Carson City State Capital
http://red.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/rednvgov/Content/CIC/Program_Training/Joining-an-Ombudsman-Video-Class.pdf
http://red.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/rednvgov/Content/CIC/Program_Training/Online-Course-Etiquette.pdf
"For the record, Mr Arendt, the correct name of AAHC is "African American Heritage Club.
I found your aforementioned statement an insult and deeply disturbing. Not only did I find it personally insulting, but an insult to the more than 200-plus African Americans who reside in this community. You should apologize for the reference to me, the African American community, and other broad-minded unit owners.”
So I guess the SCA website referring to it as African American, must have insulted more than the 200+ African Americans who reside in the community" as well !...I wonder if he got an apology from SCA leaders then and now for their "sins"? )
But back to the SCA website...
![Image - 95698] | Jessi Slaughter | Know Your Meme](https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/095/698/Thou-hast-Goofed.jpg)
"Creating a Hostile Association Environment"
Candace Karrow:
A complete lie...the board didn't reject anything...it stated that more information was needed to be reviewed and that the matter be passed on to a new board.
That remains to be seen.
Nevada Real Estate Division
Offering Free Online Class
Are you aware of online classes offered by the Nevada Real Estate's Ombudsman Office?
An online class will be facilitated by the Ombudsman on Wednesday, July 8, 2020, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
The topic:
This class will be held online through Microsoft Teams.
This training topic discusses rights that are extended to unit owners residing in common-interest communities, such as:
...amending the declaration
...displaying the American flag
...exhibiting political signs
...installing drought tolerant landscaping
...storing solid waste containers
... the right to speak at a board meeting.
If you would like to participate in this online course, you must register online at:
If you do not register online, you will not receive the link to join the class.
Be sure to check your spam/junk email folder, should you not be able to find the email containing the attendance link on the day of the online class.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Attendees arriving more than 15 minutes after the scheduled start time of this online course will not be provided a certificate of attendance.
Be sure to see instructions on how to join the class.
http://red.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/rednvgov/Content/CIC/Program_Training/Joining-an-Ombudsman-Video-Class.pdf
Also, note the Netiquette guide:
http://red.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/rednvgov/Content/CIC/Program_Training/Online-Course-Etiquette.pdf
____________________
Coleman Club Business Private?
When you try to defend an individual whose rhetoric displays hatred in the name of "heritage", and use a comment like "it's none of our business" as to what is said, claiming that doing so is just a part of private club business, you better do your homework rather than crucify a person for doing so.
Folks, in our opinion, the Lifestyle Commitee GOOFED when it decided that private correspondence between clubs and their members may be a "free for all" when it came to the African American Heritage Club.
Folks, in our opinion, the Lifestyle Commitee GOOFED when it decided that private correspondence between clubs and their members may be a "free for all" when it came to the African American Heritage Club.
Be that as it may...
However, in their 10-0 decision to allow such discourse among clubs to be considered private between members, they didn't exactly do their homework when it came to Coleman's diatribes in the name of being a Club president.
What?
Here's what !
You see, the Sun City Anthem website is a PUBLIC OFFICIAL SCA communication device available to each and every individual who owns or rents property in the community.
...and because it it a PUBLIC OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION DEVICE for those owners and renters, that site becomes "the official voice of the community".
As such, we would like to call your attention to a few items which, in our opinion, question the argument used by the LifeStyle Chairperson in his 7 page "legaleze" decision.
First, log into the SCA Website.
Once you have logged into the site, look for the word "Clubs" at the top of the page and CLICK ON IT.
Page down and you will see the words "African American".
(As an interlude, when Anthem Opinions previously referred to the African American Heritage Club in error by calling it the African American Club, this comment appeared by the "distinguished" James Coleman at that time in 2018:
So I guess the SCA website referring to it as African American, must have insulted more than the 200+ African Americans who reside in the community" as well !...I wonder if he got an apology from SCA leaders then and now for their "sins"? )
But back to the SCA website...
Click on the "insulting words" African American and the AAHC Club logo and Mission statement page will appear.
On the left side of the page you will see the words "Club Information".
Click on those words and another screen will open offering 6 different sections as follows:
1. Bylaws
2. Club Officers
3. Meeting Minutes
4. President's Letters to Members
5. Update Documents
6. Update Roster
Click on "President's Letters to Members".
Guess what appears?
Coleman's disturbing letters.
So, if this is available on a PUBLIC OFFICIAL COMMUNITY WEBSITE that is available to ANY REGISTERED individual in Sun City Anthem, that means it becomes an OFFICIAL COMMUNITY DOCUMENT...
...and is NOT private correspondence.
So much for the"not anyone's business who is not a member"!
It's available to EVERYONE at the click of a few buttons.
So, who GOOFED in their conclusions?
Two individuals, one a Chairperson of the LifeStyle Committee, a LAWYER, and the other, a blogger, A USED TO BE ONE for reasons we all are now aware of his "expertise" that cost him his law license.
I hope both enjoy their day.
Oh yeah, one more thing to both of them and the entire group consisting of the LifeStyle Committee, all of which are holdovers of a 'MACHINE" Board from a person using common sense without a law degree...
That Chairperson of the LifeStyle Committee is seeking to be reappointed another term to be voted on at the June 25th Board meeting.
Should he be reappointed?
I can't end this editorial without addressing the recent article by David Berman and his "conspiracy theory" against James Coleman by Forrest Fetherolf, Association President Rana Goodman, and myself.
It was a "bad trip" to Fantasyland by a man whose entire goal is to destroy the efforts of a new Board.
There were SO MANY fabrications in his "world of make believe" that commenting on them one at a time, would bore our readers.
Simply stated, he is "full of s _ _t".
Let's leave it at that.
Forrest Fetherolf and I can laugh at him, but when it comes to that demon taking aim at one of the most decent ladies I AND OTHERS have ever known for years, Rana Goodman, a woman who has always demonstrated her kindness, generosity, and volunteer work...
...especially that of her being responsible for changes in Nevada Guardianship laws with her SELF FUNDED journeys to Carson City and attending court rooms to assist those who have been taken advantage of, being robbed of their retirement...
...the time has come to look him straight in the face, reject him for the poor excuse of a man he is...
...and...
Tell him to Go to H_ _L.
So much for that...and...the quest for some to DESTROY our community with the language of racism.
Should he be reappointed?
I can't end this editorial without addressing the recent article by David Berman and his "conspiracy theory" against James Coleman by Forrest Fetherolf, Association President Rana Goodman, and myself.
It was a "bad trip" to Fantasyland by a man whose entire goal is to destroy the efforts of a new Board.
There were SO MANY fabrications in his "world of make believe" that commenting on them one at a time, would bore our readers.
Simply stated, he is "full of s _ _t".
Let's leave it at that.
Forrest Fetherolf and I can laugh at him, but when it comes to that demon taking aim at one of the most decent ladies I AND OTHERS have ever known for years, Rana Goodman, a woman who has always demonstrated her kindness, generosity, and volunteer work...
...especially that of her being responsible for changes in Nevada Guardianship laws with her SELF FUNDED journeys to Carson City and attending court rooms to assist those who have been taken advantage of, being robbed of their retirement...
...the time has come to look him straight in the face, reject him for the poor excuse of a man he is...
...and...
Tell him to Go to H_ _L.
So much for that...and...the quest for some to DESTROY our community with the language of racism.
We have spoken our last on this destructive subject and any further attempts to bring it into our community, will only come from those who wish to make it a part of our community.
NO COMMENTS PLEASE. This must end NOW.
NO COMMENTS PLEASE. This must end NOW.
_________________________
Community Lifestyle Committee
Rules in Favor of Coleman's Club
When you read the word "victory" on the Berman blog, look closely at the definition of the word....
...this was a victory for a man, not his Club.
The Community Lifestyle Committee voted 10-0 in favor of Coleman, essentially giving free reign to allow comments that will do little other than create division in our community.
He knows that...he's happy about that, and you have that committee to thank for allowing Sun City Anthem to become the most divided community in the Las Vegas valley as a result.
Was this really a Coleman victory?
Think about it !
Sure it was...for Coleman.
He gets to continue his crusade against all whom he hates.
But was it really a victory for Coleman and a Club he represents as its president?
After all...
He was exposed for his beliefs, actually referring to himself as an "angry man".
He looks at any person who differs with his political views as racists.
He refuses to fly the American flag...
...and he will likely continue to pound his chest spreading his racially charged messages at every opportunity, claiming it to be a "heritage" issue....
...at the full approval of a Lifestyle Committee headed by a man we should all know and "commemorate" as being responsible for allowing it to take place....
Robert Goldfried
Community Lifestyle Committee Chairperson
...who is seeking another term as its Chairperson to be voted on by the Board this Thursday, June 25th.
How that approved attitude will play out with most of the residents should now concern any individual, whether it be an ordinary citizen, an existing member of his club, or one who wishes to become one.
...and based on the feedback we received, it did little to enhance "warmth" toward a substantial number in our community.
Well, what is a Mr. Coleman's "victory" in the eyes of himself or another blogger, in our opinion, represents a sad day in Sun City Anthem for those who had hoped to live in a society free of racial distress.
Congratulations Mr. Coleman, we owe it all to you !
_____________________________
The James Coleman Letters
You Decide
Some of you may be aware that a recent article appeared on David's Anthem Journal concerning 2 letters sent by James Coleman, President of the African American Heritage Club, to his members on June 3, 2020 and June 11, 2020.
They were letters sent on Club stationery that we believed to be a violation of association CCRs banning such activity from official Club business.
Furthermore, Clubs are not allowed to send out political letters telling their members how or whom they should vote for in elections.
Furthermore, Clubs are not allowed to send out political letters telling their members how or whom they should vote for in elections.
We received the worst criticism from the Berman blog inferring both our Mr. Fix-It, Forrest Fetherolf, and I, were bigots and racists, a comment that could only come from an individual who will do anything to harm the reputation of any person, without conscience.
There is no depth beyond where that man will go to do so, and it is more than obvious his objective is to destroy the administration of a new Board, restoring a MACHINE that was sent into oblivion in May, as a result of an overwhelming number of votes to do so.
That's his style. It was that way yesterday, is more then obvious today, and will be, tomorrow.
But...he will not succeed because the community is now more than aware of his continual underground attempts, along with former President Candace Karrow, and in our opinion, Sun City Anthem's newest "piranha", Wendy Linow, to harm this new Board and their mission of reform.
Too many individuals in our community have experienced the wrath of an individual they now realize is the destructive force he has always been, and he will not achieve his devious objective.
Those of you familiar with Forrest and I know that such an inference is nonsense and merely another attempt of an individual who hates any person who stands up to his lies and half-truths.
There are countless numbers of residents whom Forrest Fetherolf has given his personal time in his "Mr. Fix-It" role, and to infer his being a racist or bigot of any kind, brings out the evil of the man who is incapable of looking in the mirror without realizing that his worst criticisms of others, are in reality, a reflection of himself.
There is no depth beyond where that man will go to do so, and it is more than obvious his objective is to destroy the administration of a new Board, restoring a MACHINE that was sent into oblivion in May, as a result of an overwhelming number of votes to do so.
That's his style. It was that way yesterday, is more then obvious today, and will be, tomorrow.
But...he will not succeed because the community is now more than aware of his continual underground attempts, along with former President Candace Karrow, and in our opinion, Sun City Anthem's newest "piranha", Wendy Linow, to harm this new Board and their mission of reform.
Too many individuals in our community have experienced the wrath of an individual they now realize is the destructive force he has always been, and he will not achieve his devious objective.
Those of you familiar with Forrest and I know that such an inference is nonsense and merely another attempt of an individual who hates any person who stands up to his lies and half-truths.
There are countless numbers of residents whom Forrest Fetherolf has given his personal time in his "Mr. Fix-It" role, and to infer his being a racist or bigot of any kind, brings out the evil of the man who is incapable of looking in the mirror without realizing that his worst criticisms of others, are in reality, a reflection of himself.
What should concern any individual who would read or believe such trash is that such typical self-serving accusations were made, yet for some reason, Berman did not print the actual Coleman letters.
He did not do so because he did not want his readers to examine their contents...contents which do little other than promote racial tension in a community that has never experienced it...
...that is...until the arrival of James Coleman's obvious deep seeded anger emerged on a publication to the members of his club that will accomplish little other than creating fear and turmoil.
If displaying hatred toward others is considered "club business", what ugly precedent does that set for other ethnic based clubs such as I.C.C.C., Chinese Heritage, Filipiano...even Havarah and the Italian American Clubs?
Or...does it strike a blow to them and their members as well as to how a community may look at them?
Should their stationery be allowed to include praising Hitler, Mao, or Mussolini in the name of "club business"?
And you Veterans...
...Should your "club business" include a president writing
a reason as to why he will not fly the American flag?
Remember that what is acceptable for one club, MUST BE for all others !
Anthem Opinions, unlike David's Anthem Journal, steadfastly refuses to inject the very idea of racism in our community.
He did not do so because he did not want his readers to examine their contents...contents which do little other than promote racial tension in a community that has never experienced it...
...that is...until the arrival of James Coleman's obvious deep seeded anger emerged on a publication to the members of his club that will accomplish little other than creating fear and turmoil.
If displaying hatred toward others is considered "club business", what ugly precedent does that set for other ethnic based clubs such as I.C.C.C., Chinese Heritage, Filipiano...even Havarah and the Italian American Clubs?
Or...does it strike a blow to them and their members as well as to how a community may look at them?
Should their stationery be allowed to include praising Hitler, Mao, or Mussolini in the name of "club business"?
And you Veterans...
...Should your "club business" include a president writing
a reason as to why he will not fly the American flag?
Remember that what is acceptable for one club, MUST BE for all others !
Anthem Opinions, unlike David's Anthem Journal, steadfastly refuses to inject the very idea of racism in our community.
Let us make one thing very clear.
