There is an article in The Daily Commercial, but you have to read it carefully.

I will copy my post on The Charter School thread; The article is about The Villages Charter School. You can link it by just typing The Daily Commercial into your browser.


The gist of it is that the state will enforce class size in The Charter School..

And my guess? The school will probably not be expanded...as the developer appears to be phasing down in building.

The article focuses on the fact that the Charter School only takes kids whose parents are employed by The Villages. Not just employed IN The Villages. I find the title inflammatory. But that is me.

This is quoted from the article.

"It’s a wonderful testimony to our teachers and faculty that so many folks want to send their kids to our school,” Principal Randy McDaniel wrote in an email. “However, just like other Florida schools we are restricted by the law limiting class sizes and our facilities have reached that capacity.”

I think the rest of that article is hype, but that is my opinion.

I don't get The Daily Commercial, because I am satisfied with The Sun and the online news. Some people get the Orlando Sentinel or the Commercial perhaps in part because the editorial page of the Sun bothers them.

Disclaimer. I don't work in any way for The Villages or anybody. I love it here. I think it wise that we all try to quell rumors, and correct misinformation for no other reason but to protect our investment. But I sincerely love this place, JUST THE WAY IT IS.

It seems that the developer does have a great influence on the direction and decision making for The Villages through his control of all of the commercial CDDs that apparently exercise more control over policies than any of the residential CDDs. Just being the only developer in The Villages would have made any Developer quite influential. I am not debating whether this is good or bad. It just the way I understand how things work in The Villages which seems so far to be a great place to live.

MS Tutt must be a fantastic administrator to work for us and also receive directions from the Developer. The resolution for most issues would take a common path with a few needing to go the way of the stronger push.

What the future will hold as more and more people come to The Villages can’t be foretold. We need to enjoy this time and place as it is now because changes in life are enviable.

Now, if only someone would let me land my Yellow Piper Cub in The Villages. I would rather fly than drive a golf car. It's safer.

No it doesn't.

Yes, and everyone should be required to drive the same year and model automobile . Each will also be painted the same bright yellow color . In addition to license plates they will have large numbers painted on the front , rear and sides so that they can be easily identified in the event that the driver somehow offends someone else . Said automobiles will be adjusted so that they may not drive any faster than 30 MPH .

Each New Year`s Day and May Day anyone who wishes may impose a new regulation on the entire population by simply posting it on TOTV . This will ensure that everyone feels " validated " and " empowered " to eliminate any felt " injustice " or simple " irritation ".
Perhaps someone who is " energized " by this " enlightened and progressive " approach to self-government might be willing to open a new thread so that we may start a list of the new regulations that will be imposed beginning on 1/1/16 as we have just missed the May-Day " window ". :blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah::ho:

I don't know or care who is in command. TV runs like a well oiled machine and I am a happy camper. :smiley:

I've read all of the responses and I need to take two aspirin and lie down as my head hurts!

Why mess with something, if it ain't broke. :smiley:

I don't have aspirin but I have scotch.:MOJE_whot:

Hey, I like the color Yellow. Almost all Piper Cubs are painted Yellow. SO, why not golf carts?

Just kidding. Please:icon_wink:

:icon_wink:

Uhh, I think you're maybe getting some terminology mixed up. Here is what a Non-Profit (or, Not-For-Profit) entity is all about:

Definition: A business organization that serves some public purpose and therefore enjoys special treatment under the law. Nonprofit corporations, contrary to their name, can make a profit but can't be designed primarily for profit-making. .

When it comes to business structure, unlike a for-profit business, a nonprofit may be eligible for certain benefits, such as sales, property and income tax exemptions at the state level. The IRS points out that while most federal tax-exempt organizations are nonprofit organizations, organizing as a nonprofit at the state level doesn't automatically grant you an exemption from federal income tax.

Another major difference between a profit and nonprofit business deals with the treatment of the profits. With a for-profit business, the owners and shareholders generally receive the profits. With a nonprofit, any money that's left after the organization has paid its bills is put back into the organization. Some types of nonprofits can receive contributions that are tax deductible to the individual who contributes to the organization. Keep in mind that nonprofits are organized to provide some benefit to the public.

(Source: Entrepeneur magazine web site)
Hope that helps clear up some of your confusion on all this. :)

After all the discussion in this and and other threads, it is shocking that there is so little understanding of how things work. Neither TV nor the Developer are "Non Profit". Capital and other reserves are there for a reason- thank the heavens! It is very unwise to advocate for change until one understands the current situation.

Originally Posted by tomwed View Post
Who governs The Villages?
I don't feel like reading everything.
Is there a name or names?

I promise not to ask any questions or make any comments.

Did anyone provide a name or names?
I still don't fel like reading everything.

If you really want to understand more about the CDD form of government you need to participate in one of these sessions:
Welcome Wednesday - New Meeting Time in May!

