DOES THE BOARD'S CREATIVITY COUNT WHEN IT REPLACES HONESTY AND FAILED PROMISES OF OPEN GOVERNANCE?

Every member of the current Board, with the exception of Adam Anderson (newly appointed), has failed to follow their promise of open government.  In fact, since the election in November we have been taken back down the trail of closed meetings.  I drove past the office and noticed a sign informing us that there will be another closed meeting.  HERE IS THE NOTICE FROM THE WPA OFFICIAL WEBSITE:

"Secretary for the Board ;of Directors is calling a Executive Board Meeting for Monday January 30th, 2012 @ 7:00 pm at the Wedgefield office.  This will be closed meeting to discuss the Management Contract.  All Board Members are invited."

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When were the promises made and who made them.  Well let's start with the following motion (May 2011 Minutes), approved by the Board, with Garrison, Barrier, Walters, McMillin, Walton and McBride present and voting. 

"Motion to post announcement of any and all executive and special meetings of Board to website and posting of sign at entrance to notify." 

Here's a portion of the Legal Report from the same meeting, presented by then Legal Chair, McBride:

"There were several inquiries regarding open and closed meetings of the WPA Board. Mr. Robert Moran, our Attorney, has presented his opinion on this subject several times and that is for the Board to refrain from conducting business in executive session and/or closed session. Members may be prevented from participating in the meeting, but should be given the opportunity to attend. To the extent any business is ever conducted in executive session, the results of the meeting needs to at least be re-affirmed in open session. The only two reasons for closed meetings are to discuss employee issues and litigation."

Here is what McBride, Cline, DeMarchi, and McMillin pledged in their campaign literature:

"Insist on open, above-board dealings and transparency in every aspect of managing the affairs of the Plantation.  In particular we will:  Hold no closed "executive" meetings except those required by law"

One more time to cover our bases, here is what the Board Attorney of Record wrote:

The following quote is taken from a letter from Attorney Moran to John McBride, Legal Chairman and Jackie Walton, President, dated April 11, 2011:"It is my understanding that a meeting is being held pursuant to a request from one or more of your Board Members for the purpose of reorganization of the Board.  Initially I reiterate my advice to the Board to refrain from conducting business in executive session.  There are very few purposes of conducting meetings which are not open to the Membership. Members may be prevented from participating in the meeting, but they should be given the opportunity to attend.  This includes the organizational meeting conducted at the conclusion of the Annual meeting and, by implication, any subsequent re-organizational meeting.    To the extent any business is ever conducted in executive session the results of the meeting needs to be re-affirmed in open session."

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This Board, as individual members, and collectively appear to be willing to ignore their own pledges, motions, and legal opinion to do their work behind closed doors!  Why? What don't we know?  We don't know whether individual Board Members have spoken out against this, or not.  If they have since they've not only closed the door to us, they've locked their lips!  These actions leave them looking like career politicians, rather than dedicated residents who said they wanted to change the tone of our leadership.

I've sent the following inquiry to the Board:

"I've read your announcements regarding a Executive Board Meeting to be held on January 30th.  Why is it a closed meeting?  When you decided to scheduled it, did any Board Members express concerns about another closed meeting?  If so, please identify them.  Board Members if you opposed this meeting and the Board Community Liaison won't respond, will you as individual Board Members tell me if you opposed it and why?

You are all aware of the Board Attorney of Record's opinion on this matter.  If not, here it is:

The following quote is taken from a letter from Attorney Moran to John McBride, Legal Chairman and Jackie Walton, President, dated April 11, 2011:"It is my understanding that a meeting is being held pursuant to a request from one or more of your Board Members for the purpose of reorganization of the Board.  Initially I reiterate my advice to the Board to refrain from conducting business in executive session.  There are very few purposes of conducting meetings which are not open to the Membership. Members may be prevented from participating in the meeting, but they should be given the opportunity to attend.  This includes the organizational meeting conducted at the conclusion of the Annual meeting and, by implication, any subsequent re-organizational meeting.    To the extent any business is ever conducted in executive session the results of the meeting needs to be re-affirmed in open session."

The meeting is in regard to the management group.  If approved, it impacts every resident.  What is it that you think you have a right to see or hear that I don't?  I don't understand your continuing need to block residents from viewing you at work making decisions for the community I live in.

You are ignoring the advice of the attorney.  To McMillin, McBride, DeMarchi, and Cline, you pledged the following when you were running for office:  "Insist on open, above-board dealings and transparency in every aspect of managing the affairs of the Plantation.  In particular we will:  Hold no closed "executive" meetings except those required by law"

I've printed this letter and additional information on the subject at http://thewedgefieldexaminer.blogspot.com/.  When the Board won't follow legal advice and individual Board Members break their promises, our residents should be informed about it. "

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Will the Board answer?  Probably not.  Will individual Board Members answer?  Probably not.  Will you vote for Board Members who promise openness and fail to produce it?  I hope not, but remember, we are less than a year away from voting again.  Will you write the Board about these closed meetings?

If you have an opinion send it to: wedgefieldexaminer@yahoo.com.  Remember to note whether you want your name included or not.