[Ed Krik]

Originally Posted by billethkid

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).

I second well said

[twoplanekid]

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.

[Bonny]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

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- modal 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.

[Big O]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

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- modal 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.

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.

[twoplanekid]

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.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

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

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.

[Hunwegian]

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

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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.

Bump

[looneycat]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

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

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.

[Greg Nelson]

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

[Laurie2]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

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.

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

[Warren Kiefer]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

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.

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.

[twoplanekid]

Originally Posted by Laurie2

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......

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

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

Morse Organization

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

[twoplanekid]

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."

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by twoplanekid

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

I didn't know this 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.