We believe that Coleman has a right to express a PERSONAL OPINION ON PERSONAL EMAIL or PERSONAL STATIONERY, but by using Club stationery, that action is wrong, and needs to cease.
We believe that Coleman has a right to express a PERSONAL OPINION ON PERSONAL EMAIL or PERSONAL STATIONERY, but by using Club stationery, that action is wrong, and needs to cease.
If such rhetoric is allowed to be considered "club business", that would indicate a club's philosophy that all in our community should be aware of, in addition to their membership....
...and if such a membership supports looking at others in the manner that Coleman has chosen to look at all others who disagree with him as racists, perhaps it is time for that club to either ask for his resignation as President, or in the worst case scenario...
... removing that club's charter under the Charter Club Rules and Guidelines referring to #4 under the section captioned:
#4 states that the Community Lifestyle Committee may recommend to the Board of Directors that a club's charter may be revoked if...
"The club's activities are detrimental to the Association's reputation or operations, financial or otherwise."
Perhaps those who have, or will, read such commentary, might explain how the letters portray the reputation of our community in a positive light?
...or...
Would they portray Sun City Anthem as a breeding ground of racial discontent and potential violence?
If you were a potential buyer in Sun City Anthem and became aware of a former Board member and President of a sanctioned Club's utter contempt for many of its residents...
...and...
... that an association would actually sanction it...
Would you purchase property here?
No matter the outcome, the outburst of James Coleman MUST BE ADDRESSED in revisions to the Board Policy Manual to OUTLAW such inflammatory rhetoric.
This, to some may be a violation of "freedom of speech", but to others, is similar to banning one from screaming "Fire" in a crowded theater.
...and if such a membership supports looking at others in the manner that Coleman has chosen to look at all others who disagree with him as racists, perhaps it is time for that club to either ask for his resignation as President, or in the worst case scenario...
... removing that club's charter under the Charter Club Rules and Guidelines referring to #4 under the section captioned:
Revocation of a Club Charter
#4 states that the Community Lifestyle Committee may recommend to the Board of Directors that a club's charter may be revoked if...
"The club's activities are detrimental to the Association's reputation or operations, financial or otherwise."
Perhaps those who have, or will, read such commentary, might explain how the letters portray the reputation of our community in a positive light?
...or...
Would they portray Sun City Anthem as a breeding ground of racial discontent and potential violence?
If you were a potential buyer in Sun City Anthem and became aware of a former Board member and President of a sanctioned Club's utter contempt for many of its residents...
...and...
... that an association would actually sanction it...
Would you purchase property here?
No matter the outcome, the outburst of James Coleman MUST BE ADDRESSED in revisions to the Board Policy Manual to OUTLAW such inflammatory rhetoric.
This, to some may be a violation of "freedom of speech", but to others, is similar to banning one from screaming "Fire" in a crowded theater.
We will NOT reprint the letters Mr. Coleman sent to his members because of the overwhelming number of individuals who have read them have found their contents OFFENSIVE, but rather than take our word for it, we urge you to read them yourself and draw your own conclusions.
However, if you wish to receive copies of the Coleman SIGNED letters, merely send us an email at:
We will email them to you and you may feel free to forward them to your friends for their perusal and personal opinions as to a belief such material is Club business, that sending such material on Club stationery should be permitted, and if such comments constitute the approval and views of that Club.
Once again, we made every attempt to keep this matter private so as not to create controversy or embarrassment to any minority or member of the African American Heritage Club in our community; however, David Berman decided not to do so, choosing to throw gasoline on fire, requiring our response.
After you have read the letters, we will print any comment you might make.
Our email address for both requests and comments:
scaopinions@gmail.com
-
A Special Note to Our Readers
We want to make you aware of the number of emails we received wishing to comment on this article.
There were MANY.
We at first printed the first comment, then made the decision to omit many of them because of the fear some expressed after they examined the letters contents and how they felt such rhetoric might affect their safety.
We respect that, and for that reason, they were not posted.
Others avoided the issue at hand and instead decided to write their views of racism.
For that reason, they too were not posted.
The article was solely intended to make a community informed of two letters composed by James Coleman, President of the African American Heritage Club to make a community aware of that Club's personal usage of Club stationery to promote views that a community is entitled to be aware of, and whether or not such dialogue is acceptable under community standards set forth in the CCRs.
That matter will be decided by actions of the Community Lifestyle Committee in conjunction with what they recommend to the Board.
It was not intended for any one person to state if they supported Coleman's views or not.
We received approximately 50 requests to obtain the letters which, in each case, we provided, mentioning to each one who requested the letter, to feel free to send it to their neighbors for their perusal.
These letters were likely passed to many in our community.
Regardless of any Board conclusion, it is now more than evident that Mr. Coleman's views have now been publicly exposed.
As to how a Board will react to the violations, we shall see.
In our opinion we found them so incendiary and offensive, we did not publish them, but made them only available to those who made the request.
We now wish to close the issue until a Board decision is made.
-
This morning we were shocked to receive our daily report of readership.
In the past 24 hours since the "James Coleman: You Decide" article was published, Anthem Opinions broke all prior readership records having...
2,704
individuals visit our site.
We now average in excess of 2,000 visits per day.
________________________
Look No Further than
Candace Karrow & A Machine Blogger
Candace Karrow:
Please comprehend this message on the part of the voters of Sun City Anthem:
1.You not only lost, but lost BADLY, just like your mentor, Rex Weddle, did a year ago.
2. The community spoke loudly that your Sun City Anthem time in volunteer work was plagued with your personality and your inability to get along with others which you demonstrated your effectiveness as a leader by:
a. Obnoxious behavior
b. Insulting members of the community
c. Causing a Finance Committee to resign
d. Exercising bully behavior toward those who opposed your views.
e. Making life miserable for a number of your fellow Board members to the point they could no longer work with you; so much so, it was obvious that a number of them didn't even wish to sit next to you at meetings.
f. your prior experience at making an attempt to get a Finance Committee to resign in mass...when you were on that committee...which failed and you subsequently resigned.
You make accusations about the reputation Sun City Anthem is suffering due to the resignation of two senior members of management.
Who made those comments to you?
On what basis were they made?
And...Your Machine Blogger:
Then of course your ridiculous article was followed by your mentor blog owner, who made this commentary...all of which was obviously geared to your inability to accept YOU AND YOUR MACHINE are no longer welcome in our governance.
Let's take a few of MACHINE MAN's typical NONSENSE comments to prove a point as to the "worth" of what YOU and HE have brought our community.
Some of his recent comments:
"Right now they must deal with a rejected audit that the auditors stated was perfectly clean."
A complete lie...the board didn't reject anything...it stated that more information was needed to be reviewed and that the matter be passed on to a new board.
"Who will be our auditors a few months from now?"
No one suggested they be removed.
"Who will be our general counsel a few months from now?"
No one suggested he be removed.
![BS] Blue Sky - YouTube](https://yt3.ggpht.com/a/AATXAJyOrc_NAkKdX9TO42uDRklqnxET66IkQGrwvg=s900-c-k-c0xffffffff-no-rj-mo)
"Which additional senior personnel will be shown the door"
No one was shown the door, they were both voluntary resignations.
"There's a lot to deal with, but the thing that troubles me most at the moment is that some of the staff think this may be the beginning of a reign of terror."
Who are these staff members?
As before:
...but...let's get back to you, Mrs. Karrow.
You state our reputation precedes us !
How was our "reputation" affected according to a Darcy Spears report that when she asked for Sun City Anthem to comment, YOUR MACHINE refused to do so ?
Need a refresher of that report?
Enjoy the reputation the entire valley was able to see YOU and YOUR MACHINE were responsible for creating, and was one of the most watched EXPOSES ever televised by a local major television station:
Remember?
This was caused by YOUR MACHINE who met in secret to create this current situation...
...which has always been characterized by SECRECY and wasted residents funds...
...that at the time included private parties, expensive dinners, $50 pots of coffee, private association paid air for interviews, and then after a hiring at a cost that far exceeded anyone's expectation, especially those of a major TV network, you and YOUR MACHINE further hid your ANTICS by signing a 3 year contract with an individual YOU REFUSED TO DISCLOSE, claiming "confidentiality"...
...when in fact, after NUMEROUS attempts to obtain its contents, making EXCUSE AFTER EXCUSE not to disclose it, an Ombudsman RULED IT WAS NOT A CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT.
How did your MACHINE react to that ruling?
YOU CONTINUED TO WITHHOLD IT FROM THE COMMUNITY by refusing to make it available on a web site available to residents only, and your Association attorney included a statement when the information was received that disclosing it WOULD SUBJECT THE INDIVIDUAL TO CRIMINAL MISDEMEANOR PROSECUTION, DIDN'T YOU?
Why?
If you were so proud of your SECRET "accomplishment", did you continue to WITHHOLD IT?
...or...
Were you EMBARRASSED to have the community know how you and YOUR MACHINE, sold them down the river by passing it THE DAY THE 2019 Director ballots were mailed to the owners?
Let me further remind you, Mrs. Karrow, that the "morale problem" you seem to CONTRIVE, in our opinion and MANY OTHERS, was created by YOU and YOUR MACHINE.
Granting powers to an individual who subsequently MADE LIFE MISERABLE for a number of our HOMEOWNER RESIDENTS who NEEDED the additional money while employed as MONITORS, and bringing in her own handpicked individuals from another state TO CONTROL our community.
Enough, Ms. Karrow, the voters spoke, and based on the number of votes you received, the confidence you inspired as a leader, was more than evident by the thrashing YOU DESERVED.
So to you "Ms. Nobody Any Longer" and your MACHINE, look no further than yourselves when you utter the words...
"Hostile Environment"
You created it, you nurtured it, a community was forced to live with it...
...and a "New Deal" is trying to rectify it.
Now please, GO AWAY, you have created enough damage..
Got a comment? Send it to us at:
Got a comment? Send it to us at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
From Valerie Lapin...to...Anthem Opinions
Thank you for today’s excellent blog and exposing the lies.
Thank you for today’s excellent blog and exposing the lies.
-
I don't know Candace Karrow but I'm sure she's a very nice person, However I think that she is extremely bitter because she wasn't re elected to the board and it's a shame that this is how she's leaving her legacy.
-
From Quintin Yao...to...Anthem Opinions
We should start renegotiate her existing contract.
If she refused,I think paying the $100,000.00 of Golden Parachute to terminate the expensive pay is worth the cause.We could probably event save from a lower pay new employee for the 3 years of her contract left. -
Linda, unfortunately, those that think kindly of her are usually of like mind.
There have been a few association officers that have been very disliked over the years, and Karrow would make it in the Top 3.
I won't mention the other two because thankfully they have long disappeared from the scene.
-
Peter, you just defined the words "no class".
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From Marty Winger...to...Anthem Opinions
l watched the Darcy Spears youtube...Wow! -
Quintin,
Your thoughts have been expressed by a number of individuals, and in my mind as this "New Deal" Board analyzes job descriptions and income levels, proper financial planning requires considering any and all options.
This does not mean a "blood bath" as portrayed by the MACHINE blogger; it means a stronger commitment to efficiency.
The world is now a different place since the country was shutdown a few months ago, and that requires a great deal of planning to adapt to it.
If you noticed, several unions in the Las Vegas valley have agreed to take 5% pay cuts to strengthen the economy.
The "Days of Wine & Roses" are now gone and A reasonable income is better than NO income.
-
From Marcia Kosterka...to...Anthem Opinions
Your editorial was right on the money.
One thing I have learned early on since moving here, is that you may be blunt, but you do not lie nor tell half truths as members of the "machine" have done year after year.
The voters of Sun City Anthem have spoken and have elected several new members to this current board whom have demonstrated the capabilities of listening to homeowners, not being nasty and arrogant, nor demonstrating bullying tactics and have shown humility.
Most of all, the majority of this board will try to make decisions that incorporate the best interests of the homeowners.
-
From Bernard Horton...to...Anthem Opinions
Well said! Exactly what I would have liked to say.
I heard she commented on my post/comment on her "guest" article after David did with hearsay and BS as well.
I won't read it or anything else machine blogger writes frankly anymore because it is BS trying to cause problems and dissension, and as you point out, hearsay.
I could not help myself and had to make a comment after I saw her "guest" article.
I will just let it go because you exposed both of them with the words you have written and distributed.
Sure glad we have more than one blogger in our community who exposes their kind of BS!
______________________
Does Such Dysfunction Between Management, Board, and Employees Exist that a Change at the Top is the Only Solution?
New directions create questions, clarification, and in some cases, dissension, and the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors must face the matter in the way that maintains the quality and integrity of the association.
That is all too often easier said than done, but when two members of higher management suddenly come to the conclusion that departing is their only option, it's time to start the evaluation from the top...
...the individual who hired them.
Recent criticism from a Machine blogger and a blogger "has been" who also recently supported the Machine in the past election, is just another excuse to cling to a crumbling Machine they are being forced to realize is now...
...that the old way of doing business that supported secrecy and bullying tactics, insulting a Finance Committee and members of our Asian community, and frivolous spending without a "checks and balance" system to curb the abuse, is now unacceptable in our community.
Add to that, the menacing "sour grapes" of a former Sun City Anthem Board President who, during her "reign of obnoxious behavior", will likely leave a legacy as one the worst and most disliked officers in the history of Sun City Anthem...
...evidenced by the embarrassing pounding she took at the polls.
While those with any form of "class" or "common courtesy" would allow the new leaders an opportunity to make the changes that THE VOTERS DEMANDED...
...they wasted no time to pounce like mountain lions on their prey...
...and in doing so, made it more than obvious that they were searching for some contrived excuse, to build their case to start a smear campaign at the earliest opportunity.
But...unfortunately for them...none of it worked !
Our community saw through it !
...and only those who participated in the smears believed it.
