Guest Commentary: Board, residents need to shed divisiveness
Posted
As president-elect of the Recreation Centers of Sun City West Governing Board, I am extremely concerned about the recent unhealthy disruptive atmosphere.
A board cannot function in a positive manner, nor can a general manager, with the disrespectful behavior and open animosity being displayed. The apparent goal is the disruption of the operations of the association. Behaviors come in the form of threats, harassment and finger pointing demands.
One would think that once you reach retirement age, you have gained some wisdom and a sense of decorum. We need to work together, directors!
As president-elect I encouraged directors to suggest positive ways for us to conduct business as a board. But a goal setting session to elicit such ideas was canceled due to the hostile atmosphere. The new board has tremendous potential. I was excited about the election and looking forward to the opportunity to work with the new directors. What a disappointment. The divisiveness and negativism serve no purpose and is so counterproductive.
Our 2021 board of directors are volunteers who have had successful careers and numerous leadership positions. We understand the order of organizations. We know how to speak civilly to others. We know how to accept differing opinions. We know how to compromise. We know how to follow the bylaws and policies. We know how to stay out of day-to-day operations. We know how to ask for advice when unsure, and then live with the legal opinion issued. We know how to accept the board’s decision and move on, speaking as one body.
We have just come through COVID-19 lock downs and a potential disaster with the clubs and the IRS. Let the general manager do his job and resolve the issue. We need unity from our newer members, not factions pulling us apart.
We are the governing board for RCSCW. The residents deserve the best and they certainly deserve a professional board.
I have sacrificed a segment of my retirement to give time and energy to our community to the best of my ability, as have other board members. It is time to eradicate the worthless anger, put personal needs behind and start working for the good of Sun City West. The governing board is a group of individuals, but the power of our office comes with our decisions as a board, not as an individual with personal interests.
Let us work within the system entrusted to us, working cooperatively to keep Sun City West as our premier community.
Editor’s Note: Sue Fitzsimons is the president-elect and current vice president of the Recreation Centers of Sun City West governing board.
