Why, I Love My HOA

-- End Ad Box --->August 2001, Robert Gates, past CIA director
I love my HOA. Not familiar words. Mostly I hearand current Secretary of Defense for the Obama
words of contempt, anger, frustration where hateAdministration gave a talk on Leadership, to
is substituted for love. Call me crazy but I have25,000 Boy Scouts, at a Centennial Jamberal in
sacrificed money, when there was vary little tothe Deserts of Utah. He said,"But to realize this
go around, time, at the expense of recreationalvision of the future to fulfill the wonderful
activities, to become a Certified Communityopportunities that lie before us. We Americans
Manager. Why? Because, I love my Country. Yes,must abandon our long held dream that we can
the two are infinitely connected.put down the obligations the responsibilities the
While studying to become a Certified Communityduties of leadership."
Manager, I discovered the basis for communityThis is a call for Local Leadership, which was given
organization is the same system the Founding10 years ago. Regardless of age, health, social
Fathers of the United States organized as theposition, wealth, education, or personal
Government of the United States, acircumstance, we cannot ignore “our Duty of
Representative Republic.Leadership”.
In an article written by David Barton JanuaryIf you are prepared to lead, to accept
2001, titled Democracy vs. Republic, David said,responsibility, to care about principles and causes
"We have grown accustomed to hearing that webeyond self interest, to serve the public good,
are a democracy; such was never the intent. Thethen the potential is bright for peace prosperity
form of government entrusted to us by ourand democracy.
Founders was a republic, not a democracy. OurRobert Gates also said in that same speech in the
Founders had an opportunity to establish aUtah Desert, “In the order of the arrow ordeal
democracy in America and chose not to. In fact,ceremony, the medicine man Mataeu recounts the
the Founders made clear that we were not, andlegend of Chingatsgau Chief of the Delewares. In
were never to become, a democracy:"that legend noble Unguis son of Chingatsgau
The current United States government hasvolunteers for a dangerous mission saying these
shifted to empowering the Legislative, Judicial andwords “if we would remain a nation we must
Presidential arms of our governance, andstand by one another”.
abandoned the structure of a RepresentativeLet us both urge on our kindred, firm devotion to
Republic.our brethren, ourselves forgetting. Let us catch
I took a stand. To stand with the governancethe higher vision, let us find the greater beauty in
that was envisioned by our Founding Fathers, athe life of cheerful service.
“Representative Republic.” I stand on thisBe prepared to serve and to lead remembering
decision and believe it is best for Communitythe words of Noble Unguis, “if we would remain
Associations, City, County, State and Federala nation we must stand by one another”. Catch
Governments.the higher vision; find the greater beauty in the
The electing of Barrack Obama, told one thing,life of cheerful service.”
the United States is looking for Leadership.I am an Eagle Scout. I have pledged from this
President Obama has not been the answer. Thenday forward that, “On my Honor, I will do my
sprung up the Tea Parties many think they areDuty, to God and my Country (and
looking for “The One”, to lead. I am notCommunity)…”. This is why I have developed
looking for “The One”, because I believe anythe website, Barrack Obama said it best, “I am
leadership from “The One”, will be wasted ifa Community Organizer.”
“The Many”, are not experienced withThe purpose of the website is for Leadership
leadership on a local level.Training of elected HOA Presidents, Board
I believe if a person can tead a Home OwnersMembers and Committee Chairmen. I want these
Association, or any type of Communityelected Leaders to learn of how the Founding
Association, using the nine principles of communityFathers of the United States of America
governance:envisioned our modern Home Owners
Principle1: There must be a Legal Basis for everyAssociations, HOA's, (a.k.a. Community
action;Associations, Condominium Associations,
Principle 2: Every Community must have goodcommon-interest developments). A
Management and Leadership;Representative Republic is how they should be
Principle 3: Rule Development & Enforcement isgoverned.
essential;Leadership must be part of that governance,
Principle 4: Board Meetings & Decision Makingtherefore training and leadership review for
requires a partnership with God;everyone in leadership positions is important. I also
Principle 5: Budget & Reserves must be followed;want the Leaders of today to know why
Principle 6: Assessments must be collected;Abraham Lincoln, at Gettysburg, said that
Principle 7: Financial Statements must be producedGovernments should be, "Of the People, By the
for public consumption and discussion;People and For the People."
Principle 8: Risk Management & Insurance is aThis is my dream and my quest. To make
proper public good for community financialinformation about Community Leadership so
planning;spectacular and simple, that is will be known and
Principle 9: Proper Maintenance on Public andused across the Nation. May I please enlist your
Community assets should be budgeted andhelp in making this website known?
administered.This project must be a viral campaign and by
Adhering and leading a community under theseword of mouth, because I, the project founder,
Nine Principles, as well as overseeing conflicthave very little money for other means of
resolution between neighbors and emergencyspreading the news of the existence the website,
planning for the community, gives no betterGod Bless you for all that you can do.
training for City, County, State and FederalIf you should have any questions or want to
Leadership. I believe “The One”, will be foundspeak to me personally, please feel free to do so.
amongst, “The Many,” those who areSincerely yours
already serving the community.Phillip N.