CYBER CITIZENS FOR JUSTICE,
INC.
3345 Kings Rd. S.
St. Augustine, Fl. 32086
Phone: (904)794-0888
E-Mail: [email protected]
WebPages: http://www.ccfj.net/ |
|
10 - 20 - 2003
SUBJECT: Regulating Homeowner
Associations?
Dear Governor Bush,
with all due respect I honestly think it's
time that you start speaking for yourself in regards to homeowners' associations.
We heard from Julie Baker, DBPR, Vice
Chair of the HOA Task Force, that "Governor Bush doesn't favor HOA regulation".
Joe Adams, representing the CAI, was quoted in a newspaper article "Governor
Bush wants less government and less regulation". And if I correctly understood
through the telephone, Randy Lion, representing the Association of Florida
Community Developers, stated that "neither the Governor nor the legislators
are in favor of regulating homeowner associations".
It was refreshing to hear from House Representative
Julio Robaina, who addressed the Task Force on Friday in Miami, that there
are still legislators willing to fight for the welfare of their constituents
and are in favor of regulation and enforcement.
He was quoted in an article: "We're hearing
complaints about everything from fraud in elections to no accountability
by boards to nepotism to criminals serving as managers to two and three
special assessments a year. There's no enforcement because the state doesn't
have any laws to get investigators out to properly investigate and get
state attorneys involved.''
He hit the nail right on the head!
We think it's time that you officially
take a stand in this matter, not letting other people speak for you - or
make statements on your behalf, especially not government employees or
industry representatives.
Estimated 5 - 7 million Floridians are
affected by issues of mandated properties. They deserve to know where the
Governor, whom they elected to protect their interests, stands on this
matter.
I can assure you -- you will have a very
interested audience.
The few homeowners on the Task Force are
hoping for an open mind. If the dice are rolled already, like it seems
from the quotes above, then why having these meetings? We don't have an
expense account to pay for travel and room and board like the industry
representatives on the Task Force.
Going down to Miami has cost me personally
about $400+. I don't mind spending this money, if I have the feeling it
might help the many problems home and condo-owners are facing in Florida.
Otherwise I might have rather added this
money to a fund we are collecting for a legally blind accountant, who lost
his job and is now threatened with foreclosure for failing to pay $220
in association dues. In the meanwhile he owes $1700, with added attorney's
fees. His home is supposed to be foreclosed on the courthouse steps in
Volusia County in about three weeks!
To rein in these abusive powers we need
regulation, easy enforcement of the laws, accountability of the people
in charge and regulation of the foreclosure powers of these associations,
often used to intimidate helpless homeowners.
Governor, please speak finally for yourself!
Florida home- and condo-owners should be able to hear from you directly.
Where do you really stand on this issue!
Is that too much to ask?
We really need to know so we can decide
who we can turn to in the future!
Looking forward to your official response!
With Best Regards
Jan Bergemann
President
Cyber Citizens For Justice, Inc.
IN ALLIANCE WITH:
League of United Latin American Citizens
(LULAC)
Concerned Homeowners in Partnership (CHIP)
Property Owners Association in the Villages
(POA)
Fair Housing Center of Palm Beach (FHCPB)
Consumer Advocacy Network (CAN)
Copy to : Florida
State Senators, Florida House Representatives, Media, Members, Friends
and Interested Parties. |