Board has no one to blame but themselves
I first saw Bella Vista in 1965. My parents bought a house on Newquay Lane and retired here in 1978.
I still own and reside in that house. I've observed the dramatic changes in Bella Vista and the POA over the years, some good and some not.
The POA, which operated the village until we "citified," has evolved from a small, semi-democratic -- though frequently contentious -- neighborhood association into a powerful, punitive, mismanaged and bloated corporate entity.
A revolving door of board members, like a pack of drunken hedge fund managers, have for years dropped a fortune on consultants, marketing and advertising, attorneys and computers, high salaries for managers and low wages for the hardest workers, all while the infrastructure crumbles.
The rules and regulations have increased to drive away potential business, builders and buyers. Punitive attitudes and penalties on everything from a boat parked in your driveway to your garage sale sign have irritated many a Bella Vistan and have contributed toward a less than positive view of us to our neighboring communities.
The POA says it's broke. Why? They blame it on recession, inflation and a host of other factors. You will notice they take absolutely no responsibility for the current financial mess.
None.
Accountability should be a main factor in any government entity, but there is none in the POA Board. If a board member won't support the status quo, including a nondisclosure clause, they are booted out.
The POA wants you to believe the "amenities" -- now there's an overworked word -- will disappear if you vote "no", knowing full well that won't happen.
This election is the first phase of the Strategic Plan -- remember it from 2011? -- which states a goal of an all-inclusive property assessment, which means you pay even if you use none of the facilities.
I like golf, but I don't like golf socialism or golf welfare or golf subsidies. The current fee, which I've paid without much complaint until now, should be adequate to fund all amenities with the proper management.
The POA needs to learn to stay within its stated budget and golf should support itself through more efficient and creative management.
Greg "Mac" McFarland
Bella Vista
Editorial on 04/16/2014