I read with interest the various remarks provided by residents with their approval of the proposed state Senate bill S2016 regarding homeowner associations as a total answer. Although there are several other proposed bills, each is similar in scope with some minor adaptations.
I’m just wondering if any of the writers has actually read the entire contents of bill S2016? I did, and it is 89 pages long. In fact, it duplicates the bylaws of a typical homeowner/condominium association. The major question arises, is another bill really necessary? And, what was the cost of drafting these 89 pages?
Consider this: Our state Legislature is looking to enact a bill to oversee the management of homeowner associations, when they have difficulties in managing themselves. Then they add insult to injury by wanting to impose a $6 per-household fee for an “ombudsman,” when they can’t seem to balance their own budgets. Have you ever dealt with an ombudsman with a matter that needed resolution? Isn’t this just another form of taxation? Six dollars today, $12 tomorrow. And so it goes, onward and upward.
What’s the answer? Education and involvement are just two important starting points. No one should just sit back and take anything for granted. Get involved. Volunteer your time on a committee — finance, covenant or architectural. How about running for a seat on the board? These typically are the backbone of any homeowner association.
Let’s not forget the power of your vote, a right we all enjoy in this democratic society that also includes all homeowner associations. The problem is that most people are complacent, take this for granted and just don’t bother to vote. “My vote doesn’t really matter” is the comment most heard, and this is not restricted to only homeowner associations. Just look at the recent presidential election.
Know your organization by working with it and within it to make it a better association. This can all be accomplished without added legislation or costs.
George Fencik
Brick