2BNTV]