If elected, do you agree to ask for and abide by the majority decision of the Briar Chapel Homeowners regarding community landscaping, use of chemicals and the preservation of our wetlands?
From Larry Tollen | Great Ridge Parkway
Candidate Answers:
- Kate Bice: As I have answered before, I think it is incredibly important that the Board has a firm understanding of the concerns and priorities of the homeowners. It is useful in making informed decisions to know where the community tends to see things. While this information is important, it is not, nor should it be, the sole determining factor for how decisions are made, and policy is implemented in our community. There are legal restrictions in place that help guide the Board in evaluating how it makes decisions regarding landscaping, such as the community wide standard; and the wetlands, which are already protected spaces.
- Bob Lijana: I am open to suggestions from homeowners on how to improve the process by which the opinions of the vocal minority can be reconciled and merged with those of the silent majority. Do note that a simple “majority” is not sufficient for making binding decisions such as changing our governing documents. Also note that it takes voices to foment change. As I’ve said many times, with patience and persistence (along with open and respectful communication), we collectively can move forward marvelously.
- Liz Rolison: I welcome homeowner input on any decision that the BCCA Board must reach, including: landscaping practices, herbicide use and care and management of our natural resources (such as Pokeberry Creek, our wetlands and wildlife). I have advocated for a survey of homeowner opinions on landscaping practices, but have not yet had board consensus on taking this step.
- As a board member, I also have a fiduciary responsibility to do the due diligence on any BCCA decision to ensure that we are safe guarding BCCA assets and spending. Sometimes a decision that I personally support, such as moving our landscape contractor to electric equipment rather than gas powered equipment is in conflict with the fiduciary responsibility and we have to work with our contractors to make these changes over time to prevent a jump in cost that would have to be paid by our homeowners.
- Tom Speer:I think it is the responsibility of the elected board to listen to the community and to then make decisions that are in the best interest of the community.
- William Weitz: Yes.