By Roger Ball

Independent Newsmedia

In the past few weeks the Sun City West Property Owners and Residents Association underwent several substantial changes.

The president and one other board member resigned abruptly, and the executive director also resigned suddenly for personal reasons. But former vice president and new president Dave Poling said that PORA is strong and ready to keep moving.

“We have a new president, a new executive director, and two new but extremely experienced board members with terrific leadership abilities,” Mr. Poling said.

The two new board members are Merlyn Carlson and Larry Woods, both former PORA presidents. Mr. Carlson is also currently a representative on the Maricopa County Department of Transportation Advisory Board and Mr. Woods has remained connected to PORA as a computer consultant.

Board member Larry Anderson was elected as the new vice president.

Shawn Mayo is the new executive director at PORA. She previously served as the office manager.

Shawn Mayo, the new interim executive director, returned to PORA after an absence of six months. She had formerly served as the organization’s office manager.

Board member Greg Stegner, who was one of those who resigned, had been heavily involved with the extensive remodeling program at PORA, which got underway last week. New vice president Larry Anderson is now overseeing that project.

In touting some of PORA’s successes, Mr. Poling talking about the PORA Adult Learning program.

“PAL had the best spring semester ever, with more than 200 courses and more than 1,000 students and we are well on the way to the best summer session we have ever had,” he said.

Some residents in attendance wondered about the services PORA provides. Unlike the mandatory dues for the Recreation Centers of Sun City West, PORA membership is voluntary at $10 per person or $20 per household.

Incoming Recreation Centers of Sun City West president Jim Sloan said, “PORA has been a partner to the Recreation Centers of Sun City West since Del Webb initiated our governance system,” said Jim Sloan, incoming RCSCW president.

He said divisions that the rec centers handle the fun part of life, recreation!.

“PORA addresses the more serious tasks of our community, interfacing with government agencies, utility companies, and acting as a resource for residents looking for a competent contractor.”

He said, “PORA also partners with the Recreation Centers to do initial inspection of CC&R complaints. PORA has been and continues to be critical to our community’s sustainability.”

Mr. Poling said that so far this year they’ve handled close to 90 percent of the CC&R cases in a timely manner.

Resident Sherry Hayes said she apparently represents the other 10 percent. She has an absentee neighbor and wants an expedited process to force her to get her yard cleaned up. Ms. Hayes sais she has to complain to PORA on a regular basis, and it takes about 3-4 months to force the work to get done.

There was a larger than normal turnout for the PORA Board of Directors meeting on June 18

Mr. Poling asked her to meet with him and the new executive director after the meeting to discuss ways to possibly resolve the issue.

PORA Board Member Al Gervenack has been leading the community fight against the EPCOR Water Company rate hike. He said he anticipates the Arizona Corporation Commission will increase the rate between $5 and $10 in Sun City West.

The next rate review, Mr. Gervenack said, will begin in about three years.

Recreation center board member Ed Cott asked about the term for the current PORA board. The Recreation Center officers change on July 1, but the PORA board operates on a calendar year basis and will continue through December. The next PORA board elections are scheduled for November.

Mr. Poling cited the success of the PORA Bingo program and the work of the Roads, Traffic and Safety Committee in working with the Maricopa County Department of Transportation to address the perceived speeding in the community.