The meeting was held November 30th 7PM at New Tampa Library/Cross creek.

Northwood had elections without issue for seven years, but the format changed after Communities of America became the property management company two years ago. There was an outcry from the community about last election. The issue was bought up several months ago again, and the board promised reform.

So did the HOA management company, and HOA Board reform this year?
- The newsletter came out Oct 27th, and gave only ONE week to submit interest.
- But unfortunately, soon after the proxy dated Oct 28th, arrived in mail Nov 3rd providing almost no time
- No candidates were presented to the community in this mailing. Again, the only option provided like last year, is to turn over proxy to board or someone else.

Approx 55 proxies were mailed in to the board. The current board secretary Maria Brockway can use those  proxies to vote for the candidates effectively deciding the election.

 

Many people who were interested in running had believed that it was too late, but we found out otherwise: Residents expressed surprise to find candidates who put their names in the morning of November 30th appeared on the ballot:

1. Andy Mendenhall (past HOA board member, and currently CDD property manager)

2. David Wenck (past HOA board member, current CDD board member)

3. Gene Morales (David Neigbour)

4. Maria Brockway (already on last years board, would now vote the proxies sent in)

There was an outcry again at the perception of this process, and the candidates named on the ballot. The Communities of America Lawyer: Ellen DeHaan explained there was nothing illegal in the way the election was conducted. She further stated that it would be illegal to conduct it by requesting candidates by a certain date, and then sending all those names out on the ballot (the way the condo associations, and other general elections are done)

Several residents suggested that people were not interested in running or even coming to these meeting due to these perceptions. The board could decide the election with the 55 proxies. The lawyer stated there was little that could be done this time, but residents could try a different format next year. example go door-to-door to request proxy be turned to them. For now, Ellen suggested that if more people came forth the board be broadened to 9. Most found that more palatable to leaving the ballot with the four candidates.

Several people were nominated and accepted bringing the total candidates to 10. The many interested residents who attended voted for their candidates, but in the end it will only matter how Maria Brockway would vote the  proxies provided to the board.