Getting to the bottom of Shelter Bay board ethics allegations

Accusations of ethics violations are being used by the Shelter Bay board of directors to silence and dispense with dissension. As a member of the community, I know I’m joined by many others in completely rejecting the actions they have taken against two elected board members.

Sadly, the officers have been unable to lead the board in governing for the community. There are nine board members. Four are appointed, five elected. While the president is an elected member, the vice president, treasurer and secretary are all appointed members. This ratio has set the stage for the unprecedented and unwarranted actions the board has taken under the guise of ethics.

Our covenants call for officers to appoint a five person ethics committee to investigate and suggest actions when ethics complaints are filed. The board retains the right to confirm or reject the committees findings. What qualifications must one have to serve on the ethics committee? Should the board define qualifications and ask for applicants? I find it disturbing that the judge is able to file complaints, choose the jury and make the final ruling! The common term for that is “Kangaroo Court.”

Friday the president sent out an email to the entire community explaining their decisions and basically vilify the two board members being sanctioned. These two elected board members have no opportunity to rebut or explain to the same membership. I recall when I get my election materials for state and national elections both arguments for and against are in the same document. Shouldn’t this be what happens in Shelter Bay? Also in the letter, the president inferred that the board’s vote for sanctions was unanimous. The unanimous vote was to simply ratify what had been decided behind closed doors. That in no way should have implied that the vote to sanction was unanimous.

I could not be more disappointed in this board. They are all volunteers and for that we should be thankful. But, they are not governing in the best interests of the entire community. My suggestion is for them all to get into a room for as long as it takes, with or without mediation and stay there until they can agree to function as adults with differing opinions and agree to govern for the entire community.

Steve Klein

Shelter Bay