My favorite aspect of the current Board’s communication procedures is the actual Q&A sessions that have been a part of every board meeting and town hall. When residents ask questions, answers are immediately given by one or more Board members with background information, previous discussion, and current thinking. Neighbors aren’t just left with silence or active censorship and suppression from the BCCA attorney, like what happened during previous Board incarnations. This has improved communication and trust in the community.
Will all Board candidates commit to keeping this style of Q&A, rather than reverting to just Q, if they are elected?
From John Mark Bojanski | Hill Creek
Answers from Candidates:
- Kate Bice: As a long-term homeowner, I appreciated the change to the Q&A style format that the Board adopted recently. Since moving here in 2011, it was the first time that there had been room to allow dialog to take place and for people to have an opportunity to be heard and, more importantly, responded to. Town hall meetings are a great opportunity for residents to come and engage with the Board of Directors for back-and-forth dialog. It is my hope that we can get better engagement and more opportunities for this to happen. While public Board meetings allow for there to be some dialog, it is important to remember that it a working meeting as well, to continuing open two-way communication at the beginning of to publicly conduct the business of the Association. I am firmly committed these meetings before we move into the business of the meeting.
- Bob Lijana: I am open to suggestions on how to keep the resident input section of the public Board meetings effective for all parties. Having tentative agendas published in advance would help residents recognize opportunities to offer comments/suggestions to the Board on the topics being discussed. Additional topics which are important to the community should have multiple and diverse opportunities to be shared (e.g., Town Halls, informal Q&As, community cafés).
- Liz Rolison: Absolutely. This approach was started this year under my leadership as Board President. I think it is important to look for opportunities to openly share information with residents, respond to their questions and let them know more about what the board is actively working on. It is also important for us to listen and hear about resident concerns and be open to considering ideas that residents bring to us. In my view, the Q&A in the Homeowner Forums (during monthly Public Board Meetings) and the Town Halls (held every quarter) are an essential part of the role of the board.
- Tom Speer: I remember my first two board meetings (standing room only) where residents signed up to speak when they arrived. I really liked that original format and we allowed 10 residents to speak as time allowed. Back and forth during board meetings is really the challenge and as long as every board member has a opportunity to participate I have no problem with current style.
- William Weitz: I commit to the Q&A format as asked in the question. I would like to expand access by allowing sign-ups at the event with a sign in sheet and online.