Sometimes, life throws a curveball at the board and it is forced into a situation that was unexpected, difficult to solve, and the issue divides the membership into two very polarizing points of view. There are cases where there is no right or wrong position and the board of directors is required to accept a position that is unpopular with many of the owners. A good example of an issue that is forced upon an association is the issue of “emotional support” animals. If the building or association is already “pet friendly,” this issue is probably not a big deal. However, in a “no pet” building or community, negative feelings tend to run very high. This is because there are many owners who purchase their unit with the expectation that they would never have to contend with animals in the common areas. Now, because of the Fair Housing Laws, boards are told, by legal counsel, that there is little or nothing that can be done to prevent an owner/resident from bringing an animal into their unit. There have been cases where the board of directors is verbally (and sometimes even physically) attacked by owners who have become so enraged because the board “allowed” animals in their no-pet building.
Everyone involved with a community association whether it be as a member/owner, member of the board of directors or management needs to remain focused on the purpose of the association. That purpose is to maintain, govern and provide for the administrative needs of the community with an eye towards everyone’s quiet and peaceful enjoyment of that community. The governing body i.e. the board of directors, who may or may not be assisted by professional management, are VOLUNTEERS. As such, no one involved in the governance of a community association deserves to be berated or verbally abused by someone who opposes a position that they board has taken or may have had forced upon them.
In today’s world, this “quiet and peaceful enjoyment” concept seems easily lost when we are all bombarded with images on the daily news of people protesting angrily and sometimes violently because of some issue or another. We should all remember that communication should be
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positive and constructive in its focus. Communication is the key. However, unless individuals on both sides of an issue can communicate their position with respect and civility, issues cannot be resolved in a timely manner if at all.
As children, we were often told, “If you can’t say something positive, don’t say anything at all.” Perhaps we should keep it in mind at times and know when to “hold our tongues”!
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