I have difficulty writing this posting. Three board terms are up this year - McMillin, Cline, and Walton (John). Rumor is that Cline won't run again, but McMillin, and Walton will. Those two have been on the board for 7-9 years. Like what they do or not, isn't it time that we gave Wedgefield - our community, a chance at new governance, a fresher view at the board table using our governing documents, following the letter of their intent (taken from the PURPOSE STATEMENT OF OUR BY-LAWS): "These are the By-Laws of the Wedgefield Plantation Association, hereinafter referred to as The Association, a non-profit corporation existing under the laws of the State of South Carolina, which has been organized for the purpose of preserving the natural setting and beauty of Development, of establishing and preserving a harmonious and aesthetically pleasing design for the Development, and of conducting the affairs of the Plantation for the benefit of the property owners in a manner which will maintain the high standards of the Wedgefield Plantation Subdivision within Georgetown County, South Carolina. This includes enforcing the Covenants of the subdivision and these By-Laws, the maintenance of the Association's property, if any, and the acquisition of property."
The governing documents are relatively brief, and clear and straight forward. The board's main focus is clearly stated - easy to understand, and follow. We are at a moment of contemplation. Seven to nine years later, have McMillin and Walton (John) really in any concrete, measurable aspect met the PURPOSE of their very seats on the board?
*preserving harmonious and aesthetically pleasing design? Drive through Wedgefield - every piece of it, homes, lots, drainage, roads,- are we better off than 7-9 years ago? Haven't been here that long - seek a response from longer term residents.
*conducting the affairs of the Plantation for the benefit of the property owners in a manner which will maintain the high standards" Seven to nine years later, after reviewing the history of the board meetings - hopefully you attended some, or review the documented articles on the blog, are we satisfied with residents being verbally, and administratively attacked for questioning the application of the governing documents? Is there even, open, and legal action taken in benefit of our community? Are we better off with their service 7-9 years later?
Often the election process gives an opportunity of new life, new voice, and better representation of the residents, our homes, and our community. Deciding to run for a board seat does not mean that you diminish the people who are running for re-election. It is an opportunity to let others be heard, and represent us. I am disheartened by the number of people who write, call, or attend board meetings, and express real concern for what is happening in OUR HOME COMMUNITY and at the BOARD TABLE, and yet when it is suggested that they put themselves on the line and run for board, they don't want to have to face this current board and sit at the board table, and take this board's GUFF!
GIVE WEDGEFIELD A CHANCE AND RUN FOR ONE OF THE THREE BOARD SEATS - IT IS THE EASIEST MOST ETHICAL, WAY TO CHANGE THINGS HERE. RECENTLY, I WAS ASKED HOW WE COULD GET RID OF THE WHOLE BOARD, A QUESTION I'M ASKED MANY TIMES, I ANSWERED THAT THERE ARE WAYS TO DO IT, BUT IT IS TOUGH, AND THE BOARD WILL DELAY THE EFFORTS AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, AT GREAT EXPENSE TO OUR COMMUNITY. MAKE THE CHANGE ONE SEAT AT A TIME BY RUNNING FOR BOARD YOURSELF. THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO WILL COME OUT OF THEIR HIDDEN SHADOWS, AND HELP YOU.
What do you need to do to get started? Your board isn't real helpful here. The July edition of the Wragg states, "There are 3 vacancies and we encourage any resident in good standing, willing to work with fellow members for the greater good, to apply. Nominee resume's may be obtained at the office or downloaded from the WPA website. This is the only format accepted by the Nominating Committee. All applications must be received by the Committee by August 15, 20l7." Yet, the sign outside the WPA office says August 7. The nominating committee will interview each candidate. Follow the resume requirement to a "T". Call the office and ask what is the real date. Nominees will be interviewed by the committee. Please attend, but do not be intimidated by the interview. For years this was never a requirement. It has been added by this board as a fear factor, and a "you have to be able to work with the spirit of the current board", by this board. Don't feel that they get to decide whether you are "worthy". They don't. Legally, if you apply according to the resume deadline, using their form, (please attend their fake interview), AND have your assessments paid up to date, AND your name is on your deed, this board HAS to accept your attempt at gaining one of these board seats. There are people willing to help you with the rest, not just me, but many more in the community. If you need help filling out their form, or anything else - email me wedgefieldexaminerthe@yahoo.com. I'll help you quietly, and no one will ever know, and I won't tell.
I'll close with a quote from a wise resident who recently wrote the board, after some real ill treatment. He spoke of the qualities needed to be on the board. Here it is:
" After looking at the ARC last night I understand why Wedgefield is in such poor condition. They think that falsifying intimidation, favoritism, bullying, and conflicts of interests, are only "politics". I do not think our leadership positions require a college degree and a hands on tradesman, skilled worker, or entrepreneur, may even serve better but honesty and integrity should be a given." PS: I hope that the resident currently suing this board, and the resident recently stating that they'll sue the board, will consider running for board. You obviously know that change is needed, and lawsuits don't prohibit you from running for board.
