Is Sun City Back?

Sorry Carole, no disrespect intended, but after the last 15/20 years it's just my opinion you don't have the right audience here. Especially after reading the Opinions in The Independent over the past 2 months.

 

there is a lot of rehab going on in Phase one if you would only get out of your titanium re-enforced love and meander down here from your crime ridden neighborhood.

 

What in the hell is that? titanium re-enforced love???

 

Love seat. Never type after 10 PM.

 

What is the purpose of a titanium re-enforced love seat?

 

Getting back to the original thread, Is Sun City back? IMHO there have been some positive and painful changes, and the community continues to struggle with the dichotomies within its membership. There are snowbirds, permanent residents, renters, investors and owners. There are large differences in physical ability with some not able to enjoy the amenities offered and others able to enjoy a full day of activity every day. There are differences in financial abilities with some in poverty and others financially secure. There are differences of opinion.

In order to be "back" I think we need a vast majority of our population to put their differences aside and focus on how to compromise for the good of all of our recreation. There will always be those WIIFM folks who come out of the woodwork whenever someone other than them is perceived to receive something. There will also be the loud lobbyists who believe that their agenda is the highest priority. In such an environment I believe our community would benefit immensely from clear headed expert advice based on relevant data. Without an expert to guide us through this maze of differences and options, I think my answer is Sun City will always be back to doing exactly what it did before, and the slow decay will continue. If our volunteer leaders choose to admit that long term planning is something best left to experts, I think my answer would be Sun City is back on the correct path.

 

This really bothers me about the "leaders". I have said this same thing many times only to be ridiculed, sworn at. belittled. When the talk was about members paying to "beautify" and possibly buy or pay to rent space for cute shops I said no. Many of us don't have the money. I really got beat up then. It has been a top down problem since 2006. I remember vividly because my mom was at home on hospice and I spent a lot of time at home off work. Had some time to read. I am not going to rehash what I said yesterday. I do have a lot to say, but will save it for the Opinion section.

 

John,
I agree. To me, the key words in your message are "compromise" and "clear headed expert advice".

 

How about word “consensus “? Often used, little understood. Each interest group ought to ask themselves this question— “what can they live with?”.

 

Bill talks about SC having the reputation for being the cheapest. The BOD perpetuates that perception by its continual Do It Yourself attitude instead of bringing in experts to move us forward. You are absolutely correct, without change, this community will continue to erode. Nothing is being done to improve the situation. Too many people are looking back instead of looking forward.

 

I always look back for the express purpose of looking forward. That said, our days of being "cheap" are over. I know that is uncomfortable for those who moved here to live cheaply but we no longer have that luxury.

We have far too much at stake to ignore the challenges and problems we have by kicking the can down the road.

 

If one looks at any other 55+ communities within the State of Arizona, not one is as cheap as we are. Unfortunately, being the cheapest is causing concerns for the community as a whole. Like it or not, money needs to be made available for items that will engage the members to participate and become enthralled with the community. People who feel the community has the members interest as a priority will want to find ways to get involved. First thing is to provide outreach to the members in whatever form that looks like.
I believe some of these activities could be geared to be each rec center serving each area so participants can enjoy being close to home and perhaps meeting some of their immediate neighbors. Big picture events are nice, but small neighborhood activities could do wonders to bring members back. I also suggest it be held on a weekend so those still working can attend as well. Sometimes something simple and fun can be a great way to involve the members in what the RCSC can truly be.
These suggested activities are only a small part of building the members trust of the leadership team. The directors need to find out what is a priority and what can be delegated Going over specs on AC units should be off-loaded to a designated person familiar with facility management. I am sure there are other mundane items to be included which should not be a priority for the directors, but rather a competent person who can provide the oversight and guidance needed for completion.
The directors are members who stepped up and volunteered their services and time to their community. They need our support, but we need them to provide outreach to the community. We don’t know what they want and we need them to prioritize us in their decisions. A more communicative approach to member engagement would be a great starting point.

 

I agree 100%. The board should focus on policy, budget and oversight. Management should focus on finding cost effective ways to run the operations with the money we have. "We" should hire an expert to advise on long term planning and let them do the analysis required. It is as simple as that.