I was away visiting my aging mother, so I
missed the last HOA Board meeting. When I returned, I heard the recounted stories of how the Board
President Stu Stryker, abused and mistreated one of the community residents and
since the Board decided to stop video taping the Board meetings, we now have no
way, to witness the Board’s actions and behavior.
I came across a recount of the event by a
resident registered nurse who sent this email to the HOA Board of Directors,
which I would like to share with you:
Dear Board
Once again Stu Stryer has outdone himself by his
attempted intimidation and browbeating of a homeowner with a script that
most likely comes directly from Boot Camp for Board Members. Many of us are now
aware of how the Boot Camp trains the Board leading them to think they have
"power over" us, and that they do not work for the homeowners. The
result of this Boot Camp seems to be what we all had to experience as we
watched the Board Member attempt to humiliate and demean a homeowner, John K.
The worst part of the whole interaction with Stu and
Mr. Kuchinski was the serious finger pointing and bullying that John was
subjected to by Stu who refused to listen and learn, and who was more intent on
disgracing his "opponent" than actually having a conversation of
equals while hearing the real truth of what has gone on. Since when is any
Board member above those he or she is supposed to represent? Our Board has
forgotten that they are homeowners too and are supposed to represent us not
PCM.
Bullying, coercion, intimidation, and strong arming is
also considered very serious when those in authority use their "power
over" another in a way that may be detrimental to seniors and those in
specific protected groups. And we all know now that this is done to attempt to
create fear in those who might want to speak, and to dishearten the masses of
homeowners who are timid or believe anything they hear. It is an attempt to
subdue the rest of us and cause us to give up hope for any change to the
autocratic Board we have at present. Moreover It was a disgraceful way to
behave and was also totally unacceptable in the State of California where Elder
Abuse includes “the infliction of fear, agitation, confusion through threats,
harassment, or other forms of intimidating behavior” so that the receiver is
unable to respond out of fear or inability due to any reason including poor
health or lack of strength.
If we are to have a healthy community in the future we
need a Board who respects homeowners and understands that they are no different
from the rest of us. They will avoid the pitfalls of letting the power of
position go to their head and heart creating the scene that we saw on Monday. I
commend John K and all who sent a complaint to the AG and will continue to work
with them in the future if this bullying of homeowners who are seniors and lack
of transparency of our finances does not end.
For most people it is intimidating enough to speak in
front of others without thinking they might have to deal with belligerent Board
members intent on squelching all public interaction and communication. The
"Marine-tough" training that John K has had should not be necessary
in order for homeowners to ask questions of a so-called leader of the Board.
This "power over" bullying, and intimidation must stop.
Regards
Sharon Somers-Hill RN
It is very sad to realize the HOA Board who
represents our community, behaving in such a disrespectful way, towards the
fragile members of our community. If you attend any of the Board meetings, you
will witness that type of abuse, disrespect and disdain for the concerns of our
community members. This is one of the reasons I decided to run the HOA Board,
to represent the voices that are being ignored and denied of their rights and to
establish an environment of respect and caring for the members of our
community.
Please, feel free to share
this information with neighbors and friends.
