It’s President’s
Day today. Time to honor Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln
and all the other Presidents. Let’s not forget Smith, Cohen,
Jones, Martinez and Miller.
I know the last few
names on the list weren’t Presidents of The United States. I
haven’t totally lost my mind….yet. But surely, these last names
represent Presidents who have served on Boards of Directors of
community associations throughout the State of Florida since
condos and HOAs came into existence.
Just like our
Founding Fathers, these Presidents too had to wrestle control of
their communities away from tyrants who tried to force their
dominion and control over their communities long after they
weren’t wanted anymore. We know them as “developers.”
These Presidents
too tried to maintain order in a community searching for
reasonable taxation i.e. “assessments” and the opportunity to
address their grievances. See: “3 minute rule” at Board
meetings.
Just like current
and former Presidents rely on the IRS to force the people to pay
their fair share, the association Presidents rely on the
association attorney to do the same thing. And in terms of
having to face the music, instead of only one “State of the
Union” address, don’t condo and HOA Presidents have to face
their communities at meetings several times a year or more?
They even have to ride in the same elevator with their sometimes
unhappy constituents, all without secret service protection.
I’ll bet no Clinton
or Bush was ever harassed about their administration’s policies
while shopping at Publix or mowing their own grass. But I know
Smith, Cohen, Jones, Martinez and Miller have.
To top it off, the
U.S. President gets free, housing, food, transportation and a
$400,000.00 annual salary. Association Presidents have to pay
for the abuse they get. And talk about better living
conditions……….The White House Pool doesn’t close at 8:00 p.m.
and no U.S. President ever had to worry about not having enough
quarters to do a wash or had to purchase those annoying laundry
tokens.
The courts of this
state have already ruled that condominium owners comprise a
little democratic sub society. So I ask you. On this
President’s Day. While of course we should be honoring the
leaders of our country, should we not also be saying thanks to
the Presidents of our association Boards for at least having the
courage to give it a try?
Any by the way…… for those that question their President’s
willingness to do what’s right and comply with the law, let me
say congratulations and thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of
Presidents and Board members who took time out from their
schedules to attend our last two Certification Courses in
Hollywood and in Orlando. It was an honor meeting you. To see
some of the Presidents who care to learn the law, click here:
https://www.facebook.com/Condo-Craze-and-HOAs-110621888990089/photos_stream
