Letter to the Editor

Support urged for assessment plan

Having grown up in northeast Oklahoma, I've been aware of Bella Vista for literally decades. It wasn't until about 10 years ago, however, that my wife and I actually visited our city, and we almost immediately started thinking about building a new home.

We started construction in 2007, and once our home was completed in early 2008, I retired to start living the good life.

Having served as the president of a POA at our previous residence in Texas, I was a little surprised at the animus toward the POA Board, yet over our first year it became more understandable. Whether real or imagined, there was a strong perception that the POA Board was a "crony club" that did what they wanted with little need or regard for member input.

It was during that period of time that Mr. Parsons ran for the board and was subsequently elected, and in the interest of full disclosure, I voted for him.

Fast-forward several years and we've seen significant turnover on the POA Board. I have been extremely impressed with the diversity of backgrounds and experience board members have offered in the past few years. I know from experience that serving on a POA Board can be a thankless job, but it can also be very rewarding.

This brings me to my two points:

1. We've seen a number of recent letters to the editor supporting the proposed assessment increase. I understand the earlier attempts to make-up ground since the last increase 13 years ago (and voted for them), it is clear to me that the POA has taken prudent steps to control costs ($900K budget reduction, staffing adjustments, etc.). It doesn't take a CPA to understand what inflation has done to that 2001 buying power. Ron and Judi Corn did an outstanding job of addressing this issue in more detail in a letter to the editor in the Aug. 13 edition.

2. As I admitted earlier, I voted for Mr. Parsons when he ran for, and was elected to, the POA Board several years ago. I truly felt he would be a catalyst for positive change. While I genuinely appreciate his military service and respect his education, I've seen little positive progress from his quixotic efforts beyond the Fourth of July parade. Based on his media coverage alone, it's impossible for me to see him as someone who can bring our fine city together.

I encourage all POA members to support this modest assessment increase. I ask that as you consider mayoral candidates, you will vote for someone who will be a credit to our community.

Ron Williams

Bella Vista

Editorial on 08/27/2014