Everyone believes communication is important but some aspects have to be substantive rather than a myriad of marketing puff. There can be consequences from a reluctance to communicate difficult issues because those issues linger and grow if not addressed. Such has been the case in too many Sun City Communities. Numerous Sun Cities have experienced difficulties in the final stages of build out as previously un-communicated issues came to light. Special assessments and litigation frequently followed, according to press reports.* Apparently, Governance in many of these Communities adopted a “go along, to get along—everything is great” approach until a crisis was upon them. *http://www.ccfj.net/HOAgencommconflict.html
Clearly, no resident wants to be surprised with large assessment increases or by other divisive actions. Fortuitously, the Developer’s decision to build beyond 5000 homes has given SCTX Community extra time, because of the delayed transition, to more fully address unresolved issues—such as the $ 2million plus cash flow issue.
Much progress has been achieved in opening up the Governance Communication processes in recent months. In early 2006, the Board took action to embrace a greater degree of transparency—Residents can now speak at Committee and Board meetings, meetings are now generally open, and agendas, minutes and records are now available. But, these changes met with much resistance before finally adopted and gaps still remain in providing clear, substantive and meaningful communications. http://scinform.blogspot.com/2006/01/open-elections-and-greater.html
A new web portal was also launched during the past year by the Communications committee. This portal will provide an advanced platform for timely delivery of information as well as an opportunity for resident input and to exchange of information and opinions. Like any media channel, the effectiveness will be driven by the content.
Byron Raynie’s election brought a new dimension of openness and communication with residents regarding substantive issues facing the Community Association. Highlighting the unexpectedly large losses in the Restaurant operations and the magnitude of the Cash flow shortfall in his weekly report to the residents was new information to most residents. This too has been resisted and earlier this year there was a concerted effort to restrict Director Raynie’s direct communications with residents.
Could you imagine the City Council seriously requesting Councilman Carr to close down his web site.
At the Forum, a question was posed to all candidates “what are your views regarding personal communications with Residents” I would ask that you listen to the response from each of the candidates. It is being rerun on channel 79.
To See Jack live on Communications- click: http://www.georgetown-texas.org/jack_1-B__communications_tape_4-21-07.wmv
- As a Board member, I believe that I would have a Duty to provide substantive feedback to residents.
I propose that: - Quarterly Resident-only Town Hall meetings be held where residents can raise issues, get answers, and provide solutions to improve our community.
- Information on the cash flow shortfall be presented every month until it is resolved.
- Communications be refocused from “selling” the lifestyle to providing the information needed to manage our community.
