Parsons not most qualified for mayor
I read the article in the Aug. 13 Vista regarding Mr. Parsons and his plans to run for mayor of Bella Vista.
Contrary to what Mr. Parsons quotes:
1. Not all of us retirees have died. According to the 2010 census, 8,341 (31.5 percent) of Bella Vista residents are over the age of 65 and fit into the age bracket for retirement, and there are more than 76 million Baby Boomers who represent a huge potential retirement market for Bella Vista.
2. Yes, some homes have begun to age; however, in this 50-year-old community, 4,626 new-home permits have been issued since year 2000, accounting for approximately one-third of all homes in Bella Vista.
Mr. Parsons almost single-handedly takes credit for incorporation of Bella Vista, thereby totally discounting the hard work and efforts of many other supporters of incorporation. Taking credit is something Mr. Parsons does extremely well regardless of whether or not it is accurate or deserved.
In spite of numerous and futile attempts to explain to Mr. Parsons the reasons why it is virtually impossible to dissolve the POA, he still wants to turn over POA amenities to the city and establish a recreation and parks department.
His assertion that anyone can use the POA amenities in Bella Vista is misleading. It is true if you are paying assessments, and it is also true if you are a registered guest of a property owner; however, as a guest, you must pay a guest fee, which is a considerably higher fee than that of a card-holding property owner. Golf, for example, is not, as he alleges, virtually "open to the public."
I will defer comments on Mr. Parsons' military service record. I have the highest regard and respect for all men and women who serve in the military and for my fellow veterans. I would encourage anyone who wishes more information on his military service to read his autobiographical book, "Hillary and Other Bullies," to more clearly understand the extent and scope of both his Green Beret and Vietnam duty.
I do, however, adamantly disagree with his hypothesis that "the problem is that the POA has been in control, taking money from the people. We need to stop the assessments and transfer those to the city in the form of a millage." Assessments are designated for the maintenance and improvement of POA amenities and to protect property values. Note that all Bella Vista property owners enter into a legal and binding obligation to pay their assessment fees when they enter into a purchase agreement.
As for the position of mayor of Bella Vista, I will cast my vote for whom I believe is the most qualified and experienced candidate. Mr. Parsons is not that candidate.
All of the other candidates possess significantly more experience in both business matters and community planning.
Mike Erixon
Bella Vista
Editorial on 08/27/2014