Welcome Wednesday was created in November 2014 as a way to give residents the opportunity to learn about ongoing projects, address rumors and have their questions answered by District staff. Now that the program has been in existence for a few months, we have identified improvements based on feedback we received. Beginning in May 2015, we will be meeting each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Please join us each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. at the District office located at 984 Old Mill Run to have the opportunity to hear first-hand about the latest rumors and meet District Board Supervisors from your CDD and others. For additional information, please contact the Customer Service Center at (352) 753-4508 or click on the header of this announcement. If you are unable to attend, we are also posting weekly updates on Village Community Development Districts for your convenience. We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday!

All of the commercial activities in the Villages are controlled by the Developer group as they own the land at the three town squares thus controlling the three commercial CDDs. They also control all construction of new housing and other amenity development that occurs in The Villages. We, as land owners control our property and home adhering to the guidelines/regulations we accepted on purchase. All of the residential CDDs will eventually be governed by a five person board of supervisors for each district elected by the residents. The VCCDD is somewhat of a master CDD with the AAC (Amenity Authority Committee) reporting to them. All of the CDDs share resources and are under the umbrella of the district office with Janet Tutt as the District Manager.

While the Developer group has substantial sway in all aspects of the Villages, I can’t say or see that The Villages has one person in charge as is the case with the President of the United States.

In one of the earlier posts in this thread the OP stated to enjoy TV and as more people move in things will change.
Please remember all is relative.

When we built our home here the was nothing south of 466 (not 466A).
No arnold Palmer club or golf courses....no Sumter town square.
Population was around 35,000.

Fast forward 10 years later, population 115,000....many more golf courses...TV excedes retail critical mass.....lots of national chains come in.....etc.....etc.

However it was and is managed is more successful than most cities we all came from. The developer and subseqnt organization and structure has served the residents well and of course has become wealthier in the process. That is what it is all about.

We all have more bang for our dollar than most places, with comparable amenities.

My vote would be to not mess with success.
I have been witness to several developements that when the developer finally leaves, the residents take over and try to run things differently. Far too many wind up in failure of raising amenity or resident fees to cover......get ready.....out of control spending, doing too many things that played to the special interest or most vocal groups.

The structure here in TV as has been said is complicated.....but it does work.
Under this structure more than 80% of us residents are happy. Under some other non developer run/supported system that percentage will soon change to something like 20% happy and 80% wishing it was it used to be.

My $3.26 (two cents adjusted for inflation).

:bigbow: Well said !!

When I attended the Welcome to The Villages seminar this past winter at the district office, they stressed that the amenities fees were structured in such a manner that all would be ok even if the developer would leave. From what I have read, the governing structure of The Villages has changed since the 90’s because of both court and government actions. I am trying to stay focused on understanding the current governing structure as “The structure here in TV as has been said is complicated”.

I love The Villages, own a home here and want to know more about the governing structure for my own edification and to help others get a clearer picture if they so choose. A rumor many times is born of ignorance.

At this point in the thread you must relize that TOTV is not the place enhance you edification. A bunch of different opinions (guess's) will not be the facts.

Maybe Janet Tutt will write an article on the governance of The Villages for the districtgov.org site that we can post here for all to read. Hint! Hint!

I second well said:bigbow:

Don’t fret. It was suggested in another thread (banning outside buses from the squares) that “Actually in the Villages, we don't live in a democracy. The Morses' own it and can do as they please, whether we like it or not. They don't have to discuss or get approval from any of the Villagers.”

I believe that the Morse’s have created something unique in The Villages. They should control their businesses. They certainly control the three commercial districts and any new district for a period of time. Because of inter- nodal agreements and rules that will exist for many, many years, the changes that will inevitably take place over time in any locality will be slow in coming and not noticeable to most people in The Villages.

That said, we do live in a democracy and I am fairly sure that the Morse’s would agree with that statement. Eventual control of all residential districts will transition to the residents. I would not expect anything less as we live in The United States of America.

When the control turns over to the residents, then maybe more of a democracy. But at this time, I truly believe what you quoted me as saying.
I love the Morse family and the place they have created, but they do not have to get our approval for anything. Whatever they do works for me so far. :icon_wink:

Please look it up. We do not live in a democracy, we live in a representative form of government called a REPUBLIC. We elect people who hopefully follow our wishes. There is no popular vote. (Even in The Villages) Thank God for our Founding Fathers foresight.

You are correct. I was using democracy in the general sense as recognized by many such as the old slogan “fighting for democracy” used in WWII.

Did you know how The Villages was run before you moved here? Do you want to change things so you can be the Mayor and "govern" The Villages?

You and me, we are from Ohio where we learned, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it.".

It is an interesting and unusual way to run a large metropolitan area but it works. We don't have much crime and we don't have rampant drugs and we don't have urban decay. We don't have a lot of things that like size cities have. So PLEASE try to appreciate that and perhaps take up golf?

I moved here to retire from running the world. Most of us have served on our share of boards and committees and threw our shoulder to the wheel lobbying for vote approval for school bonds and all kind of civic improvement and raised funds for medical research etc.etc.etc.

