"The Inmates Want To Run The Institution."

SCR - Filing a lawsuit to compel the board to allow a vote is taking no action?

 

How did that work out for you?

 

Actually, Dave it worked out just fine - over 1700 members were represented to voice their opinions. And it did not have to be done in secret!

 

And did your suit compel a vote by the members? The suit was not a class action lawsuit so the members were not represented, although mentioned. The suit was filed in your name, and you had motions before the board that definitely were against the business affairs of the corporation. Your motion would have changed the RCSC to Title 33, having a definite position against the corporation and its business affairs.
In my opinion, your amendment is the primary reason all of the proposed changes were pulled. You were asked repeatedly to pull your motion. You refused. So, nothing gets voted on.
Yep, that’s taking action alright. The repercussions are still being felt.

 

SCR,
The dilemma is what action to take to affect the kind of change the community needs.
Running for the board is not an option for me any longer, since I only have a one year eligibility limit left. With the current members in place on the board,, changes needing to be made and needing support from other board members, the ability for me, personally, to create the positive change needed is beyond my grasp
In days gone by, having a sit-in or other organized event to get some attention is not actionable enough. The only media to cover the event is the local website. No newspaper to print it in or even seek support.
Can’t carry placards or signs, those have been banned and place the members at risk of legal repercussions. So having a good old fashioned strike line is out of the question as well.
We, as members, have been neutered as to what freedom of expression we can participate in. Yes I have given all of these situations some thought, which is why the exasperation of what to do to put my mouth to work to benefit the cause.

 

Carol, I concur that I exposed what was already present - the Board's disregard for the members. You are assuming my motion would have passed. I am not sure it would have passed, and the debate would have been beneficial to the organization. A member derivative suit would have required two things: fifty members to join the suit and a paid attorney to prosecute the case. Once you hire an attorney the nature of the case changes dramatically. I asked repeatedly to discuss the matter with President Foster, and he blew me off. I took every step to limit the amount of attorney's fees and quite honestly, I think it was the board members who sought personal advice that caused any significant fees to be incurred. While you like to make wild accusations without facts, I know you are way off base. I have taken the high road since day one. Your comments are insulting and demeaning, as usual.

 

No, my comments reflect the situation as it was. As more people read your motion, you were repeatedly asked to pull your motion. You refused. You claim it because you wanted to speak to President Foster. Then, why, were you seeking 50 members to sign up to create a class action suit with your financial backing.?
The meeting was over, the decision made by the attorneys, yet you continued to pursue legal action. This is not action trying to make someone talk to you, this is action to compel a lawsuit against the RCSC. It was only after you spoke with outside counsel you decided the action was invalid.
Those are the facts. Accuse me all you want, the actual evidence of what I said is here on these posts.
You might want to reconsider what you are accusing me of saying and doing, as I have done nothing to create any false accusations or misrepresentation with anything I have said. The proof is here in black and white.

 

I shall not reconsider - The suit was dropped promptly after the meeting was over. Getting 50 people for a derivative action was fanciful thinking on my part. You had offered to help. I understand people do not like disruption but sometimes that is the only thing that wakes a community to the fact that they have a runaway board.

 

“I offer my apologies for this unfortunate situation and hope the members understand that the members’ right to vote is very important to me. I need to see this through to the bitter end. I will not react to the threat of being held liable for attorney’s fees that I tried in vain to avoid in the first place. If the GM, Board and Attorney want to make me an example of what can happen to you if you ask the wrong question, so be it. The board lawyer will make money no matter who pays him. That is just a fact and does not in any way suggest he would purposely create controversy just to profit from it. For him it is just business, for me it is the right to vote in my community.”

Does this sound like the action was dropped immediately after the meeting?

 

John,
I offered my assistance at the very beginning but when it comes to legal things like your action you blow me off and/or Pooh Pooh my abilities. I was doing class actions when you were graduating from high school and continued working on them when you graduated college. Maybe together the suit maybe stood a better chance and I would have learned the 50 individuals for a class action as I don’t have a copy of civil procedure rules in Maricopa courts. I personally think your problem with me is that I know what I am talking about and know things not many members know. I have talked law with attorneys in Sun City over the years, including a retired Federal Court judge, and they have been impressed by my knowledge of legal system and civil litigation. You want member involvement and change work then get together with me and discuss items that benefit the members.
D

 

John,
It might not have sounded like it, but Dave made an offer to discuss ways of helping to forward some progress for the benefit of the membership. This may be an opportunity to get two very experienced people together for the benefit of Sun City and discuss ideas based upon the available information known.
Just trying to help

 

Carol,

While I am still a resident of Sun City I will do all I can to help improve the situation. I am currently exploring other communities. I am happy to listen to Dave's ideas.

John

 

If you find an interesting prospect I would love to hear the details. If for no other reason than to stay apprised of what other communities amenities are. And to research what other communities are offering their members. Thank you

 

Carol,

I have a tradition that whenever I am soul searching, I hop on my motorcycle and ride. That ride took me to Sun City West. You are aware that my Christmas disguise requires me to have a long beard and long hair. The person inside is still very kind but many in Sun City take me for a homeless bum or a hells angel (and shun me accordingly). No worries. Immediately before my adventure I ate at Bobbies and had my credit card stolen.

