SPECIAL THANKS TO ASSOCIATION LEADERS
The following is an article written by AMG’s CEO, Paul Mengert which will be published by the national Community Associations Institute.
In November 1947, Winston Churchill said, "...democracy is the worst form of government, except all those other forms ...”
Some 60 years later, I agree with Prime Minister Churchill.
Having served as an association manager and president of a regional management firm for the last 25 years, it is my observation that experienced, well-intentioned, and qualified individuals are (usually) elected to serve as the leadership of the small democracies we call homeowner associations.
Anyone who has managed associations can tell report that within every community, there are difficult people; those with different ideas some of which seem divisive and ridiculous. I have always worried that the unusually difficult persons (with seemingly ridiculous ideas) might rise to power and lead an association in an undesirable and perhaps dangerous direction. However, my experience is this almost never happens.
The mini HOA democracies sort out who their leaders should be very well and in a manner that almost always picks individuals with mainstream, well-founded and reasonable ideas as the leaders. Remarkably, the leaders 9 out of 10 times end up being great people with good skills, who work hard to implement good ideas and make seemingly tireless efforts to also include those with different ideas.
While we occasionally read about ridiculous actions taken by associations, (hopefully in far-away place), there are literally millions of associations that, because they act reasonably and fulfill their mission, are not the least bit of an interesting news story. People just do not like to read about airplanes that do not crash.
I would like to call attention to the associations and their leaders who are helping their members maintain and increase values; those who respect diversity and assist their members - the millions of board leaders who work with their pools, help with community watch, and spend countless hours improving the grounds.
Today, lets compliment and give special thanks to all the millions of HOAs and their leaders who are doing a great job!
Special thanks to attorney Steve Black, with Forman Rossabi and Black, PA for his collaboration with Paul Mengert on this article.