See Part I, Posted October 29THE WEDGEFIELD CIVIC GROUPTHE WEDGEFIELD CIVIC GROUP PLATFORM
The Wedgefield Civic Group presents, "Our Pledge To Wedgefield". As with the Concerned Citizens, I don't believe that it was mailed to every home. To their credit, unlike the Concerned Citizens, it can be viewed by everyone at The Wedgefield Times. The pledge is one page, with several key bullets. They promise to insist on open, above-board dealings and transparency: no closed "executive meetings" - except those required by law, no votes in closed meetings, contract of services legally and properly through written competitive bids, contracts with licensed, bonded, and insured vendors. They will treat each other, and residents with respect, provide responses to resident questions, and sign and live by the WPA Code of Ethics. Board Members will provide written monthly reports. They will ensure residents have access to documents as outlined in the By-Laws and Policy Manual. In the financial area, they will retain a properly certified CPA for accounting services, insist on annual audits by a CPA, and reactivate the "compliance committee".
The Wedgefield Civic Group candidates are: Janine Cline, Al DeMarchi, John McBride, Larry McMillin, and Bill Steiner.
What Should You Consider: Please read through the complete pledge. It is a reinforcement and a detailed promise to govern Wedgefield openly, with respect for fellow Board Members and all residents, under the WPA governing documents, and according to good business judgement, supported by the code of ethics. It is a strong, clearly enunciated pack to conduct business, rather than tear down previous Board's, and carry out vendettas, at your expense.
Enough said here, the pledge/platform couldn't be clearer.
The Wedgefield Civic Group candidates are: Janine Cline, Al DeMarchi, John McBride, Larry McMillin, and Bill Steiner.
What Should You Consider: Please read through the complete pledge. It is a reinforcement and a detailed promise to govern Wedgefield openly, with respect for fellow Board Members and all residents, under the WPA governing documents, and according to good business judgement, supported by the code of ethics. It is a strong, clearly enunciated pack to conduct business, rather than tear down previous Board's, and carry out vendettas, at your expense.
Enough said here, the pledge/platform couldn't be clearer.
The Wedgefield Civic Group Candidates
The Wedgefield Civic Group candidates are Janine Cline, Al DeMarchi, John McBride, Larry McMillin, and Bill Steiner. Their resumes are provided in your Annul Meeting packet. The Wedgefield Times provided space on their website for each candidate to add additional information. The Concerned Citizen candidates have not responded. Review their resumes and comments.
Three of the Wedgefield Civic Group candidates, if elected offer an untainted advantage. They haven't been involved in the lawsuits, served on the Board, and may be the "fresh start", many of us are looking for. They are Cline, DeMarchi, and Steiner.
Two of the candidates, McMillin and McBride have Board experience, which isn't a bad thing, in fact it allows you to review their records. Spend time with the minutes and tapes of the meetings.
We'll examine their resumes, what they had to say about themselves, and where appropriate, their records, and their fit with the pledge.
Janine Cline:
Cline has over 30 years experience operating a small business, would like to see a reserve for weather clean up and inspection of the live oaks, lining our entrance. If elected, she should bring a strong business sense, including contracts, bidding, and a fresh look at the problems of the association. It would appear from her statements that she wants the appearance of Wedgefield to shine. Since she hasn't served on the Board, there isn't a record to review, but she has stayed with her business and operated it for 30 years. I'd give her my vote, and look to her to keep her pledge and help Wedgefield.Al DeMarchi:
DeMarchi has not served on the Board, but has brought his experience with developers and builders to ARC. I observed him in that capacity when I served on the Board. He spent untold hours working on a rewrite of the ARC regulations, he stayed behind Huggins, demanding paperwork prior to sign off, etc. He worked on the Compliance Committee, called by the 2008 Board. I've heard him talk some about his work on the Hospice Board, and you can hear his dedication and commitment to helping the organization grow. He's been there for the community to help at special events, and involves himself in the special groups in the community. I'd give him my vote in a heartbeat, because I believe his heart, experience, and dedication to a thriving community is there. He'll bring a different type of "seasoned" , direct speak freshness to the Board. He'll live up to the pledge.
Bill Steiner:
Steiner, is a long time resident and educator in the community. He doesn't have WPA Board experience, but he appears to have a dedicated interest in the Board oversight of our community. The evening of each of our Board Meetings, many of us debate with ourselves, as to whether it is worth our efforts to leave our home and go to the meeting. Our meeting facility has changed over the years. I've watched Bill get his wheel chair in, at some very inaccessible buildings to attend a meeting, give an opinion, and observe our Boards at work. I reviewed his writing regarding the county drainage issue. It indicates hours of research and a willingness to share information so that you can make a good decision. He talked to me about it a while ago, and left the impression that no stone would be left unturned. There is every indication he would keep the pledge, assist in educating us on the issues, and voting openly and honestly, in the best interests of the community. He gets my vote, and the opportunity to help Wedgefield move forward.
McBride & McMillin - Candidates With a Board Record:
McBride's resume and writing advocates the importance of the By-Laws, focus on long range planning, and facilitating realistic budgeting, and an increase in community involvement. He has served on the Board twice. He has experience as Board Secretary and Legal Chair. Each time he has served under tough circumstances and handled his responsibilities with integrity, and stays with a problem until it is totally revealed, and offers relevant options to make Wedgefield better. He has questioned some outrageous moves by the 2011 Board, often with no support, from Board Members who should have been there to help him bring the issues forward, and didn't. Month after month, he stayed the course to expose poor contracting, question the adverse ramifications of a vote the Concerned Citizen majority Board, was going to push through anyway. He did it for us, and for our community. I believe McBride will uphold the pledge. He gets my vote, and if I could, I'd give him a second vote, just to let him know, his efforts were recognized and appreciated. When will I learn to insert graphics on this program so I can give him two thumbs up? You'll have to imagine them, but they are there!
PLEASE NOTE: Part III - "The Wedgefield Civic Group's Fifth Candidate", will be posted later today.