But...they are unimportant, they've had their day in the sun, and the storm they created (and are obviously trying to maintain), now has been replaced with a bright sun of what we have referred to as a "New Deal" to a community that will look to them for optimism.
It' was a display of individuals with diminishing followers who know life has now taken a turn where their "influence" has finally been determined to be a "nuisance".
Now lets really discuss the "nuts and bolts" of the word "morale" as it pertains to our community.
The very fact that employee morale has been low as a result of two resignations is ridiculous.
Both of those individuals obviously saw that "change was in the air" and that a bully regime that has lied to its community, was on the way out the door...
Both of those individuals obviously saw that "change was in the air" and that a bully regime that has lied to its community, was on the way out the door...
...that competence and accountability is the new standard.
They left voluntarily, they were more than well paid while they were here, provided benefits they likely will never receive elsewhere, and we wish them well...
...but...
...it's over, they have moved on, and no one is not expendable.
That's life...and...it will go on !
That's life...and...it will go on !
If there is a morale problem, it begins at the top, not the recent election of new members of the Sun City Anthem Board.
The morale problem commenced years ago when an individual was hired at a ridiculously high salary in the secrecy of the M Resort by a Machine Board who needlessly spent thousands of dollars in doing so, which a then Sun City Anthem President enjoyed the benefits of thousands of casino points in the process....
...points and comps that should have been cashed in and considered property of the association, but instead were retained by her for PRIVATE USE...
...compounded by that individual authorizing the association's payment of buses for a Democratic presidential candidate in 2016.
How quickly that seems to have been forgotten.
The subsequent individual who was hired, proceeded to "clean house" bringing in a management staff that included DUMPING a number of long time resident monitors and a very well liked Fitness Director named Meg Poulson, and replaced by a woman whose credentials and licenses were far less then hers, who recently resigned.
The hiring of a Chief Financial Officer at yet another exorbitant income of $200,000 per year, lasted a relatively short period of time until he resigned, left the Las Vegas area, and relocated to the East Coast.
Somehow that NEVER seemed to create the chaos created by the Machine blogger and his "has been" accomplices, did it?
Of course not, the MACHINE still had the control, but what resulted?
The highly compensated woman then hired the individual who recently resigned...
...the individual whose credentials included a number of former short-term employments....
...the individual who received a degree online...
...the individual who was not, nor made any further attempt, to obtain the professional designation of CPA...
...the individual given the title of Chief Financial Officer who was asked questions to which he was unable to provide answers...
...at an income when he departed of approximately $185,000 per year.
Did his departure have anything to do with "employee morale"?
Sure it did...
...it had to do with a new Board member asking honest accounting questions that were vital to the financials of the community, that he was not only unable to answer, but suddenly decided to resign on the spot when excellence was demanded in return for $185,000 per year...
...without even the benefit of of a two week notice.
No folks, if we have a problem with "employee morale", it starts with the person who chose these individuals....
...the individual who also received in excess of 800 owner signatures of "no confidence" approximately a year or so after she was hired...
...the individual who, despite those rejection signatures, still received a bonus of $20,000 shortly thereafter...
...the same one who SECRETLY received a 3 year contract that a MACHINE BOARD passed the day the 2019 community election ballots were mailed, that locked future Boards into financial requirements that still, despite an Ombudsman determining that contract to be information available to residents, HAS YET TO BE DIVULGED, increasing her income to $270,500 and providing a golden parachute amounting to approximately $100,000 if the contract is prematurely terminated...
...the same one who this "New Deal" will hopefully determine that "the buck stops with her".
This new board is guilty of two things...
Demanding excellence and honesty!
And the fear of them succeeding by a Machine blogger is so terrifying, that we can look for the dirtiest of further commentary from him to maintain the corruption and incompetence he has advocated for years.
That's the sickest part...
it's the Machine blogger who will actually be the one to promote problems in morale...
...his existence depends on it.
Got a comment?
Send it to us at:
it's the Machine blogger who will actually be the one to promote problems in morale...
...his existence depends on it.
Got a comment?
Send it to us at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmFR7vEpWP0
From Barry Goldstein...to...Anthem Opinions
The Candace Karrow article on the other blog missed a very important point.
Just a reminder to those who believe what she wrote:
When they were writing the Board Policy Manual to which she relied, the lawyer who was also a board member, specifically said, no future board was obligated to follow it.
Every new Board can rewrite it.
It was only meant to be used as a guide.
The Candace Karrow article on the other blog missed a very important point.
Just a reminder to those who believe what she wrote:
When they were writing the Board Policy Manual to which she relied, the lawyer who was also a board member, specifically said, no future board was obligated to follow it.
Every new Board can rewrite it.
It was only meant to be used as a guide.
From Tien H. Cheng...to...Anthem Opinions
I agree that an experienced accountant can fill the shoes of a CFO for much less money.
I agree that an experienced accountant can fill the shoes of a CFO for much less money.
From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions
Change the Board Policy Manual...end of story.
Candace Karrow cares more about the employees and managers than she does the community owners.
Change the Board Policy Manual...end of story.
Candace Karrow cares more about the employees and managers than she does the community owners.
-
It's the same old story (and the biggest problem in this Country): "It's always somebody else's fault"
Robert in Nevada.
OK so it is the same old story....As it pertains to this article that these comments relate to..... what fault are you addressing and whom do you believe is at fault regarding the matters summarized by Anthem Opinions?
OK so it is the same old story....As it pertains to this article that these comments relate to..... what fault are you addressing and whom do you believe is at fault regarding the matters summarized by Anthem Opinions?
From John Yocum...to...Anthem Opinions
I respectfully suggest that you stop all the negative comments like you put in your recent article called MORALE.
Negative comments about Sandy and her salary should not be rehashed.
She is doing a respectable job.
The negative comments serve to divide the community.
Please just let the new board do its thing and let the community decide on the merits.
I respectfully suggest that you stop all the negative comments like you put in your recent article called MORALE.
Negative comments about Sandy and her salary should not be rehashed.
She is doing a respectable job.
The negative comments serve to divide the community.
Please just let the new board do its thing and let the community decide on the merits.
Excuse me John, I was not the individual who initially brought up the issue of MORALE.
The MACHINE blogger did, along with a former SCA president, who made statements without basis and whose obvious objective was to destroy the credibility of those new members and leaders.
My article was simple...
...if there was a MORALE problem, it didn't begin with a new Board; it began years ago under circumstances that were at best questionable...
...so questionable that I was featured on Channel 13 in a Darcy Spears TV report bring out information that A MACHINE BOARD HID FROM ITS RESIDENTS.
In case you missed it, here it is:
The MACHINE blogger did, along with a former SCA president, who made statements without basis and whose obvious objective was to destroy the credibility of those new members and leaders.
My article was simple...
...if there was a MORALE problem, it didn't begin with a new Board; it began years ago under circumstances that were at best questionable...
...so questionable that I was featured on Channel 13 in a Darcy Spears TV report bring out information that A MACHINE BOARD HID FROM ITS RESIDENTS.
In case you missed it, here it is:
If I am guilty of anything, it's my desire to have people who pay the bills know how their money is spent....something you NEVER SEE ELSEWHERE.
And sir, that will never change as long as I own property in Sun City Anthem and write a blog.
I trust you have leveled the same criticism to the individuals who began this issue?
-
From Lloyd Frank...to...Anthem Opinions
Dick,
Wow what a great article on your blog.
It was an amazing look at were we are today and where we have come since the last board and past president was voted out.
Looks like we only have one obstacle left.
Thanks for keeping us informed as only you can.
___________________________
Sun City Anthem Chief Financial Officer
Abruptly Quits
First it's the Fitness Director, now it's the Chief Financial Officer.
It was recently announced that C.F.O. Bing O'Peek has resigned from his position.
O'Peek came under fire at a previous Board meeting when, after numerous accounting questions were posed to him, responded on a number of occasions, "It's complicated" or "I don't know."...
...insufficient answers that likely caused the then directors to vote 4-3 to table the approval of the tax returns and audit to the new board that commenced in mid-May, 2020.
O'Peek came under fire at a previous Board meeting when, after numerous accounting questions were posed to him, responded on a number of occasions, "It's complicated" or "I don't know."...
...insufficient answers that likely caused the then directors to vote 4-3 to table the approval of the tax returns and audit to the new board that commenced in mid-May, 2020.
In August, 2019, it was discovered through Sun City Anthem records he was earning a $180,000 annual salary, but likely a 3% across the board cost of living raise in January, 2020 would have brought that to $185,400 per year.
The search for a replacement will commence immediately.
Will a formal Chief Financial Officer position replace O'Peek?
Will a formal Chief Financial Officer position replace O'Peek?
That remains to be seen.
As we had said in the past, this "New Deal" Board plans to review various job descriptions and income levels.
A number of experienced CPAs in the Sun City Anthem community have expressed an opinion that a non-profit HOA has no need for a Chief Financial Officer, but rather an experienced accountant or comptroller...
...positions that command incomes less than the current compensation that was paid to O'Peek or his predecessor, James Orlick.
We wish him well in his future plans.
Got a comment?
Send it to us at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions
Sadly I looked at the other blog.......he writes "Second Domino Falls: CFO abruptly resigns"
No mention how this act by a management position is inappropriate without proper notice.
Seems to indicate this Board is responsible AND SCA does not need a big overhaul or changes.
I hope the record is set straight and sheds light on Sandy S's. management ability and her lack of competence in hiring personnel.
This Board has been in progress for 20 days. CFO left because he lacked confidence and competence and knew this was about to unfold.
Yes there should be accountability, direct it where it belongs, the prior Board and Sandy Seddon.
SCA is becoming a difficult place to enjoy unless you ignore management; the sad little man; many of the fools that live here and are attracted to sad little man; past Board of Directors (Shuetz; Karrow; Weil) and certain current members of the Board.
In the end we all make our own decisions and conclusions.
-
IF his answers to financial questions were "It's complicated" or "I don't know."...it begs the question WHO hired him? WHO vetted his credentials, and WHO decided he was a good pick (and WHY)
-
From Elizabeth Breier...to...Anthem Opinions
I understand that some in the Community would like to lay "blame' for the recent departures on the Current Board that has been in place for 2 weeks.
I am sure (in fact, I hope) they have many questions of staff in order to bring themselves up to speed, especially as it relates to Financial matters.
What comes to mind is the old expression "if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen" and I guess some staff could not take the "heat" of actually responding to the Board.
This is not the only Board that could be "blamed" for loss of significant employees, including, but not limited to, Meg Poulson, a long-time, much loved Activity Director that actually could teach classes.
What Board allowed that to occur?
At least when Meg departed it wasn't after doing almost nothing for almost 3 months and collecting salary and benefits.
Kathy Elliott was mourned when she passed, but I fear many were crocodile tears, because, when she was working at Anthem Center, she confided that she was miserable, browbeaten and felt there were attempts to force her out.
Perhaps the stress of the job is what killed her....
But where was the Board that was allowing that to happen to that "beloved in hindsight" employee?
I recall that Bing's predecessor left rather abruptly after a short term with our Association, what Board was in charge then?
Were any of these departures the fault of the Board?
Why didn't upper Management step in and console unhappy employees and attempt to make things right?
In fact, who is responsible for hiring Bing at an exorbitant salary, and now we find out he has neither the professionalism or character to provide a reasonable notice before departing?
This is the highly paid CFO that said at the last Board meeting, when asked about certain financial issues "I don't know" and "that's complicated".
Not only was there no notice, but allegedly word was "leaked" - possibly to prior Board Member(s) and/or residents not on the Board - now that's classy.
Responsibility rests as much on whomever made the final decision that Bing was the right person (at the wrong compensation) for his job.
Before anyone points fingers they should not be speculating if they "don't know" the details and not insinuate the departures are the fault of the Board in total or any individuals on the Board.
Responsibility rests as much on whomever made the final decision to hire the CFO as on anyone, including the Board that was in place at the time of his hire.
If anyone feels these employees left because they were disrespected, I would say, that works both ways.
The residents should be respected and not treated like ignorant children who cannot figure out for themselves what might be best rather than have every decision shoved down their throats.
Finally, before everyone gets their panties in a knot - remember NO ONE is irreplaceable. -
Every new change of governance is normally followed by changes in personnel who report to them.
The new governance sets the policy and management must follow it.
If management and its members decide it cannot follow that governance, they would either leave voluntarily or be asked to do so, and despite the picture that was painted by the Machine blogger, it was a voluntary resignation.
In the case of Bing O'Peek, perhaps his inability to conform to a new Board's governance, may have created an atmosphere he knew would question his abilities.
In the time he was here, to our knowledge, he never took the extra step to pass the CPA exam, something that should have been an initial requirement and commemorate with the income and title of Chief Financial Officer, something that the old regime, in accepting less than excellence, determined was not of any importance...
...and in the minds of a number of experienced CPAs, the community received less than what it should have received.
In the past election, it was obvious the community was seeking change, and they got it.
The voters spoke and in the case of O'Peek, the employee, not the Board, reacted. Everyone is expendable.
As far as the Machine blogger, I'm sure we can anticipate continual "sour grapes" toward any and all who attack his beloved corrupt machine.
Like Bing, it appears that he too, must come to the conclusion that his "way of doing business" is also now expendable.
It's a new day, and a New Deal, and this new Board deserves a chance to reform a community that has long been in need of it.
-
From Pat Goode...to...Anthem Opinions
Dick, why no mention of Karen?
She’s done a good job while on the board. She was part of the New Deal.
You’ve mentioned everyone else but her - what gives? -
Pat,
There is a reason as to why I have not mentioned her name.
In my opinion, Karen Hadrick in many instances has been a disappointment.
She has not kept a number of her campaign promises.
She was part of the New Tradition, and we hope she will be part of the New Deal.
Let's just leave it at that, and I sincerely hope she will keep those promises in the 2nd year of her term.
However, if the decision were made today as to her reelection, I would have a difficult time supporting her at this time.
