Board of Directors Candidates

Tipster Editorial Co-chair Karen Koopmans 520-818-6337 skkoops@gmail.com Co-chair Jane Moody 202-657-3058 jane.moody2@gmail.com

Don’t forget that the Tipster submission deadline is the 8th of the month. We understand this is early, but the process for producing a print magazine requires it. Readers like newsy, informative articles, so try submitting something other than “same as last month.” Surely, there’s something that people outside of your club or committee don’t know but would find interesting. We understand that many meetings and activities have been in flux due to the pandemic. Please submit your article by the deadline and, if something changes before the Tipster goes to press, we’ll update your information if we can.

Board Candidates Answer Questions

See Election Committee article on page 9 for voting information. Information about Candidate Forums on February 7 can be found in Coming Events on page 13. John Balaco

Why do you want to serve on the Board?

I believe the Board’s primary responsibility is to serve SCOV residents. The Board needs to reconnect with residents and focus on their needs. I will work with fellow Board members to engage with residents, encourage them to speak out and provide input to the Board. Our Board needs to be more transparent. The Board needs members who are experienced in business, customer service, and have an understanding of finance. I will provide the Board with a fiscally conservative voice to help steer our community in a direction that serves current residents and provides for the future while maintaining our strong balance sheet.

Is there something specific you want to change or accomplish?

Specifically, I will closely monitor the Activity Center project and keep residents informed of the progress. Bringing this project in under budget is critical as it will release funds for other future projects.

I will continue to assist management to maintain The Views customer service while minimizing operating losses.

I will focus on finding ways to build new pickle ball courts without reducing the tennis courts, fund the new fitness pool, and keep residents informed as to planned future projects as they are being developed instead of waiting until they are finalized and voted upon.

What knowledge, skills and experience do you bring?

I have an MBA in Finance and Marketing, For 10 years, I was Finance manager at a Fortune 100 company. For the past 30 years I’ve been self-employed having built, owned, and operated a hotel and several food/beverage establishments. I’m an active Florida Real Estate investor and licensed Florida Realtor. Since 2005, I’ve served as Board Chairman of a chemical processing company in Chicago Heights Il. I also serve as the Secretary and Treasurer of a Florida condominium association.

I have a lifetime of business experience that qualifies me for the Board. I will work with Board members and provide fiscally prudent analyses of current and future projects. I understand the importance of actively engaging with others and balancing what is wanted with what is fiscally reasonable.

I pledge to always be available to residents. We may not always agree but I will listen. I appreciate your considering me for a position on your SCOV Board. Elaine Deeter

Why do you want to serve on the Board?

I feel it is important to be a part of the community that I live in and to serve that community to the best of my ability. We have good strong people leading us and I hope to be a part of that and see it continue.

Is there something specific you want to change or accomplish?

I want to see our community continue to grow wisely and remain financially secure as it has been since first buying here. We need to take care of our investment here and make sure that we have plans in place to take care of what is needed to do this. Things change over time, and we need to be on top of change and act prudently when making decisions.

What knowledge, skills and experience do you bring?

I believe coming from a sales and customer service background I have good people skills. I know how to listen and evaluate what it is people want. I know difficult decisions must be made at times and that not everyone will be happy with some of those decisions but being kind and truly listening is an important factor. It serves no purpose to ignore important questions. What is important to others deserves answers. I try not to take things personally. Rocky Gedrose

Why do you want to serve on the Board?

I have chosen to run for the Board to help continue the work of Board members who have come before me. I would like to see the community continue in its current direction. If SCOV is to remain a premier active adult community it is critical that we continue to upgrade and enhance our existing facilities. We must also provide amenities that appeal to an ever-changing demographic. However, equally important, if not more so, is to maintain our financial strength. This is a key factor for many prospective home buyers, and of great importance to our existing residents.

Is there something specific you want to change or accomplish?

I have no personal agenda, but I would like to see communication between the Board and the residents improved. As a Board member I feel it is critical to listen to the members of the community and be a voice for all residents.

What knowledge, skills and experience do you bring?

I served three years on our HOA in Georgia. I was President for two of those years. I served on the board of a men’s golf association for five years in Acworth, GA. I currently serve on the board of Views 18 Hole Men’s Group.

In my working career I spent 32 years in the corporate world of commercial finance. Most of my career was spent