I entered SCW expecting the same treatment. I stopped at the main recreation center and the attendants looked at me and said how can I help you. I explained I was from Sun City and was exploring other communities. To my surprise they said, please feel free to explore and go in any amenity you want to. I mentioned that there were children swimming in the pool and the gentleman said yes there are children's hours at every pool and handed me a brochure with the hours noted.
I next visited the mens club who was having an open house. Actually, there were three tables of poker going on and not much else. My appearance caused me to be noticed and a kind gentlemen put down his cards and asked if he could help me. I again explained why I was there and, somewhat to the other card members annoyance he explained how he loved it in Sun City West. To my surprise they all put down their cards and proceeded to give me an "earful" of what they enjoyed about SCW. Not one of them spoke negatively of Sun City.

I was impressed but it was time to ride "home". I visited one of the RCSC centers to work out and before I could open my mouth the attendant said this facility is for members only. I showed my recreation card and was asked what I was here for. I would like to work out, I said. Without looking up she punched in something in the computer and pointed to the workout area. When I entered the facility, I noticed Board Member Rick Gray and he noticed me. If looks could kill I would be dead. I did my PT and left as quickly as possible. I can shower at home.

Regrettably, I found SCW was living up to our MVV statement and IMHO SC residents were only concerned about themselves, cheap living and excluding those that disagree.

I hope the situation can right itself.

Respectfully,

John

 

Great story John. The outward appearance of anyone, especially a senior, tends to draw ire from others. I believe there’s a stereotypical look that most expect, and when the appearance doesn’t match the expectations, it can become awkward.
Having one’s credit card stolen is a crime of convenience for the thief. The only time I had anything stolen in my life was in Safeway in SCW. Several years ago but it’s just a matter of wrong place, wrong time. Crime has become, truly my opinion only, rampant in Sun City and phase 1 especially. Sun City is a thoroughfare to Youngtown. Not exactly the neighborhood we want right next to us, but except for a few choices made wrong, they wanted to emulate Sun City. MCSO can’t afford to set up and maintain a Sun City office. The RCSC would need to step up and offer space and services to MCSO if there was a desire to have a greater presence. This would include a cash incentive to have additional officers available for the community. MCSO is struggling to cover the county as it is. To want a greater presence would require a monetary incentive to do so.
I am not anti-Sun City, I just believe there’s so much more we could offer as a community. Guess what, that has a price tag associated with it, so nothing new going forward. So, back to you, John. You do know that SCW doesn’t haven’t snow bird directors either. Do some extensive research into Title 33 before you jump. It’s not all about the amenities in SCW either. There are many items that are governed you wouldn’t expect.
That wraps up my soliloquy for the day. Look also at the one 55+ community right off Bell Road but about 2 miles before Sam’s Club in surprise. The HOA is around $125 but has a full time guard at the gate. Usual amenities but also has a speakers club, a wine club and a travel club or group. I don’t know if they ever got the cooking club with kitchen pulled together.

 

Carol, I believe SCW merely requires board members to be a resident and available. Please do your research.

 

I am glad that you mentioned a cooking club with a kitchen, Carole. At the YMCA in my former town, there was a kitchen and meeting room where they partnered with the local hospital to give cooking classes for healthy eating, menus for diabetics, cardiovascular and cancer patients, etc. I think RCSC should do more partnering with our local hospital.

Good luck with your home search, John. Are you really ready to leave that pool that was pictured on your FB page?

 

John,
did my research and look what I found:

Sun City West Owner Members who want to make a difference in their community are encouraged to run for the Governing Board. Candidate packets will be available beginning Monday, Nov. 3.

The Recreation Centers of Sun City West Governing Board is comprised of nine residents who serve as the volunteer governing body in our community. The Board sets the policies under which our Association operates.

Usually, three new members are elected to replace the outgoing volunteer directors who have completed their three-year terms. At this time, the upcoming election also will have a one-year term to fill due to an earlier resignation. The highest three vote-getters will fill the three-year terms, and the fourth-place finisher will fill the one-year term. Terms begin July 1, 2026.

Any resident Owner Member in good standing who is available on a year-round basis for participation in the Association’s business affairs, may become a candidate for election to the Governing Board.
It will need further clarification if being away from the immediate area is in accordance with being available to participate.

 

Carol,

Your research is incomplete. Attendance at any and all meetings can be by electronic means. At least they don't have to hire detectives to see who is sleeping in the Director Candidat's "residence". A joke

 

I got the joke.

I have read the SCW election page as well as candidates requirements, and nowhere does it state that any and all meetings may be attended electronically. Can you please provide the link to where this information is located on the SCW site. Does this also mean that any candidate may never sit in a chair at a meeting because they can phone in their attendance? I have written for clarification from the elections committee at SCW, as I am curious as to what their expectations are for their governance and representation.
As soon as I receive a reply, I will post it here. I find the information most valuable, especially in relation to board candidacy here in Sun City.