Most try to ignore discussions with her because of her ability to turn a 2 minute response into 2 hours of never getting to the point.
She leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to reaching out to the voices of experience, and instead prefers her answers to questions coming from the internet.
We hope she will change and seek advice from those who supported her. -
From Barry Goldstein...to...Anthem Opinions
Liz forgot to mention the departure of Lori Martin the prior CAM.
She was well liked.
I thought Anthem Opinions was the doom and gloom blog?
Now which blog is giving SCA a bad name?
The self promoting blowhard, is at it again.
Only he can get all the details for us, boo hoo. -
We should compare the salary paid (inc. anticipated increase) to the outgoing CFO and survey the average compensation of similarly situated CFO's who are CPAs or at least have an accounting degree. Or, should SCA BOD contract with an independent CPA service which would take a lot of the politics and interpersonal drama out of the position?
I'm new here so I have only a couple of months under the old BOD. -
From Buddy Greenfield...to...Anthem Opinions
The other blogger should change his name to Chicken Little - because apparently the sky is falling.
BTW - further evidence of Bing’s unprofessionalism/ giving his “exit interview” to a community blogger.
My opinion of Bing diminishes with each immature act.
-
Eltee,
My guess is that your suggestion will be pursued by this new Board.
It's common sense and would be showing fiduciary responsibility.
-
From Robert Smith...to...Anthem Opinions
Seems as though the Covid19 Pandemic freeze in place mandate is never going to thaw,,.At least in the minds of our present management…
We, as well as neighbors filed written complaints about a landlord who for at least 15 years has never maintained or trimmed his 25-30’ Palm tree in our common back yards.
The dried palm branches overhang our rear property line and about 12’ higher than our ground level have become a distinct fire hazard.
An initial investigation by Management, and letters sent to the renters and landlord have been ignored this past two plus months.
Nothing can be done, according to a call from compliance officials until the “freeze” whatever that is, is lifted.
Meanwhile…”No what if’s, in case our house is set on fire” according to the compliance guy.
”We don’t deal with what if’s”…
And in the mean time…NO COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT.
Just want to pass on how messed up our Management System (lack thereof) is handling things.
PEOPLE BEING PAID BUT, no one accomplishing anything…
Gym open, sort of…but no showers…spa…etc…
Just what have we been paying for the past 6 months???
Treated like mushrooms…kept in the dark and fed BS.
Perhaps others are encountering the same type of noncompliance enforcement?
If so, hope they speak up.
-
From Lloyd Frank...to...Anthem Opinions
Seems to me since a new board was elected some of the big shots are quitting SCA.
I wounder why?
Also were these people still getting paid while we were shut down?
Looks like we're saving some big salaries now.
Who will be next? -
Lloyd,
From what I learned, both the Fitness Director and Chief Financial Officer were paid during the shutdown.
And to boot, remember all SCA 401(k) contributions made for them were also 100% vested to take that with them as well.
For example, if Bing O'Peek was contributing 3% of his pay to the plan, the approximate $46,250 he was paid in the past three months also cost an additional $1,387.50 in the employer match.
He did quite well, and this will repeat if this 401(k) plan is not immediately revised.
-
From Valerie Lapin...to...Anthem Opinions
It appears that the resignation of two individuals that were working here was because they were fearful of being found out about their incompetence in their jobs!
SCA needs housecleaning after being held hostage by management and the new Board can make that happen.
-
From Bosco Wang...to...Anthem Opinions
SCA Board has been known/criticized as a big spender.
Annual salary of $180,000 in this low-living standard Nevada state seems to be extremely high.
Hope the new Board Directors can do a better job to watch all expenses on behalf of homeowners.
-
From Yushih Chen...to...Anthem Opinions
I agree that we do not need a financial official with such high salary.
Maybe an accountant will do? -
From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions
I think it is a reasonable conclusion based on past events and current understanding that there needs to be a top to bottom assessment of all employees including Sandy S.
This should include compensation, benefits, job description; date of hire; person who hired; Board involved.
I expect the the Auditors assess and document internal control of SCA operations including a flowchart.
I would request that from current auditors and prior auditors rather then start from scratch.
I would look at all Auditors letters that address Internal Controls and or the Management letter that typically address areas of concern in operations and internal control.
In this regard, I would suggest assessing each position and estimate the time to complete their tasks on a daily basis.
I would suggest interviewing Sandy S. To determine how and why she hires or terminates certain employees.
I would suggest a review of all employee benefits and to the extent possible, add time in service as to vesting. (20% per year).
I would suggest hiring all positions on a 90 day probationary basis.
I would suggest restructuring the organizational chart.....Fitness and Facilities management co-exist with Sandy S. and they report to the Board.
-
_______________________
What's On Your Mind ?
An Open Invitation to Sun City Anthem Owners & Board
The 2020 Sun City Anthem election is now behind us, and a country and a community are easing many pandemic restrictions.
In other words, life is resuming and it's time to start living it again.
Yes, there is a "new normal", but that "new normal" should also encompass a "new normal" in Sun City Anthem as well...
...a "new normal" that we hope with bring about a happier community where many concerns of owners can be addressed without the strife that has existed for years.
Anthem Opinions has long been an advocate of change...positive change...
...change that has been resisted by a "Machine" for years....
...change a "Machine" has been forced to accept as a result of the past 2 community elections of those who promised to be more attentive to residents wants and needs...
...change that we believe can be accomplished if those who have been elected will keep their campaign promises, and if our elected leaders are STRONG ENOUGH TO MAKE THEM HAPPEN.
We have been made aware that initial steps have already been taken by various Board members to "prioritize" the needed community changes...
...and...taking a business approach in developing a strategic plan to implement them.
This change in philosophy really is a "New Deal" !
The best part?
In fulfilling that commitment, we believe that a number of these Board members will actively be willing to seek your help and advice in determining what priorities should be in the development of that plan...
...that the words "that's the way we've always done it" are no longer an acceptable solution to complex problems that exist now, as well as, those that must be anticipated in the years to come.
With that in mind, how many times have you, the property owners of Sun City Anthem, had an opportunity to "speak your peace" other than attending a Board meeting and being given 2 minutes to do so, or gone to some kind of "work shop" that 50 or less attended, where your voice was rarely heard, and all to often, ignored?
Too many times !
Why?
Because a philosophy was allowed to develop over time that you mattered little; that decisions had already been made behind closed doors due to an attitude "we know better than they do"...that you, the owner merely represent the financial means to provide those already predetermined needs.
That Machine manner of thinking is now obsolete.
Over the years we've been told that those who cling to Machine politics rarely read Anthem Opinions, but our continual increasing readership numbers contradict that substantially, and we can assure you that our views are shared by many that appear to have resulted in recently electing Richard Pope, a candidate that was heavily opposed by the Machine, Rana Goodman as association President, and returning Forrest Quinn as the community treasurer, in addition to Stephen Anderson.
We believe that was a positive change, and there is no time like the present to SHOW it was !
Members of our Board are only 7 in a community of 7,144 homes, and the responsibility they have chosen to bear, should, in our opinion, coincide with the wishes of a community that elected them.
I believe a number of them (hopefully all of them) want to be aware of your feelings about issues that are important to you.
And...with that in mind, we want to give you an opportunity to "let it go" and "speak your peace"...in a respectful manner...to let the elected leaders of our community AS WELL AS the individual members of our association know what's on your mind..
...what you find acceptable, what you believe should be changed, and suggestions you have they should consider during their tenure in office.
What can this hope to accomplish?
Two things...your views will be made known...and...and most importantly, if this new Board will address them and HOW and or IF they plan to do so !
So...tell us what you think. Share your priorities of living in a 55+ community. Your expectations? Your joys? Your disappointments?
Now is an opportunity to express your feelings and if these new leaders will address them.
We are looking for positive objective ideas and concerns that need explanation from those who make the ultimate decisions.
We would hope that any and all members of the Sun City Anthem Board will respond to such comments and questions; and if so, freely express their views as to how each believes such concerns should be addressed.
If any refuse to respond or oppose your concerns, that should be an indication as to how receptive they are to owners, and most importantly, provide a "scorecard" as to attitudes toward them in the future regarding their effectiveness as a leader should they wish to be reelected.
There are just a few minor restrictions as to your comments, and we will post ONLY RESPONSIBLE and RESPECTFUL statements.
Name calling will NOT be an acceptable posting and will be removed. That will accomplish nothing.
A couple of additional rules:
First, we will NOT post anonymous comments. We insist that you use a real name and are a verifiable Sun City Anthem property owner.
Sorry renters, we believe that only those "who pay" should have an opinion on a community's matters they finance.
Secondly, we invite all Board members to respond regardless of whether we supported or opposed them in prior elections.
What matters now is the present and the future. The clock can't be turned back....only remembered !
We hope this provides an opportunity for all owners to express their beliefs and all Board members to respond.
Now it's your turn. What's on your mind?
We urge all to take the opportunity to make this a better community by telling our leaders you ideas and concerns, and they in return, explaining to us, if and how they plan to address them.
Let's start this "new normal" the right way.
Send your comments and suggestions as to what a new Board should prioritize to:
scaopinions@gmail.com
Anthem Opinions would like to make the first suggested priority.
A sound business operates on a properly prepared budget as part of its planning.
The greatest percentage of the SCA budget is allocated to employee salaries and benefits.
These items need close examination in comparing them with similar sized Nevada HOAs.
A perfect example is the hiring of a Chief Financial Officer at a cost of about $200,000 per year.
It was obvious at the last Board meeting when basic questions were asked of the SCA's CFO, there were many "I don't know" answers.
A CFO's job description in a non-profit organization is defined as follows:
A sound business operates on a properly prepared budget as part of its planning.
The greatest percentage of the SCA budget is allocated to employee salaries and benefits.
These items need close examination in comparing them with similar sized Nevada HOAs.
A perfect example is the hiring of a Chief Financial Officer at a cost of about $200,000 per year.
It was obvious at the last Board meeting when basic questions were asked of the SCA's CFO, there were many "I don't know" answers.
A CFO's job description in a non-profit organization is defined as follows:
https://work.chron.com/nonprofit-organization-cfo-job-descriptions-19145.html
The benefit program also needs close examination.
Of particular concern is the 401(k) vesting schedule in providing a 100% employer match of the first 3% of pay with immediate vesting of those contributions, while even the largest Nevada casinos that offer such a plan, have suspended employer contributions since the real estate collapse in 2008.
The benefit program also needs close examination.
Of particular concern is the 401(k) vesting schedule in providing a 100% employer match of the first 3% of pay with immediate vesting of those contributions, while even the largest Nevada casinos that offer such a plan, have suspended employer contributions since the real estate collapse in 2008.
-
From Barry Goldstein...to...Anthem Opinions
I will make the second recommendation:
Transparency of all employment contracts, including who drew them up and who recommended what was included in them.
Maybe a written letter from the association attorney, why it was in the best interest of the association.
-
From Marcia Kosterka...to...Anthem Opinions
I would like to make a recommendation regarding standing committees.
ANYONE who is a homeowner in good standing with the association and has experience in their previous life looking at problem solving, interacting with others and has the welfare of all SCA homeowners as their number one priority, should be considered as a member of that committee.Furthermore, they should never be asked the question, "Are you willing to vote in unison to go along to get along?"
Diverse ideas with substance should be allowed.There are many homeowners who could add a more fair-minded approach to rules and regulations governing each committee that would make our community a better and more open and transparent place to reside.
____________________
Richard Pope
Sun City Anthem Vice President
A Man on a Mission
If you're looking for perhaps the most business oriented and experienced Board member, look no further than Sun City Anthem's new Vice President, Richard Pope.
Having met and spent time with Richard and his lovely wife, Lonette, the best way to describe this individual is he's the...
The election of Richard Pope is the appointment of an individual who is fearless when it comes to examining wrongs, and whose qualifications for cost/benefit analysis of association expenditures and accounting procedures is unlike anything we have ever seen in Sun City Anthem history...
...and unlike past MACHINE leadership, he considers the words "that's the way we've always done it", is archaic as to how a large HOA should operate in the 21st century.
Pope is a businessman...and...
....he believes Sun City Anthem should follow the rules of successful business...
...that to maintain a quality lifestyle, increase property values, and guide a community toward success, requires constant examination and evaluation of financial expenditures that include, but are not limited to, employee payroll, benefits provided, examination of individual employee job descriptions in addition to all major projects with outside contractors...
...and insisting that efficiency combined with kindness toward residents, can be accomplished, while demanding excellence...
...encouraging those in the community whose working experience, can assist him with their expertise, allowing him to make proper decisions.
Pope is a retired CPA, is only 61 years old, and has owned and operated numerous businesses all over the United States.
That background translates into being able to recognize issues that those without such real-life experience, were unable to identify, properly investigate, and in many cases were unable to accept the fact that without adapting to the world we live in, subjects Sun City Anthem to financial future jeopardy.
Pope, a former member of the association's Finance Committee, can definitely "hold his own" discussing accounting issues, and looks at an association attorney as an advisor, rather than a person who should make a final decision for an association.
What is most refreshing is his attitude toward management; that in order for any individual to effectively manage a large non-profit association, all positions must be examined to define job descriptions, pay scales, and benefits as to how they apply to a current economy, and how such decisions affect the future.
In short, Richard Pope is of the belief that management works for us, not us for them.
This attitude is very different than the prior MACHINE "way of doing business" where once an individual or firm was hired or contracted, their advice and decisions must never be questioned.
Pope also believes that all Board members are equal, that they all should have access to management decisions, unlike the past where a president literally banned fellow directors from such activity.
Finally, Pope believes that if he is wrong, he will freely admit it.
Richard Pope is the future of Sun City Anthem; his addition to the Sun City Anthem Board represents a "passing of the baton" to a new breed of leadership that many of us must finally accept that without the inclusion of a new generation of leadership, our community will stagnate into decline.
