As the RCSC survey deadline was drawing near, the Sun City Advocates took the liberty of conducting our own survey. With a handful of simple questions and space to expand with you own comments, we were delighted with both the number of responses and the quality of them. I especially enjoyed this comment: "You're a small minority of people led by a guy who hopelessly lives in the past and will write volumes to nitpick minutiae. Seek out the opinions of the silent majority of residents who are very happy living here and not interested in the drama that your group thrives on." The beauty of our survey was we allowed folks the room to share their thoughts, good or bad, right or wrong. We believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. With that caveat out of the way, let me clear up a couple of this posters misconceptions. * Our "small minority of people" are remarkably well versed and there are roughly 400 followers, most are supporters, a handful not. The implication that i am the leader is foolishness as i simply do most of the writing on the site and label it clearly as "one man's opinion." We have no leadership as our function as a group is communication, education and participation. * We did have a clearly stated goal of supporting three viable candidates for the RCSC board election for 2023. And while the poster suggested we didn't represent the majority, those 3 candidates crushed the others and swept onward to a record number of votes. Just saying brother, just saying. * As far as "helplessly living in the past," just duh. Sun City's history is spectacular and anyone who has followed it understands it is our blueprint to the future. I detailed how and why in another thread, so i won't bore you with all of the situations that have been dealt with in the past. It appears as if the poster feels we should trudge through the same mistakes again and again. Foolishness. * Finally, i love the suggestion what the Advocates deal with is "minutia." Really? The give away of our golf courses is minutia? 40 million dollars for a Mountain View is minutia? The general manager wanting to hoard money rather than investing it in club growth is minutia? Again, everyone is entitled to their thoughts and we are more than willing to be criticized when warranted. But let's be objective enough to recognize, the Sun City Advocates played a significant role in the outcome of the current make-up of the board. As far as how you feel about me personally; whatever. You can read the survey results by clicking anywhere on this sentence. PS. The Sun City Advocates love living in Sun City which explains why we are as involved as we are.
A well-versed Member spoke about her disappointment of the ASU Survey at Monday's Exchange. Since this is a business relationship with ASU, RCSC is not helpless here. Pretty much, everyone in any organization/business has a "higher-up". The Board should discuss this, expect answers from the graduate student leading this, his/her professor, even the Dean of the department. There should be a full explanation of how this was developed, why no Beta test was conducted and how to resolve the issue. While surveys can be statistically valid, I haven't always put too much value in their results. It is only one data point! In my career, I developed surveys, using MonkeySurvey for the most part, for feedback on speakers, workshops, trainings, staff input and "customer" satisfaction with our services. (Our school districts were our customers.) I also completed surveys at most of the conferences I attended. The developer can target the issues they want and the questions can be worded toward a desired result. Usually, I found the most interesting information was the individual comments made in the text boxes. I believe there was a committee, separate from the Long Range Planning Committee (?) that was involved in this survey. It's unfortunate there wasn't an email sent to all RCSC Members to apply for participation on that committee. This lady, who spoke at the Exchange, would have been well qualified and a valued member, with an MBA and experience teaching at the college level. (I do not know her but was impressed with her knowledge.) I am wondering if that committee is still functioning, who is on it, and how they were appointed. At the time the committee was announced, I thought it would have been appropriate if each Board Director was asked to nominate someone. I don't believe that was the case. To the Board, please keep us informed as to the status of the survey and your interactions with ASU officials.
Well said, Janet. Like so many other subjects/issues in the RCSC sphere, there is a lack of outreach - seeking input and expertise from the talent that lies within these very walls.
Wow! And where have I read similar comments before? Oh yeah, Bill has commented in many articles, several times, that when he was running the Union he received the best and meaningful advice from the Membership! Perhaps the RCSC needs stop running the corporation like an oligarchy and start running it more like a democracy: a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. The Board of Directors are OUR representatives and they need to consider OUR concerns and comments with a little more seriousness.
"The Board of Directors are OUR representatives and they need to consider OUR concerns and comments with a little more seriousness." At Monday's Exchange, I heard at least three of our Directors, President Fimmel, Vice President McAdam, and Secretary Totten, commit to listening to and involving RCSC Members in the issues before them. Personally I believe them, have faith in others on the Board to do likewise, and will give them the time to do that. I am encouraged!
