[Warren Kiefer]

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.

[perrjojo]

Both...always learn both sides of a story and make your owmn judgement?

[villages07]

For perspective, this month's VHA newsletter had perhaps half the issue dedicated to revision of its bylaws...a pretty dry topic. Normally, there is a little more meat and substance in the VHA newsletter. But, I have to agree with your basic premise... The POA newsletter covers more of the controversial topics that are of interest to many Villagers. They have adopted a more civil, balanced tone in the past two years that has given the newsletter more credibility with residents.

Each has its place....

[ROCKETMAN]

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

[graciegirl]

You can be a watchdog without being anti. This issue was MUCH better than the last two.

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by ROCKETMAN

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

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.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

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.

Was the modification against deed restrictions?

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

[Down Sized]

Originally Posted by Warren Kiefer

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.

Did you notice the VHA sorta reads a lot like the Daily Sun? Real fluffy.

[Barefoot]

I consider the POA function is to be a watchdog, keeping residents informed of ongoing issues, and trying to protect their rights. I'm a fan of the POA.

[Cedwards38]

We are currently, and will continue to be members of both. Each has something of value for the residents of TV.

[REDCART]

You do not need to become a member of the POA to attend their monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at Laurel Manor. If you're undecided, why not attend a few POA meetings and evaluate the need and value of the POA first hand. Janet Tutt, District Manager attends most meetings and she and her staff are present to answer resident's questions. The $10 per home annual dues is a very small price to pay to support this organization--IMHO.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

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?

[Xavier]

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

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Xavier

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

Well said as usual. I am still trying to get over the negative era of the POA but you clarified why some have misgivings.

I agree Xavier. Great post.

[PaPaLarry]

I enjoy reading both, and I don't mind finding paper in driveway. I find the POA a little more informative, and the other same-o, same-o. But both organizations are good for the community.