Add this expertise to the warm and friendly attitude of new President, Rana Goodman, along with the common sense of Stephen Anderson, and the reinstatement of Forrest Quinn as treasurer, and I believe a bright future lies in our path...a "New Deal" ...
...which will become a...
....for all those in our community.
Got a comment? Send it to us at:
...and unlike past MACHINE leadership, he considers the words "that's the way we've always done it", is archaic as to how a large HOA should operate in the 21st century.
Pope is a businessman...and...
....he believes Sun City Anthem should follow the rules of successful business...
...that to maintain a quality lifestyle, increase property values, and guide a community toward success, requires constant examination and evaluation of financial expenditures that include, but are not limited to, employee payroll, benefits provided, examination of individual employee job descriptions in addition to all major projects with outside contractors...
...and insisting that efficiency combined with kindness toward residents, can be accomplished, while demanding excellence...
...encouraging those in the community whose working experience, can assist him with their expertise, allowing him to make proper decisions.
Pope is a retired CPA, is only 61 years old, and has owned and operated numerous businesses all over the United States.
That background translates into being able to recognize issues that those without such real-life experience, were unable to identify, properly investigate, and in many cases were unable to accept the fact that without adapting to the world we live in, subjects Sun City Anthem to financial future jeopardy.
Pope, a former member of the association's Finance Committee, can definitely "hold his own" discussing accounting issues, and looks at an association attorney as an advisor, rather than a person who should make a final decision for an association.
What is most refreshing is his attitude toward management; that in order for any individual to effectively manage a large non-profit association, all positions must be examined to define job descriptions, pay scales, and benefits as to how they apply to a current economy, and how such decisions affect the future.
In short, Richard Pope is of the belief that management works for us, not us for them.
This attitude is very different than the prior MACHINE "way of doing business" where once an individual or firm was hired or contracted, their advice and decisions must never be questioned.
Pope also believes that all Board members are equal, that they all should have access to management decisions, unlike the past where a president literally banned fellow directors from such activity.
Finally, Pope believes that if he is wrong, he will freely admit it.
Richard Pope is the future of Sun City Anthem; his addition to the Sun City Anthem Board represents a "passing of the baton" to a new breed of leadership that many of us must finally accept that without the inclusion of a new generation of leadership, our community will stagnate into decline.
Add this expertise to the warm and friendly attitude of new President, Rana Goodman, along with the common sense of Stephen Anderson, and the reinstatement of Forrest Quinn as treasurer, and I believe a bright future lies in our path...a "New Deal" ...
...which will become a...
....for all those in our community.
Got a comment? Send it to us at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
From Roseann Pica...to...Anthem Opinions
Congratulations to all the Board members, and I wish you all the “Best.”
I’m living here for 15 years and looking forward to the new leadership, ideas and plans that you will bring to our community.
THANK YOU all for volunteering your services!
Congratulations to all the Board members, and I wish you all the “Best.”
I’m living here for 15 years and looking forward to the new leadership, ideas and plans that you will bring to our community.
THANK YOU all for volunteering your services!
________________________
Sun City Anthem
Begins Phase 2 Opening
This is a condensed message sent to Sun City Anthem owners via eblast regarding the initial steps to reopen our community.
"Phase 2 reopening allows SCA to open fitness centers and pools, but not spas. Locker rooms, showers and all other common areas in the centers will be closed.
SCA now needs to work on the employee side of the equation and getting furloughed staff trained to return to maintain the facilities safely and effectively now that we are permitted to reopen.
SCA will reopen Anthem Fitness and pools and Liberty Center pools on Friday, June 5, 2020. Initially, hours will be 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Personal training, group exercises classes and massage therapy will remain closed until further notice.
Many residents have also been waiting to obtain or update their resident activity cards.
The Membership office will be temporarily relocated to Independence Center at the theatre box office beginning June 5, 2020.
Hours of operation will be Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. closing for lunch from 12noon – 1pm. Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m."
Anthem Opinions received NUMEROUS inquiries as to details that were not adequately answered in the above notification.
We ask you to send your questions to the Board members for clarification, then send us a copy of your question and answers received in order that we may share it with our readers.
Their individual email addresses can be found by clicking on our Information Page "Sun City Anthem Board of Directors Information", or by clicking on this link:
http://anthemopinions.blogspot.com/p/sun-city-anthem-board-of-directors.html
Some current Nevada information regarding the pandemic:
The May 29th edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that as of Thursday, May 28th, there have been 410 deaths in the state of Nevada due to the Covid-19 virus..
..42% of which (172) were in senior long-term care facilities.
The total population of Nevada is approximately 3,030,000, which translates to .0005% of the state's population attributed to Covid-19 deaths.
In addition, those who tested positive for the Covid-19 virus who subsequently perished, were included in the count despite any other factors that would have been considered.
A perfect example of this was the death of Mrs. John Glenn (not in Nevada) recently.
Prior to her passing, she tested positive...at the age of 100.
Read how Covid-19 deaths are counted in Nevada.
The May 29th edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal reported that as of Thursday, May 28th, there have been 410 deaths in the state of Nevada due to the Covid-19 virus..
..42% of which (172) were in senior long-term care facilities.
The total population of Nevada is approximately 3,030,000, which translates to .0005% of the state's population attributed to Covid-19 deaths.
In addition, those who tested positive for the Covid-19 virus who subsequently perished, were included in the count despite any other factors that would have been considered.
A perfect example of this was the death of Mrs. John Glenn (not in Nevada) recently.
Prior to her passing, she tested positive...at the age of 100.
Read how Covid-19 deaths are counted in Nevada.
________________________
2020 Sun City Anthem Governance
A "New Deal"
A new era for Sun City Anthem commenced on Tuesday, May 26th when officers were elected to the Sun City Anthem Board of Directors, promising a new and exciting look to our 21 year old community.
Lead by new president, Rana Goodman, and vice president, Richard Pope with Forrest Quinn returning to the Treasurer position alongside Wendy Linow as the association Secretary, look for change, real change...
...and with all the optimism in the world, Anthem Opinions, considers these choices so positive that we can't help but borrow a phrase from a time in our nation that needed strong leadership...
What a woman !
___________________
Lead by new president, Rana Goodman, and vice president, Richard Pope with Forrest Quinn returning to the Treasurer position alongside Wendy Linow as the association Secretary, look for change, real change...
...and with all the optimism in the world, Anthem Opinions, considers these choices so positive that we can't help but borrow a phrase from a time in our nation that needed strong leadership...
"The New Deal"
For the next year we believe those words will ring true as their elections will bring new life to a community that has stagnated for years under a system often referred to as THE MACHINE.
This group (with one exception) is NO Machine; in addition to many other aspects of our community needing examination, I believe they are committed to revamping areas in the association policy manual by redefining the roles of directors and management, sharing responsibilities unlike the past, actively seeking advice from those in our community whose past expertise has long been ignored, doing so in an open manner where owners are well informed as to their decisions and why they were made, and encouraging new committee members in our community.
The best part ?
...striving to accomplish these goals by creating a happy community where a "one for all, and all for one" attitude will be the ultimate objective...
...that "politics" and secretive "personal agendas" will be things of the past.
Personally, I wish to send my best to a dear friend of 15 years, Rana Goodman, whose life history as a long time resident of Las Vegas will finally be recognized for the accomplishments she has made, despite the all too often condemnation by a blogger, whose poison pen, for years, did everything possible to discredit her at every opportunity.
Those of us who have been here for years will never forget her dedication to the City of Henderson for her contribution to the Senior Citizens Advisory Commission, a dedication that a blogger made every attempt to block her reappointment by circulating a petition claiming such reappointment was an outrage .... yet, through the Freedom of Information Act, was discovered to have been signed by only 8 individuals.
...or when she was considered for an officer appointment to the Women's Club, when current officers literally demanded she close her blog, Anthem Today, to gain the appointment...after which her conviction to free speech, refused to do so, and removed herself from consideration.
...or perhaps the worst insult, being approved as a member of the association Lifestyle Committee by its members, only to be humiliated as being the only person in the association history to ever be rejected by a Board...a MACHINE BOARD, whose president at that time was a woman named Roz Berman, the wife of the blogger, who had taunted her for years, and continued well into the 2019 Board election.
How did she react?
Rather than submit to the continual humiliation and pressure, she increased her commitment to the good of seniors by being responsible, along with the Vegas Voice, for tirelessly, at her own expense, making trip after trip to Carson City to change the guardianship laws of the state to remove the inequities of the system that "robbed" seniors of their dignity and assets.
Rather than submit to the continual humiliation and pressure, she increased her commitment to the good of seniors by being responsible, along with the Vegas Voice, for tirelessly, at her own expense, making trip after trip to Carson City to change the guardianship laws of the state to remove the inequities of the system that "robbed" seniors of their dignity and assets.
But still...she would continue to be the humiliated, and despite the continued insults, fought...and...ran for our Board in 2019, being elected the association secretary...garnering more votes than any other candidate in the election.
Now, despite those unkind years of adversity and insults, she finally, through hard work and dedication, and the strongest commitment to PEOPLE, has been granted the distinction she has earned for years !
She's now at the top....
The President of Sun City Anthem !
Anthem Opinions is proud to recognize her contributions to our community and the entire state of Nevada, and say to her...
Anthem Opinions is proud to recognize her contributions to our community and the entire state of Nevada, and say to her...
(and today, May 27th also just happens to be her birthday !)
What a woman !
In the days to come, we'll look at the other individuals of the new Sun City Anthem Board whom we believe, will make a "New Deal", a reality.
In the meantime, thank you Sun City Anthem for giving...
a
Want to send Rana a congratulatory email? Her email address is:
Rana0527@aol.com
Got a comment as to your opinion of this new Board's officers?
Send it to us at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
From Dorothy Yu...to...Anthem Opinions
Thanks so much, Dick.
Tears filled my eyes while I was reading about Rana’s strength without all these years insults and unfounded accusations.
I have been there and so happy being both of your friends.
Yes, what you two endured these years were incredible!
Thanks to both of your unwavering will get today’s result!!!
THIS IS THE LUCK OF ALL SUN CITY ANTHEM RESIDENTS!!!
Thanks so much, Dick.
Tears filled my eyes while I was reading about Rana’s strength without all these years insults and unfounded accusations.
I have been there and so happy being both of your friends.
Yes, what you two endured these years were incredible!
Thanks to both of your unwavering will get today’s result!!!
THIS IS THE LUCK OF ALL SUN CITY ANTHEM RESIDENTS!!!
Oh Dorothy, this time you made an old man blush !
Rana has gone through hell over the years, but she just keeps plugging along.
That's one the reasons I have so admired her.
I appreciate your kind comments about me, but today is "Rana Day".
What I may do in writing, is far surpassed by what that dedicated lady has accomplished in actions due to her caring involvement with people.
And my joy in a community's finally recognizing her, can't be described.
Rana is one of a kind.
-
From John Schmidt...to...Anthem Opinions
Just read your blog and I cannot tell you how happy I am.
Rana, the new president and David Berman so quiet !
How much joy can one person absorb in one day?
Nice going.
From John Ray...to...Anthem Opinions
Great to see most of the machine is gone !!
Now hopefully there will be some attention given to the payroll, bonuses, and money being spent when the machine people were trying to destroy our community.
Hopefully this also will be no dues increases, particularly with the money being saved on water, and reduction in work on the landscape because of the desert environment, thanks to the landscape and facilities folks.
Great to see most of the machine is gone !!
Now hopefully there will be some attention given to the payroll, bonuses, and money being spent when the machine people were trying to destroy our community.
Hopefully this also will be no dues increases, particularly with the money being saved on water, and reduction in work on the landscape because of the desert environment, thanks to the landscape and facilities folks.
2020 Sun City Anthem Election Results
The results are in and Sun City Anthem will have a "new sheriff in town"...
...thank goodness !
Due to the make-up of the new Board, it appears that "the machine" will have lost some steam in their engine as a result.
Looking at the current remaining Board members consisting of Rana Goodman, Karen Hadrick, and Forrest Quinn, and adding Richard Pope and likely Stephen Anderson to the "open minded" mix, appears that the Reformers will control the atmosphere of Sun City Anthem decisions during the 2020 year.
And with that hope...
We believe that competence and accountability will become a new standard, excessive spending will be highly scrutinized, and a new era of open communication will result...
...that the days of "I can do as I wish" will have been put out to pasture with the solid defeat of Candace Karrow, and a more caring, efficient, and fiscally responsible community will result.
The voting totals were as follows: (the top 4 being elected)
Stephen Anderson 2,356
Richard Pope 2,031
Wendy Linow 1,793*
Paul Perlstein 1,793*
Candace Karow 1,562
Nelson Orth 1,430
*The tiebreaker was a cut of the cards with Linow drawing a king and Perlstein, a Jack....
...meaning Linow will serve a 2 year term and Perlstein will serve 1 year.
On a sad note, though our friend, Nelson Orth, was not elected, we wish him a sincere thanks for bringing up the problem-filled issue of Anthem Council during the election, and we hope the new Board will give strong consideration to naming him our community representative.
From David...to...Anthem Opinions
I wish that the comments about the election results in this blog were more mature and respectful.
It's sad to read this and see such poor choice of words.
Please think about how your words have consequences.
I look forward to a more congenial read experience.
From David...to...Anthem Opinions
I wish that the comments about the election results in this blog were more mature and respectful.
It's sad to read this and see such poor choice of words.
Please think about how your words have consequences.
I look forward to a more congenial read experience.
David,
In our opinion our comments were both respectful and honest.
They were words of anticipating positive change following the rejection of a member of the MACHINE by the SCA community, who brought our community more harm and dissent than could be imagined.
Karrow and her predecessor, Rex Weddle, were in our opinion, TOXIC to our community, and over the past 2 elections, that was recognized by many, resulting in humiliating low vote totals for both.
