A Note to Our Community
Dearest Gentle Reader, If you're familiar with Bridgerton, you'll recognize the voice of "Lady Whistledown"- the anonymous author who shapes narratives from behind the curtain. Recently, our community has seen something similar: a group styling itself as the "Meridian Stewardship Council" has circulated a series of anonymous emails making serious allegations about your Board. Anonymous claims can be compelling, but they also deserve careful scrutiny. A bit of context may be helpful. Last year, a group of homeowners calling themselves "A Team"— ran an organized campaign for Board seats. That election resulted in a clear outcome resulting in only one A Team member joining the board. More recently, some of the same voices appear to be re-engaging, now under a different banner and through anonymous communications, alongside a recall effort. Rather than speculation, let's focus on a few key facts: 1. The Recall ProcessThe recent emails suggest that a recall was necessary because the Board is not following bylaws or California law. However, homeowners always have the option to run candidates in the regular election process, present their views openly, and engage directly with the community. A recall is a separate and costly process, estimated at approximately $10,000, which ultimately is borne by all homeowners. The Board operates with guidance from legal counsel specifically to ensure compliance with governing documents and applicable law. 2. Transparency and Information SharingThere have been claims that the Board is withholding information regarding the remodel. In reality, the Board has shared updates through meetings, newsletters, and direct responses to homeowner inquiries. In at least one instance, a homeowner request resulted in hundreds of pages of documentation being provided. While reasonable people can disagree on what constitutes "enough" it is simply not accurate to say that requests go unanswered. It's also worth remembering that Board and committee members are volunteers. Despite that, they continue to invest significant time working to keep the community informed and projects moving forward responsibly. 3. Allegations and RumorsRecent messages have included implications that Board members improperly disclosed information related to the recall petition. There is no evidence to support this claim. As with any rumor, it is important to consider the source and recognize that information can travel through many channels. Our community works best when discussions are open, respectful, and transparent - not anonymous. If you have questions, concerns, or would like more information, we encourage you to attend meetings, review materials, and engage directly. That is how we move forward constructively. Finally, when you receive your ballot, we encourage you to participate in the process and make your voice heard. Sincerely, Chris Power. Ron Groden. Rich Timberlake. Ellen Coppola. Bruce Lowman. Bill Bidermann
Dearest Gentle Reader, If you're familiar with Bridgerton, you'll recognize the voice of "Lady Whistledown"- the anonymous author who shapes narratives from behind the curtain. Recently, our community has seen something similar: a group styling itself as the "Meridian Stewardship Council" has circulated a series of anonymous emails making serious allegations about your Board. Anonymous claims can be compelling, but they also deserve careful scrutiny. A bit of context may be helpful. Last year, a group of homeowners calling themselves "A Team"— ran an organized campaign for Board seats. That election resulted in a clear outcome resulting in only one A Team member joining the board. More recently, some of the same voices appear to be re-engaging, now under a different banner and through anonymous communications, alongside a recall effort. Rather than speculation, let's focus on a few key facts: 1. The Recall ProcessThe recent emails suggest that a recall was necessary because the Board is not following bylaws or California law. However, homeowners always have the option to run candidates in the regular election process, present their views openly, and engage directly with the community. A recall is a separate and costly process, estimated at approximately $10,000, which ultimately is borne by all homeowners. The Board operates with guidance from legal counsel specifically to ensure compliance with governing documents and applicable law. 2. Transparency and Information SharingThere have been claims that the Board is withholding information regarding the remodel. In reality, the Board has shared updates through meetings, newsletters, and direct responses to homeowner inquiries. In at least one instance, a homeowner request resulted in hundreds of pages of documentation being provided. While reasonable people can disagree on what constitutes "enough" it is simply not accurate to say that requests go unanswered. It's also worth remembering that Board and committee members are volunteers. Despite that, they continue to invest significant time working to keep the community informed and projects moving forward responsibly. 3. Allegations and RumorsRecent messages have included implications that Board members improperly disclosed information related to the recall petition. There is no evidence to support this claim. As with any rumor, it is important to consider the source and recognize that information can travel through many channels. Our community works best when discussions are open, respectful, and transparent - not anonymous. If you have questions, concerns, or would like more information, we encourage you to attend meetings, review materials, and engage directly. That is how we move forward constructively. Finally, when you receive your ballot, we encourage you to participate in the process and make your voice heard. Sincerely, Chris Power. Ron Groden. Rich Timberlake. Ellen Coppola. Bruce Lowman. Bill Bidermann