Today marks the beginning of the 45-day voting window for the Lake Royale Board of Directors. While this election may not determine the Commander in Chief or your representatives in Washington, it is equally important because you are choosing who will represent your interests in the community where you live or have invested.

Recent actions by the current board, both real and alleged, should give property owners pause. These actions range from out-of-control spending and attempts to silence dissent and discourse, to the repulsive and disparaging treatment of property owners, and a lack of fiduciary responsibility to the community.

If you have been following the board meetings and agree that change is necessary, it is imperative that you exercise your right to vote. Far too many people sit on the sidelines and then complain about their representatives’ character. With less than half of the eligible households voting, those who abstain allow those controlling large voting blocks—such as the builders—to unfairly sway the election away from the candidates you may prefer.

Change will not necessarily be immediate. The POA Covenants were designed to ensure continuity from year to year. Consequently, the number of seats available in any given year is half or less. Next year, only the Chair and Vice Chair will be on the ballot. If the effort to move the board towards transparency and fiscal responsibility fails during this cycle, the issues mentioned above will likely persist for the next two years.

I joined LakeRoyalePledge because I believe in acting not for our own benefit, but in the best interest of the community. Being part of a TEAM committed to these values, I hope we have earned your respect enough for you to cast your ballot in our favor. However, if we have not, the simple act of casting your vote will indicate where we might have failed to earn that trust.

Please vote your conscience, and if you have the time, say hello at the last Meet & Greet on Saturday, June 8th at the Clubhouse from 10 AM to noon.