It seems obvious that you would have liked the results to have been different, but if you read Anthem Opinions regularly, you should know that we "pull no pushes" when it comes to the devastating effect the MACHINE has had on our community.
It has now been dealt a severe blow, and we make no apology for any role we may have played in bringing truth to a community that needed to know the damage they have made both financially, and morally in the manner in which they have done so for years.
There is little doubt that Sun City Anthem will now be a better place without the nuisance that the FORMER president has represented for years.
In our opinion, she will always represent an embarrassment to good governance...
...and we make NO APOLOGY for saying so !
In our opinion our comments were both respectful and honest.
They were words of anticipating positive change following the rejection of a member of the MACHINE by the SCA community, who brought our community more harm and dissent than could be imagined.
Karrow and her predecessor, Rex Weddle, were in our opinion, TOXIC to our community, and over the past 2 elections, that was recognized by many, resulting in humiliating low vote totals for both.
It seems obvious that you would have liked the results to have been different, but if you read Anthem Opinions regularly, you should know that we "pull no pushes" when it comes to the devastating effect the MACHINE has had on our community.
It has now been dealt a severe blow, and we make no apology for any role we may have played in bringing truth to a community that needed to know the damage they have made both financially, and morally in the manner in which they have done so for years.
There is little doubt that Sun City Anthem will now be a better place without the nuisance that the FORMER president has represented for years.
In our opinion, she will always represent an embarrassment to good governance...
...and we make NO APOLOGY for saying so !
-
From Marcia Kosterka...to...Anthem Opinions
To David:
It is glaringly obvious that you have chosen to criticize Mr. Arendt either without knowing all the facts, or have taken a one-sided approach to criticize those that have demanded that "machine" politics be replaced by a more democratic and honest form of governance.Homeowners were reduced to the source of some insane expenditures and they were not asked how they felt about expensive projects before a vote was taken.
Furthermore, at times, the owners were treated like "serfs in the royal kingdom".
I strongly suggest you talk to others in the community outside your circle of friends and verify the truth.
The new board will have a lot to do to reform governance in SCA to a kinder, gentler, and more transparent inclusive form.
You would be wise to educate yourself to the true facts.
_________________________
Reform or Machine
We'll Know Who the 2020 Sun City Anthem
Directors Are This Afternoon or Evening
Get ready because by sometime during this afternoon or evening the ballots of the 2020 Sun City Anthem election will FINALLY be tabulated and a new Board of Directors will be determined.
To say the least this has been one of the most confusing and contentious elections in the history of our community.
...and a continuing pandemic has been a contributing factor.
Unlike any other time, social distancing eliminated personal contact with the candidates other than a single "Meet the Candidates" meeting in Anthem Center prior to the shutdown.
The flyers the six candidates went to the expense of preparing all went for naught due to the inability of distribution.
The only means the community had to become acquainted with their qualifications was solely based on a one page summary of each candidate that is NEVER VETTED for any accuracy with the exception of a determination of being "in good standing".
The most blatant example of weakness of that process is a candidate, Wendy Linow, who purposely withheld a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filed in 2017, a vital criterion for determining suitability of governing the financial expenditures of an $8-9 million per year organization.
There was an expensive mailer sent by past MACHINE Board members vaguely touting their accomplishments, recommending MACHINE descendants.
To counter that postcard, an email was sent to members of the community that was VERY SPECIFIC that pertained to the negative records of the MACHINE's history, an email whose facts were NEVER DISPUTED.
Finally there were two "unofficial" sources where individual blogs made it clear as to which each favored for election.
First, there is the MACHINE BLOG....
...the one that never criticizes any action of a Board.
...never tells a full story other than what it wants its readers to hear.
...withholds vital issues from readers such as the MACHINE claiming a Chief Operating Officer's contract was confidential, when in fact it was public information.
...never publishes the voting records of past mistakes and incompetence...
...fully supported an ASSOCIATION PAY-ALL SELF-MANAGED RESTAURANT without sufficient study based on a 2 year old survey that never even mentioned the words "self-management".
...and is constantly caught in "fibs" that are never retracted, and whose comments are populated with primarily saying little other than parroting the author, and rarely giving any intelligent reasoning as to the contents.
MACHINE BLOG recommendations:
Candace Karrow
Wendy Linow
Paul Perlstein
Stephen Anderson
Then there is US...
...the one that did make every attempt to tell the full story, and whose comments represent intelligent thinking individuals, rarely being made without providing a reason as to why they were made.
...the one that brought to you how an association president continually insulted residents in public displays of demeaning comments, particularly publicly insulting the honor of our Asian community, as well as, by unprofessionally sending emails to individuals essentially saying "Who are you to question me in any way?"
...the one that brought to your attention that with one exception, an entire association Finance Committee resigned as a result of a lack of sharing information that affected community financial security and a public insult of it by a MACHINE and its members.
...the one that disclosed that a Chief Operating Officer's contract was public information, was in no way confidential, and that should have been available to any property owner, the contents of which were heavily STACKED AGAINST THE ASSOCIATION PROPERTY OWNERS.
...the one that sponsored and wrote a petition as to determining the true feelings of approximately 1,400 owners (800 online and 600 personally signed) who strongly opposed a self-managed restaurant due to a lack of planning and immense continual annual cost burden it would place on owners.
...the one that believes that positive and productive change to bring our community into the 3rd decade of the 21st century can only be accomplished by electing those who respect others, share thoughts and decisions with fellow Board members, as well as, the entire community with an open mind, and most importantly, ACTIVELY SEEK ADVICE from THOSE in the community for matters they are not familiar with or qualified to make a decision without such advice.
We closely examined the candidates and based on that criterion, we believed that only 3 of the 6 would be capable of accomplishing those objectives.
Our recommendations were therefore:
Richard Pope
Nelson Orth
Stephen Anderson
So this evening might well be the beginning of a new era of reform, or one of continued control by a MACHINE.
We shall see what the wishes of our community will be !
From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions
Today the election becomes final; I will be there to help with the count.
Seriously, It takes effort and commitment to run for the Board or subject yourself to these various committees.
I want to congratulate Nelson and Richard for "charging" forward to change the way things are done at SCA.
My congratulations are sincere whether they win or lose!
Of course I am expecting and hoping Nelson and Richard will be able to join Rana on the Board.
Further, though I have issues with F. Quinn, he seems to be closer to my thinking then I thought and he is a huge upgrade from Coleman; Schuetz; Weil; Karrow; plus Hadrick who can see the light at times.
I think a Board of Rana, Richard, Nelson, Forrest and Hadrick would allow for real change and transparency!
Today the election becomes final; I will be there to help with the count.
Seriously, It takes effort and commitment to run for the Board or subject yourself to these various committees.
I want to congratulate Nelson and Richard for "charging" forward to change the way things are done at SCA.
My congratulations are sincere whether they win or lose!
Of course I am expecting and hoping Nelson and Richard will be able to join Rana on the Board.
Further, though I have issues with F. Quinn, he seems to be closer to my thinking then I thought and he is a huge upgrade from Coleman; Schuetz; Weil; Karrow; plus Hadrick who can see the light at times.
I think a Board of Rana, Richard, Nelson, Forrest and Hadrick would allow for real change and transparency!
After we pushed the "publish" key to this article, we received a copy of the recent article published on another blog that was authored by current SCA president, Candace Karrow.
It represented a sad and insecure woman who, for some reason, needed to get a bunch of things off her chest, prior to the counting of the ballots.
It was a first that surprised many that such a treatise would be published, even going back to 2019, criticizing a monthly magazine without specifically mentioning it by name, which was was obvious to many, The Vegas Voice...
...a fellow Board member affiliated with that magazine...
...and a 2019 candidate who was told by a now deceased employee, that his and other members of his team's campaign flyers were removed at the direction of others, that when security footage was revealed by an individual removing it, the individual doing so was not recognizable on the footage...and...refused to allow the candidates who made the accusation to view the footage.
The fact that "many people in the community were upset" when flyers were left at a door, was ludicrous. We saw no evidence of any formal complaint made, and as we approach our governmental elections, is a common practice that someone would not complain to any political organization for doing so.
It represented a sad and insecure woman who, for some reason, needed to get a bunch of things off her chest, prior to the counting of the ballots.
It was a first that surprised many that such a treatise would be published, even going back to 2019, criticizing a monthly magazine without specifically mentioning it by name, which was was obvious to many, The Vegas Voice...
...a fellow Board member affiliated with that magazine...
...and a 2019 candidate who was told by a now deceased employee, that his and other members of his team's campaign flyers were removed at the direction of others, that when security footage was revealed by an individual removing it, the individual doing so was not recognizable on the footage...and...refused to allow the candidates who made the accusation to view the footage.
The fact that "many people in the community were upset" when flyers were left at a door, was ludicrous. We saw no evidence of any formal complaint made, and as we approach our governmental elections, is a common practice that someone would not complain to any political organization for doing so.
Part Two of Three
Turning the clock forward to 2020, attacks continued with obvious reference to Anthem Opinions for discovering a recent 2017 bankruptcy of a MACHINE candidate, information that the candidate REFUSED TO DISCLOSE herself, and like the author of the blog she and HER MACHINE relies on for their information, who also REFUSED TO DISCLOSE his history of LOSS of a law license due to forgery, deceiving a client, and a state taxation department when he ran for a Board position a number of years ago, is, by any standard of decency, information a community is entitled to be made aware of BEFORE they place its financial future in their hands.
That MACHINE BLOGGER to which she relies on, a number of years ago, painted a former Board candidate as a racist for his activities as a California State Senator, who in 1978 sponsored anti-gay legislation that was passed by both legislative bodies in the State of California, subsequently vetoed by a governor named Ronald Reagan.
The blogger was never chastised BY THE MACHINE for bringing such information to HIS READERS (though the action had taken place 30 years prior to his running for the SCA Board...when attitudes were very different than they are today).
The information was welcomed by many, considered insignificant by others due to the number of years ago that it took place, yet it was disclosed.
Let me also remind you that former Board President, Bella Meese, talked him into first retiring here to SCA, then running for the Board. It was California State Senator, John Briggs who first salvaged her job when his state elected a Democratic governor, yet, after the information was disclosed DISMISSED HIM AS both a candidate and friend. She too lost that election, but quickly rebounded once she joined THE MACHINE, subsequently being responsible for using ASSOCIATION FUNDS to finance buses for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential campaign...the subject that later became knows as BELLA...GATE.
Turning the clock forward to 2020, attacks continued with obvious reference to Anthem Opinions for discovering a recent 2017 bankruptcy of a MACHINE candidate, information that the candidate REFUSED TO DISCLOSE herself, and like the author of the blog she and HER MACHINE relies on for their information, who also REFUSED TO DISCLOSE his history of LOSS of a law license due to forgery, deceiving a client, and a state taxation department when he ran for a Board position a number of years ago, is, by any standard of decency, information a community is entitled to be made aware of BEFORE they place its financial future in their hands.
That MACHINE BLOGGER to which she relies on, a number of years ago, painted a former Board candidate as a racist for his activities as a California State Senator, who in 1978 sponsored anti-gay legislation that was passed by both legislative bodies in the State of California, subsequently vetoed by a governor named Ronald Reagan.
The blogger was never chastised BY THE MACHINE for bringing such information to HIS READERS (though the action had taken place 30 years prior to his running for the SCA Board...when attitudes were very different than they are today).
The information was welcomed by many, considered insignificant by others due to the number of years ago that it took place, yet it was disclosed.
Let me also remind you that former Board President, Bella Meese, talked him into first retiring here to SCA, then running for the Board. It was California State Senator, John Briggs who first salvaged her job when his state elected a Democratic governor, yet, after the information was disclosed DISMISSED HIM AS both a candidate and friend. She too lost that election, but quickly rebounded once she joined THE MACHINE, subsequently being responsible for using ASSOCIATION FUNDS to finance buses for Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential campaign...the subject that later became knows as BELLA...GATE.
Part Three of Three
The information regarding Wendy Linow was a horse of a different color...it took place only 2.5 years prior to her becoming a candidate for the SCA Board...and...in our opinion, was relevant due to it being RECENT HISTORY, and like the information the MACHINE blogger felt information was relevant for activities conducted 30 years ago, we disclosed it.
Perhaps Mrs. Karrow might want to learn something about the activities of those SHE PRAISES in addition those she condemns for providing readers information each felt relevant.
Then there was the accusation that "a resident sent out a disgusting email spreading lies" with using "illegal" mailing lists.
Mrs. Karrow, THAT IS A LIE, we used a list that was public, just as your MACHINE did by way of the US Mail. Perhaps you can prove your LIE?
We printed that "disgusting email" pointing out the history of YOUR MACHINE. The correspondence was 100% TRUTHFUL, that out of approximately 2,000 sent to residents of our community, only 6 asked us to remove their names, WHICH WE DID.
That accusation quickly disappeared when we PRINTED both the MACHINE mailer and OUR EMAIL sent to property owners.
Your MACHINE BLOG never bothered to print the contents of OUR EMAIL, yet, like you, made the same ACCUSATIONS.
Finally, what you PERCEIVE as unacceptable behavior of a candidate to ask honest questions, many of us PERCEIVE you as unable to handle them and instead, publicly humiliate people for asking them, a sign of an insecure individual who "can dish it, but can't take it".
Well, Ms. Karrow I received a number of calls on the MACHINE that printed your article, and the common denominator in ALL of them was this question:
"Was she talking about others or herself?"
The community will make that decision, Ms. Karrow, and whether or not it chooses to elect you, at least you were able to "expose: the real you...
...a woman filled with frustration who is incapable to looking at herself for the demeaning behavior shown others, considers herself beyond reproach with a dictatorial superior attitude toward them (including those with whom you serve on the SCA board), and is liked by few other than those associated with THE MACHINE.