We who want to help can still tutor at the schools, collect for the needy in Ocala Forest, volunteer at the hospitals, contribute to the back pack program and visit the sick. There are all kinds of tasks for folks who want to help The Villages and the world here.

You would be amazed at how savvy and enlightened most of us villagers are. Live here for awhile, you will be astonished at the folks you meet. We have lots of retired people who used to wear big hats and run big companies, big schools, big departments, big research projects and many who have saved thousands of lives and taught thousands of children and moved millions of dollars all within the law. Many have made this world a better place and moved here because they recognized that this is a better place and very well run.

Who governs the villages
 

Simply Amazing ! Gracie, the power of your words jump right off the page. If you could only put yourself in my shoes. My husband and I arrive next Sunday to our home in The Villages. We know not a soul there. You have comforted me today. I now have an insight to the character of the people that I/we are soon to call our friends. Thank you so very much. Happy Mothers Day

Bump

I never fought for democracy, I fought for my country....in a true democracy I wouldn't have fought as I had no interest in trying to kill others I don't know in countries I don't give a rat's butt about. seen up close your enemy is just like you. war is still man's stupidest invention.

There is no glory in war. I did two tours in a war I didn't believe in. TV is an amazing place and that's why we're coming back

May I offer an analogy. -- Well, I guess it is not exactly an analogy because it is not truly analogous, but it works for me. (I went to a meeting or two, but I am over that now.)

This is how I see our house here in TV.....

It is like living in a corporation.

Owning our house is like owning stock in said corporation.

The corporation pays its stockholders a dividend.

That dividend is what is referred to as "The Lifestyle."

And as anyone who understands dividend-paying stocks knows -- if a corporation that has always paid a dividend decides to start cutting that dividend, that is when the stockholder starts to rethink the investment.

So far. So good. -- For us. For now.

Now, if you really want to take a close look at the innards of TV, maybe somebody here will post that diagram of all the things owned in TV by the developer. It looks like a web. A really big web. I saw it here on TOTV a long time ago, but I have no idea how to find that diagram. I do know that it was OK with me because it showed the developer has an ongoing investment to protect even after the alleged build-out is allegedly over. But to protect that investment, the developer has to take some sort of care of all us golden geese.

Honk-Honk Laurie

I have been attempting to get this across to readers for years. We are under the control of the VCCDD's which are totally controlled by the developer and always will be as the developer is the only voting landowner in the VCCDD's.

Some information about holdings by the developer would be found here ->

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...ization-45624/

And to all the mothers out there, have a happy mother’s day.

From the other online paper in May about Fruitland Park voting to form Community Development District 11.

I didn't know this about Mr. Moyer and I quote:

"Sitting in the audience but making no public comment was Villages Vice President for Development Gary Moyer. Moyer has been synonymous with special districts and district management in Florida since the mid-1970s including drafting and lobbying for the passage of Chapter 190, the legislation which has enabled the formation of Community Development Districts. The legislation was passed and enacted into law in 1980. It is still used as the charter legislation for new Community Development Districts created today."

Yes, most of us who kept saying wait and see, knew that. We had absorbed all of this information either before we bought or shortly after we moved here. We were all skeptical at first about how this very different place worked.

I got "beat up" when I was a newbie on this forum because it all seemed too good to be true. Well. It isn't.

It isn't run like Circleville, Ohio...which is beautiful and nice. It is run like The Villages which is beautiful and nice, and it's decisions and ways are challenged daily by smart people who are retired and have time. I think that Janet Tutt has one of the most difficult jobs in the world, and she does it well.

Several years ago, I testified in Columbus, Ohio at an Ohio Power Siting Board legal case concerning the placement of wind turbines in our county. My testimony was concerning the aviation aspects of the case. I could understand the close relationship of the wind firms to the state regulators as both worked together to write the regulations and thus established close personal relationships in the process. Because of these close ties, it seemed one was working against a stacked deck to present any new thoughts for changes to those regulations.

Was Mr. Moyer working for the Villages at the time of his helping the State of Florida write and adopt the CDD rules? If he was working for them, I wonder how the “However, the legislature also recognized that at the time prescribed by statute, control should begin a process of transition to the residents” was included. If he wasn’t working for them at the time, I can see why he is working for them now. He must be a sharp man.

Are you a lawyer?

You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.

:icon_wink:




My grandfather was a lawyer in Chicago. Does that count? As some are interested in houses and lawns, I have always been fascinated by the inner workings of local government.

I just knew that. The moment you struck your first key stroke. I was just as inquiring as you but I didn't share the journey on TOTV. Thank goodness everything panned out to my satisfaction. Hope you find it all works fine too.

I found some more insights for me as to the workings of The Villages from this 2012 article. According to the information presented, Mr. Moyer started working with Mr. Morse sometime around 1992 which is after the Florida CDD rules were written.

http://www.poa4us.org/history_files/...lDiscourse.pdf