Condo Election Monitors
Valmore Lucier’s Condo Board Election Revolt on condo electioneering & fraud would have you in stitches if the consequences weren’t so sad. As board victim Karoline Kuebler wrote: “Guess who broke all the rules, who harassed, terrorized, discriminated and destroyed….the Board.” (Download the eBook version of Lucier’s book on StarrPublications.com).
To the Board of Directors of the Mystical Condominium Association
Dear Board Member:
On January 17, 2011, I submitted the candidacy form for the Board of Director position to our Property Manager and ask her for specific policies and procedures regarding the regular election process. Although they were very kind, neither the property manager nor her assistant could give me accurate and precise information regarding this vital process for our democratic election. I understood that passing the exam for the Florida Bar or the CAM license doesn’t turn these professionals into association election specialists.
Florida Statute Chapter 718.112(2)(d)(3) and Chapter 61B-23.0021 of the Florida Administrative Code provide specific rules and previsions for election process. Property Managers, Attorneys and Board of Director need to know this process.
Pursuant to Florida Statutes Section 718.5012(9) the Office of the Ombudsman can provide us with an election monitor. It’s a very good investment in the peaceful, neighborly relationships of your community, especially if there are already rumors of malfeasance and election fraud circulating among your neighbors. Election Monitor policies and procedures of condo board elections prevent controversy, manipulation and misconduct.
Surprisingly, many unit owners were opposed to signing the Petition. They were mislead and misinformed regarding the role of the Monitor and about the cost and fees. Furthermore, some unit owners feel afraid and intimidated. The total cost of the Election Monitor will be around $300.- or free if the Ombudsman attends in person. The information that was circulated was incorrect, not thousand of dollars.
Unfortunately, the Petition for Monitor Election was denied. Celebration of this denial clearly shows lack of neutrality. Management Office should play an impartial role and conduct themselves accordingly, safekeeping the interests of all 309 units equally. This would be an excellent opportunity to show all unit owners transparency and lack of interest in personal agendas. A fair election is a very effective way to guarantee the integrity of our association and can save a lot of money and frustration.
The integrity of elections in condominium associations has been seriously compromised. Legislative reforms are required to ensure that condo owners have democratic election procedures in place that are firmly enforced.
Sincerely,
Daniel Baschkier
CC: Board of Directors and Property Manager, Office of the Condominium Ombudsman.