The information regarding Wendy Linow was a horse of a different color...it took place only 2.5 years prior to her becoming a candidate for the SCA Board...and...in our opinion, was relevant due to it being RECENT HISTORY, and like the information the MACHINE blogger felt information was relevant for activities conducted 30 years ago, we disclosed it.
Perhaps Mrs. Karrow might want to learn something about the activities of those SHE PRAISES in addition those she condemns for providing readers information each felt relevant.
Then there was the accusation that "a resident sent out a disgusting email spreading lies" with using "illegal" mailing lists.
Mrs. Karrow, THAT IS A LIE, we used a list that was public, just as your MACHINE did by way of the US Mail. Perhaps you can prove your LIE?
We printed that "disgusting email" pointing out the history of YOUR MACHINE. The correspondence was 100% TRUTHFUL, that out of approximately 2,000 sent to residents of our community, only 6 asked us to remove their names, WHICH WE DID.
That accusation quickly disappeared when we PRINTED both the MACHINE mailer and OUR EMAIL sent to property owners.
Your MACHINE BLOG never bothered to print the contents of OUR EMAIL, yet, like you, made the same ACCUSATIONS.
Finally, what you PERCEIVE as unacceptable behavior of a candidate to ask honest questions, many of us PERCEIVE you as unable to handle them and instead, publicly humiliate people for asking them, a sign of an insecure individual who "can dish it, but can't take it".
Well, Ms. Karrow I received a number of calls on the MACHINE that printed your article, and the common denominator in ALL of them was this question:
"Was she talking about others or herself?"
The community will make that decision, Ms. Karrow, and whether or not it chooses to elect you, at least you were able to "expose: the real you...
...a woman filled with frustration who is incapable to looking at herself for the demeaning behavior shown others, considers herself beyond reproach with a dictatorial superior attitude toward them (including those with whom you serve on the SCA board), and is liked by few other than those associated with THE MACHINE.
-
From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions
When I read this in the early AM the first thing that came to mind is the terms below as it relates to your psychology and a defense of the mind that won’t allow you to accept who you are and what you have done.
So you attribute your traits and deception to those you dislike or disagree with....
She didn’t accept one once of responsibility for the state of this community.
It is sad indeed!
Appropriately published on the sad little man’s blog.
“Projection and transference are very similar. They both involve you attributing emotions or feelings to a person who doesn't actually have them.
The difference between the two is where the mis-attributions occur.
Projection occurs when you attribute a behavior or feeling you have about a person onto them.“
____________________
by
Reformers Vote
Reformers Vote
In a vote of 3-3, the "reformers" of the current Sun City Anthem Board avoided a "Machine" attempt to lock future Boards into two decisions that would affect the financial well-being of the community, passing the decision to the newly elected Board that will be determined following the ballot count scheduled for May 22nd.
The measures that will be sent to the new Board are the Audit and Tax Returns.
A third measure, assessment credits, passed 4-2, with a reduction of $45.00 for the third quarter assessment, bringing the next assessment down to $257.50.
Following the decision, Board candidate Nelson Orth sent us the following statement:
"In a prior year, the tax return for SCA was audited by the IRS, which found discrepancies that resulted in a tax liability of approximately $1,400,000.
Subsequently, during the negotiations with the IRS, this tax liability was reduced to $144,000 plus attorney and accounting fees.
My point is that surplus funds have been an issue in SCA for over a decade, and there is still no agreement on how to deal with this issue. I believe that is one of the reasons why the Audit Committee has become such a secretive organization, and if we are to ever come to some agreement, we must open the work of the Audit Committee to all homeowners."
This issue became a point of strong contention between Board candidate Richard Pope and current SCA President, Candace Karrow, as we obtained correspondence between what Pope conveyed to the entire Board prior to the vote when the matter was placed on the Board agenda...
...and in our opinion, demonstrates the personality of an individual who we hope will be "sent to the showers" after the ballot count, namely Candace Karrow.
Mr. Pope merely made the following requests to the Board in his email pertaining to the audit, tax return, and treatment of the 2019 surplus:
2019 Audit
"I sent the Board a number of issues and comments regarding the accuracy of the 2019 Audit that I feel need to be addressed with O&H by the Board and Audit Committee prior to it being approved. Please vote NO on approving the Audit."
2019 Tax Return
"I sent the Board a number of questions on how the 90% Expenditure test was computed. Until O&H can substantiate why they used the amounts they did in the computation of the 90% expenditure test and the audit is finalized the tax return should not be approved. Please vote NO on approving the Tax return!"
Treatment of the 2019 surplus
"I have given the Board the IRC 1.528-9 which deals with the treatment of surplus funds by an HOA to avoid becoming taxable income.
I need to see a statement from O&H stating IRC 528-9 does not apply and the IRC section that does allow for the transfer.
The discussion on how to treat the 2019 surplus should not be made until the audit and the tax issues are finalized. Please vote NO on approving any decision on 2019 surplus!"
Mrs. Karrow, in her typical condescending and argumentative manner, responded to those HONEST inquiries as follows:
"I will answer some of your questions below in red but first I want to address the tone and demeanor of this email. Did you really want to insult the capabilities and intelligence of the Board, the Audit Committee, our CFO and our professional audit and tax experts all at the same time?
Richard, You seem to think as a candidate for the Board you have the right to commandeer this Board and tell us what to do, when to do it and how to vote. This Board has at least one year on the Board under our belts, and many of us much more. Maybe you should wait until the last ballot is counted next Friday before you try to bully the Board into doing exactly what you want. All feedback from residents is welcome but accusatory demands and edicts are taken as trying to intimidate the governing body.
Let's start with O&H. They are licensed CPAs in the state of Nevada that specialize in HOA audit and tax. They are considered the "Gold Standard" in valley for many, many years and we are very lucky to have them as our auditors. I am unaware that you are a licensed CPA in Nevada or that you have many years in practicing as an HOA specialist. And yet you demand statements from them as if they don't know their business.
The Audit Committee has two Board Members with years of business experience and two residents, Alan Frank and Mike Stone. Alan Frank has been on the Audit Committee practically since its inception and has shared his audit and tax expertise for all those years. Mike Stone is a newer member but has excellent credentials and is a great complement to Alan. These people have years of experience with our Association and yet, you demand they answer your questions before this Board is able to vote on the Audit and Tax Return. Alan and Mike deserve more respect and should be thanked for the many hours that they put in to make sure everything was correct.
The Surplus Question: Instead of getting on the Board and understanding how our Association functions, you are sending edicts of our CFO, the Audit Committee and the Board about how YOU want to calculate the surplus and see the financial statements presented. The 2019 surplus has been verified by Board Members, the Audit Committee and O&H. Do you really want the residents to wait many more months for the return of their over-payment because one resident (you) has decided he doesn't agree with a calculation that has been done and verified by our audit professionals for as long as I have been involved in this Association. I just want to remind you that at this moment you have no authority to "guide" this Board except as a member of this Association.
As was said by a friend of mine, you can disagree without being disagreeable. I am returning this email in the same tone and demeanor that it was sent--so I hope you now know how some of we felt when we received it."
This email was made to a Board by a RESIDENT (who happened to be a candidate for the Sun City Anthem Board), a resident who has 35 years of relevant experience as a CPA, and responded to by a President of an association, who is NOT a CPA.
It is our belief that Pope was merely requesting the Board to respond to a number of questions that needed to be addressed prior to approval; that he was of the belief that the audit and tax returns prepared by O & H were not correct as to how the computations were made, and was asking to review the footnotes he had attached to show his concern.
As the actual Board meeting proceeded, prior to the vote itself, Karrow (without specifically naming individuals) repeatedly insulted a number of retired professionals in Sun City Anthem in her typical demeaning mannerisms, even going so far as referring to them as "armchair CPAs", whose views should be ignored.
It was obvious she was primarily pointing her frustrated anger to the above referenced individual who, like herself, is running for the Board, but included others making comments made at the meeting,
specifically by Bernard Horton, former chairman of the Finance Committee and Bill Brier, an active CPA.
Commentary that supported Karrow came primarily from former resigned MACHINE director, David Weil, current MACHINE lame duck directors Arthur Schuetz and James Coleman, and recent declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy MACHINE Board candidate, Wendy Linow... specifically by Bernard Horton, former chairman of the Finance Committee and Bill Brier, an active CPA.
Kudos go to Board Secretary Rana Goodman and Director, Forrest Quinn, who steadfastly maintained that given the four days to make a decision was no where near the amount of time needed to bring the matters to a proper conclusion, and that the new Board should be charged with such matters.
Karen Hadrick, as we predicted, was indeed the "wild card"; at first stated she was "on the fence" with her vote, but in the end, voted with Goodman and Quinn, creating the 3-3 tie, and placing the matter in the hands of the next Board.
We believe she was eventually convinced to vote the way she did due to Community CFO Bing O"Peek's constantly answering "I don't know" to the numerous questions directed to him by the "armchair CPAs" comments.
O'Peek is also NOT a CPA.
O'Peek is also NOT a CPA.
Shortly thereafter, Schuetz, in what can only be referred to as "the kid who didn't get his way", immediately resigned from the association Audit Committee.
But there was more to come following the meeting !
David Weil, following in the footsteps of Scheutz, also resigned from the Audit Committee, making it a "daily double" in terms of MACHINE resignations.
And that...
...is the final conclusion as to what THE MACHINE had to offer to the Sun City Anthem community in the 2019 Sun City Anthem Board of Directors election...
...one resigned, two decided not to run again, and a third...
We believe the "true colors" of an individual were clearly shown in both emails and actions of an association president in the manner in which she has continually disrespected members of the community, considers any form of advice to which she disagrees as a personal affront to her belief SHE ALONE SPEAKS FOR an entire Board, and is just another example of the poor MACHINE leadership that has been demonstrated over the years.
Karrow is representative of WHAT IS WRONG with Sun City Anthem and the need to RIGHT those WRONGS.
She represents A MACHINE way of doing business...
Got a comment?
Send it to us at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
Just who writes the Sun City Anthem eblasts?
Whoever does is SO BIASED as to what is going in in the community and with a new Board, it is hoped that they will reflect what really takes place in the community.
Note this latest that was emailed on Monday afternoon, May 18th.
"At the May 18 board meeting, the Board TOOK ACTION on the following: Reviewed the Unaudited Summary Financial Statements through April 30, 2020
Reviewed Pending and Settlement Litigation Disclosures
Approved the revised Election Ballot Count procedures for May 22, 2020 due to COVID 19
and Approved to reduce the 3rd Quarter Main Association Assessments from $302.50 to $257.50, a reduction of $45.00 in order to return the surplus funds from 2019 to residents".
See anything missing?
NOTHING about the Board President and her MACHINE being rebuked regarding the Audit Reports or Tax Returns being deferred to the new Board, instead "sugarcoating" the REAL VOTE.
NOTHING about the resignations of MACHINE Audit members Arthur Schuetz and David Weil.
Anything to avoid the community knowing WHAT REALLY TOOK PLACE, and likely to protect the MACHINE.
Just another reason why this DECEPTION and who authors it, must carefully be scrutinized and approved by an entire Board before publishing.
This has to STOP.
Whoever does is SO BIASED as to what is going in in the community and with a new Board, it is hoped that they will reflect what really takes place in the community.
Note this latest that was emailed on Monday afternoon, May 18th.
"At the May 18 board meeting, the Board TOOK ACTION on the following: Reviewed the Unaudited Summary Financial Statements through April 30, 2020
Reviewed Pending and Settlement Litigation Disclosures
Approved the revised Election Ballot Count procedures for May 22, 2020 due to COVID 19
and Approved to reduce the 3rd Quarter Main Association Assessments from $302.50 to $257.50, a reduction of $45.00 in order to return the surplus funds from 2019 to residents".
See anything missing?
NOTHING about the Board President and her MACHINE being rebuked regarding the Audit Reports or Tax Returns being deferred to the new Board, instead "sugarcoating" the REAL VOTE.
NOTHING about the resignations of MACHINE Audit members Arthur Schuetz and David Weil.
Anything to avoid the community knowing WHAT REALLY TOOK PLACE, and likely to protect the MACHINE.
Just another reason why this DECEPTION and who authors it, must carefully be scrutinized and approved by an entire Board before publishing.
This has to STOP.
-
From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions
Dick,Absolutely!
The management cannot be the voice of SCA; it has to be the Board and the E-blast should be signed as from your Board.
Also, I was amazed to learn that the Board minutes are prepared by a secretary, and the Board doesn’t review or approve prior to posting on the Web Site.
In addition, the Board President or any Board member should not be able to write a letter to a member on Board letterhead when many other Board members were not aware or included in the process.
(That is what happened when Karrow wrote me with the indication “We” (The Board) was not inclined to remove Art Schuetz from Anthem Council Board.)
I am expecting a new Board with the goal of honesty, respect, integrity and a commitment to transparency. -
From Robert Nusser...to...Anthem Opinions
Just another reason why this DECEPTION and who authors it, must carefully be scrutinized and approved by an entire Board before publishing. -
From Buddy Greenfield...to...Anthem Opinions
Weil felt he wasn’t well enough to be on the Board, but stayed on the audit committee.
Then he resigns from the Audit Committee.
Shuetz resigned from the audit committee, but stays on the Anthem Council.
What a joke.
Now there is no doubt that Anthem Council must be carefully examined since SCA pays them $633,000 per year.
-
From Liz Breier...to...Anthem Opinions
I am disappointed to find out that we have Board Members that can't play well in the sandbox with others.
How is resigning from a Committee an example for the community?
When I was vetted for the Election Committee, I was interviewed by the entire Committee and one point they were concerned about was whether or not I could be a "team player".
That, after discussion on an issue, if I did not get my way, would I go along with the majority?
That's called a democratically run committee and I confirmed that I understood that's how organizations operate.
Interestingly, the Committee then submitted my name to the Board of Directors for approval and now I come to find out that more than one of those very same people are resigning because they did not get their way.
