Hello, neighbors, We have 5 candidates running for the 2 open board positions. 1 person is running unopposed for the head of Architectural Control. Update: 1 person has withdrawn her name. Voting will be at the pavilion at the annual membership meeting on Sunday, May 4th, at 3 pm.
All of the candidates were asked the following questions:
1. Why do you want to serve on the POA board?
2. What qualities do you have that you will bring to the POA board?
3. What do you think is the biggest issue in the neighborhood currently?
4. What types of improvements do you think would benefit the neighborhood?
Let’s meet our candidates.
Carlton Graves is running unopposed for the head of Architectural Control.
1. My desire to serve on the board comes from my experience here these last 4 years. I want to bring a sense of sensible, non-biased, non-confrontational, servant-minded leadership to our board. This neighborhood should be able to work together and behave as sensible human beings who have one goal, to continue to sustain the conditions and integrity of the neighborhood.
2. The professionalism I’ve operated with over the last 15 years in retail that has brought me success in my career is the same professionalism I operate with in my daily life. I will bring a commitment to the job, the neighborhood. And that commitment does not allow itself to be compromised by any alliances or personal ambitions. I’m a member of various teams in my work life, so I am well-versed in collaboration efforts and policy reviews. I’ve dealt with union negotiations and contract disputes, so I’m familiar with making decisions based on black and white guidelines.
3. Our biggest issue in the neighborhood is that the amount of personal vendettas that exist is taking precedence over true collaborative efforts needed for neighborhood advancement and decision making.
4. While I believe our neighborhood’s physical condition is commendable, I believe we could enhance our community by organizing more events that foster camaraderie. We’ve had a few such events in the past, including Easter-themed gatherings, community yard sales, and Christmas decoration contests. However, I suggest we regularly organize events specifically for our children at the pavilion, such as family movie nights at the pool, or community service opportunities in town done in the name of Heritage Farm subdivision. Additionally, I think we would benefit from considering establishing a dog park. This would provide a space for our numerous dog-owning neighbors to socialize and interact with their furry companions while allowing their dogs to play and practice socialization.
Tanner Ward is running for one of the two open board position.
1. Heritage Farm is a great neighborhood, and I’ve loved living here for the past 8 years. I want to do my part to help keep it a great place to call home.
2. I’m an executive at a group of advertising agencies, so I have operational/leadership experience and am an effective communicator. I enjoy problem-solving and resolving conflicts. i’m open and approachable, but will stand firm when needed. I also understand organizational finances.
3. I think the board’s biggest opportunity is solving the perceived lack of transparency with residents. This comes through better communication from start to end. I can see progress over the past year and think I have the skills to continue making progress in this area.
4. I’d like to see more events like we had last year at the pavilion/pool, especially ones where residents of all ages and families without kids want to attend. Also, I know we have some necessary repairs/replacements that need to be attended to first, but I think we should start dreaming/brainstorming about our next quality of life improvement down the road– something, whether an amenity or a service, that the neighborhood can get excited about and look forward to.
George Mendonca is running for one of the two open board positions.
1. A neighbor mentioned to me that ya’ll were needing people to help out on the board. As I told him, I have never been on a board, but I would try my best to help out.
2. I was in the restaurant business for 45 years. I had to deal with lots of drama and to make people happy. My parents taught me common sense, which seems to be uncommon nowadays. I also have a wife and we both care about where we live.
3. The only thing that bothers me is that we don’t have just one garbage company for the entire community. But I can live with it. I don’t believe I’ve ever read the rules of Heritage Farm, so I’m not sure about things like people leaving their dogs outside all day barking. Things like that.
4. No sure what would make Heritage Farm better at this point. We love it here.
Albert Cimino is running for one of the two open board positions.
1. Want to be part of the decision-making process that shapes our neighborhood By serving on the board, I can directly influence decisions that impact our daily lives and help create a more positive environment.
2. I’ve been on the board in the past and had no issue while servicing the board.
3. I think there are several issues that need attention.
4. Rock wall at the pool needs addressed, landscaping at fronts need attention and more volunteers for the day to day stuff.
Mike Titsworth is running for one of the two open board positions.
1. I want to help my neighborhood be the top neighborhood in the Benton/Bryant area. With the current state of turmoil that surrounds the POA, I would like to be a part of a solution. I believe that more representation and debate will result in a better stewardship of the neighborhood.
2. My first quality is being a homeowner in this neighborhood for close to 20 years. I have many friendships throughout the neighborhood which would assist in being a quality representative of the community. I am a Vice President of a multi-state heavy civil construction company; my business experience will help in multiple aspects of executing the duties of the POA board. I have countless volunteer hours in the past 20 years along with previous service on the POA board.
3. I think the biggest issue currently is the lack of communication and transparency between the POA board and the homeowners.
4. Updates to the common areas and continued community outreach and events are vital to maintaining a strong neighborhood.
Bob Patterson is running for one of the two open board positions.
1. To help safeguard property values by maintaining high standards for the community while avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
2. Ability to get along with others and communications.
3. Lawn maintenance and landscaping!Also parking vehicles in the road!
4. Having voluntary help to keep expenses down. This is a way to meet people in the neighborhood. Also all the bushes in the entrances need to be removed.
