I have always been a proponent for people getting involved in their local government. Now of days the most purest form of local government is one that effects our everyday daily life and that no one takes into consideration, it is your local HOA board and the management company that works for them/you. They all actually work for you the residents. Without checks and balance these boards become kingdoms for those who look to abuse the system. Why does this happen; because no one wants to take the time to get involved, just like any form of government, - so you get what you are paying your ever increasing monthly assessment (a tax) for. In most cases it is for mismanagement.
Why should residents care? Because these are people that truly control your every day life; right outside your doorway. They determine on what to spend and charge you and
if they are not financially prudent and have a management company that doesn't give the proper advise - it will cost you, and may cause financial woes going forward for your assosiation.
Now don't get me wrong, most people want to get involved to help the community and make it a great place to live. After all they are residents also and have a vested interest in what goes on. But you still have some who have a personal agenda and are only thinking of themselves. This is where you have to get involved. Now I also understand that some people don't want to run for a board but that is not just the limit of your involvement. Go to a meeting and just
watch and observe and say something. As a disclaimer I was on my board for about 20 years and the reason being was that no one wanted to run for the position. I was always an observer as a board member and now as just a good ole resident.
As for the management company - they manage the everyday functions and in some cases the financial aspects of the associations. The are the supposed day to day experts who do this for a living and should be more knowledgeable then the volunteer board; but the board members should still be aware of what they are doing; after all they work for the HOA and can be replaced by the HOA.
The bottown line here is to get involved - you may find it interesting and also in you and your fellow neirghbors interest. Keeping an eye on things doesn't mean you lack trust but; that you are asking for accountability.