This is hypocrisy and there should be some guidelines - in fact, if you are on the Board of Directors and resign from a Committee, then I believe you should be required to resign from all Committees (including Anthem Council).
It's all or nothing and if a vote doesn't go their way, they need to suck it up, especially if they are judging others by the same standards. -
Another aspect of the E-blast that was completely omitted was the details of a civil settlement made in amount of $250,000 to an individual who was repeatedly asked to have a caregiver care for his mother which he ignored, based on a legal defense using the American Disabilities Act.
I wonder what our legal fees were in addition to that settlement? Of course, that is never disclosed.
-
From William Breier...to...Anthem Opinions
In my opinion Weil was not sick.
He was troubled by the restaurant presentation and did not want problems in the future.
A Weak man. -
Bill,
I'm still waiting for the public apology he promised me when he learned Anthem Opinions never called for any boycott from a previous restaurant operator, that he made his false public statement in front of a Board meeting, based solely on the Berman lies.
I agree, a man who is unable to admit to a lie, is very weak. -
From Peter Brown...to...Anthem Opinions
Dick,I have heard from some SCA members after the Board meeting yesterday; many have stated their concern that Shuetz and Weil resigned yesterday, apparently because the Board refused to accept the Audited Financial Statements and instead will allow the new Board a fresh look.
Actually being in SCA for 11 months now, there are so many things that are difficult to understand; Weil resigns from the Audit Committee, however, he resigned from the Board effective April 30 due to illness and stress, why the heck was he still on the Audit committee during the stressful audit process?
Schuetz is incompetent; chose not to run for re-election.
I am guessing the Audit committee is secret so members cannot see the ineptness of this body.
In the end Schuetz and Weil chose this last gesture to allow themselves to be noticed and thought of as men of conviction.
Of course, it didn’t work, at least not from my point of view.
-
From Nelson Orth...to...Anthem Opinions
Art Schuetz and Larry Orlov's tenures are up, if a new Board president chooses to recalls them.
The next Anthem Community Council meeting is scheduled for June 4th, and new board representatives can be appointed to represent the Sun City Anthem community.. -
From Bernard Horton...former Chairman of the Sun City Anthem Finance Committee...to...Anthem Opinions
Dick, you hit right on the head.....of course they would publish an incomplete summary that would avoid any question about Candace's leadership and the work of Art and Dave (who fortunately decided not to run again or to resign).
Not reporting to the community their push to accept the 2019 audit or tax return being rejected, makes one question transparency and honesty in what the community is told.
I cannot understand why the Eblast did not report Art Schuetz and Dave Weil also resigning from the audit committee.
It took real courage for Rana, Forrest, and Karen to stand up and say NO ....their work was not acceptable with many questions posed by Richard Pope and Forrest Quinn unanswered.
Our CFO admitting he did not have answers at this time and further investigation with our outside auditors was needed, was proof the documents were not ready to be accepted.
Many public comments read at the meeting from others like myself, criticized the rush to approve the documents as there was no deadlines approaching.
I hope the final slap in the face for Candace Karrow comes Friday when the ballots are counted. -
From Marcia Kosterka...to..Anthem Opinions
What we have in SCA, are people who often never had a distinguished career before retiring.
They retire and see a chance to become important by joining a standing committee, or run for the board.
If they ever previously demonstrated a conscience, morals, compassion, ethics, and humility, it disappeared once they felt that taste of power.
Their mantra is akin to what Rex Weddle replied after committing some outrageous act and when he was asked why, he answered, "Because I can!"
We have two weapons at our disposal, the truth and to let everyone know what is really occurring and being withheld from homeowners.
I can attest to that fact after talking to owners whom have recently moved in and telling them what is happening.
That makes them angry and they then ask what can we do.
My answer has been observe, keep abreast and vote after talking to candidates. -
From Buddy Greenfield...to...Anthem Opinions
So we had the machine (Schuetz and Weil) that were so devoted to this community and ran for the board.
They tirelessly worked (which I do believe), but at the end said to this community "stick it where the sun don’t shine".
Wimpy Weil just said "I quit".
He then also resigned from the Audit Committee.
If he cared as much as he said he did, why not continue until the term is up?
Boo hoo
Schuetz really stuck it to us…..quitting the Audit Committee.
Oh my god, what will we do without him for a week?
That was about as effective as someone passing gas while alone in the forest and thinking he made a point.
If either of these 2 selfish people cared, they would have just stayed the course until it was over and then sheepishly walked away.
No way, these guys were honorable.
_______________________
Sun City Anthem Board Meeting & Agenda
Why Now ?
Crucial Vote Likely Depends on
One Board Member
One Board Member
If you read the recent Sun City Anthem eblast that was sent on May 14th and the letter sent to each owner last week, there were a few items that peaked the interest of those of us who take the time to read them...
...and ask a few questions !
The letter had an interesting highlight as to its purpose:
"review" certain items they feel are necessary to TAKE ACTION ON WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY"
We can understand the one item approving the Election Count procedures to May 22nd...
...but there were a couple of other "ditties" that smack of "WHY NOW ?"...
...when four days later a new Board will be seated and CAN and SHOULD BE....
...considered by a new Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on May 26th.
...when four days later a new Board will be seated and CAN and SHOULD BE....
...considered by a new Board at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on May 26th.
Why do the red flags go up?
Let's go back a year to a few days before the 2019 ballots were counted and the then Board decided to grant a THREE year contract to Chief Operating Officer, Sandra Seddon, that they specifically stated was CONFIDENTIAL, did not divulge it to the community on that basis, and locked the 2019, as well as, the current 2020 and 2021 Boards into an agreement that would cost Sun City Anthem property owners A FORTUNE to terminate if they chose to do so...
...and through the efforts of Anthem Opinions that were continually thwarted by management in revealing it was PUBLIC and numerous correspondence with the Nevada Real Estate Division, turned out to be a complete...
...and through the efforts of Anthem Opinions that were continually thwarted by management in revealing it was PUBLIC and numerous correspondence with the Nevada Real Estate Division, turned out to be a complete...
...a ...
...they refused to acknowledge, and to date, STILL will not make a part of the PUBIC records that each and every property owner is entitled...
...a...
...that if one does go through the procedure of obtaining its contents which can be obtained through the simple completion of a Document Request form, THREATENS ANY OWNER if shared with others.
It was a measure that "smacked" of pure MACHINE politics.
Now, a year later, they seem to be at it again...this time through a quirk in the law and a pandemic, allowing two individuals to make decisions on matters whose terms really expired on April 30, 2020 and another individual, the President, who once the ballots are counted, may be part of the other two departing MACHINE politicos, if not reelected.
In other words, allowing 33% of a Board who are "history" and one who may not be reelected....
...50% of a technically BOGUS board...
...to make the decisions for those who will be LEGALLY elected FOUR DAYS LATER once the ballots are counted, locking them into decisions, as the MACHINE DID A YEAR AGO regarding the Seddon contract.
And people still don't believe a MACHINE controls Sun City Anthem ???
So what are those two additional items?
..."items they feel are necessary to TAKE ACTION ON WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY"
Approving a 2019 Audit and Tax Return
&
Review / Approve future assessment credit
Why are these items so crucial?
Simply stated, they are the crux of why all but one of a community Finance Committee members resigned, and without proper scrutiny, make it impossible to determine a proper future assessment credit.
Voting on these matters are 100% MACHINE...and...100% unethical in our opinion, and are in no way so "crucial" that they should not be considered by a PROPERLY ELECTED BOARD that will EXIST FOUR DAYS LATER.
What will likely take place?
First, there are only 6 remaining Board members who may vote. David Weil's Board resignation became effective April 30, 2020.
Who do we believe will DEFINITELY vote YES to lock in the future Board?
MACHINE members:
Candace Karrow
James Coleman
Arthur Schuetz
Who do we believe will likely vote against these measures?
Remaining Board members:
Rana Goodman
Forrest Quinn
That means we have one "wild card" who can decide the fate of the next Board....
Karen Hadrick
And the question remains as to Hadrick's promise...
Will she KEEP HER ELECTION PROMISE TO REFORM, or become a MACHINE member of the Sun City Anthem Board?
Hadrick's vote "against" the measures would create a 3-3 tie and the matter would then go to the newly elected board.
We shall see on Monday at 10:00am.
We shall see on Monday at 10:00am.
Got a comment?
Send it to us and more importantly to HER prior to Monday, May 18th.
Her email address is:
Send your comments to us at:
scaopinions@gmail.com
From Jim Mayfield...Former Sun City Anthem Vice President and Former Finance Committee Chairman...to...Anthem Opinions
I urge the SCA BOD to defer action on allocating the $416,000 of surplus from prior years for the following reasons:
NRED has previously ruled that surplus funds accumulated in a prior year do not have to be allocated to one of the NRS 116 authorized methods of utilization of the funds until the audit for the prior year is complete AND the Board is afforded time (at least 90 days) to evaluate the best use of the surplus funds, as long as the Board disposes of the surplus funds in accordance with NRS 116 prior to the end of the current fiscal year.
The inability of management to estimate the cost savings from the CoVid-19 closure or an estimate of return-to-service costs means the SCA Board lacks facts to make a fact-based determination of the mount of additional surplus funds or above budget costs that SCA may incur in 2020.
The larger amount of reserve funds spent in the last three years has adversely impacted the SCA reserves.
The restoration of the reserve funds will serve as a safeguard against both future annual assessment increases and a special assessment.
It is already known that the percent of funding of reserve funds is an established need. The avoidance of a special assessment for any purpose, other than an exigent emergency, has serve SCA homeowners well and added to the market value of our property.
The SCA Board should defer action on the disposition of the 2019 and prior year surplus funds at this time so that future SCA Boards have the full range of options under NRS 116 to determine the best use of such funds.
I urge the SCA BOD to defer action on allocating the $416,000 of surplus from prior years for the following reasons:
NRED has previously ruled that surplus funds accumulated in a prior year do not have to be allocated to one of the NRS 116 authorized methods of utilization of the funds until the audit for the prior year is complete AND the Board is afforded time (at least 90 days) to evaluate the best use of the surplus funds, as long as the Board disposes of the surplus funds in accordance with NRS 116 prior to the end of the current fiscal year.
The inability of management to estimate the cost savings from the CoVid-19 closure or an estimate of return-to-service costs means the SCA Board lacks facts to make a fact-based determination of the mount of additional surplus funds or above budget costs that SCA may incur in 2020.
The larger amount of reserve funds spent in the last three years has adversely impacted the SCA reserves.
The restoration of the reserve funds will serve as a safeguard against both future annual assessment increases and a special assessment.
It is already known that the percent of funding of reserve funds is an established need. The avoidance of a special assessment for any purpose, other than an exigent emergency, has serve SCA homeowners well and added to the market value of our property.
The SCA Board should defer action on the disposition of the 2019 and prior year surplus funds at this time so that future SCA Boards have the full range of options under NRS 116 to determine the best use of such funds.
-
From Beverly & Dan Ahern...to...Anthem Opinions
Thank you for keeping us informed so you are aware, I just sent the following email to each board member.
My husband and I purchased a home in SCA in November.
One piece of information that we did not have at the time of purchase was how the board had been operating.
We have been following with great interest several issues that concern us - the self-managed restaurant, the upheaval in the finance committee, the upcoming elections, the GMs salary/contract, and the COVID19 response to name a few.
We are asking ourselves if we bought into the wrong community given what we have come to understand.
According to the notice we received about the meeting on Monday, scheduled FOUR days before the ballot count, this board will vote on critical issues.
We find this objectionable.
The newly elected board should be voting on audit and tax return and the assessment credit; not this board whose members terms have technically expired.
We urge you, as well as the other members, to vote NO, thus letting the newly elected board handle these issues. -
Beverly & Dan,
First of all, no, you didn't buy in the wrong area.
It's beautiful, well maintained, has numerous amenities and some of the most wonderful people; however, every place has its "bad apples" and whereas in most cases you avoid or don't associate with them, it's impossible to ignore those who have control over your life...through Board of Director elections.
This has been the case for years and mostly ignored as a result of low dues and an "I don't care" attitude that might be acceptable in the short run, but with the passage of time, "mediocre" becomes a standard...a standard that will catch up with you.
The very idea of any of the current Board members voting "yes" on such important financial issues to commence when a new board will take over in four days, is an insult to the community, and shows the complete lack of character a person has by allowing it to take place.
Anthem Opinions has always believed all of us deserve the best governance that is financially capable of overseeing an $8-$9 million dollar per year organization, as well as, a friendly attitude when serving us...
...but conducting a vote on such vital matters at this late stage of the game, is just another example of the "control freaks" we've tried to tell people about for years.
Let's hope the right thing prevails and these matters go to a new Board, where they belong.
-
Beverly & Dan,
My wife and I moved to SCA 11 months ago; in general I am 100% in agreement with your comments; I wish I knew more about the Board and Management and the lack of transparency in this community prior to buying;
However, even though I have interacted with Directors; Committees past directors and others since being here, yes way to many lack awareness; honesty and integrity!
I would happy to name names if you're interested.
Yet, I have become a member of the Pickelball Club and everybody seems nice and receptive; I have met many people and in most cases there are a lot of very nice people in this community.
If you have the desire and abilities I would suggest running for the Board or join a committee(Though committees can be difficult depending on the Chairman--do your homework beforehand).
Also, as you have noted, Anthem Opinions provide important information and allows you to voice your opinion.
I hope your time here becomes enjoyable.
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I am 100% for free speech and I have no argument with his topic.
I do not think that as a club president it is appropriate to send such letters to his club members on club stationary.
We have many ethnic groups in our community that have all experienced racism, some more severe than others. I have not seen any of them send such letters to their members.
Everyone has a right to their options but certain topics are not appropriate for community clubs.
If you want to express your feelings find a more acceptable source.