Letter
Courtesy of the SUN SENTINEL By
Leon P. Seigel
BOCA RATON Posted
12-30-2004
Your
Dec. 11 editorial, "Condo ombudsman job a handful," was an excellent
presenting of the problem facing many of our condominium association residents.
I agree that Dr. Rizzo's job will be "quite a handful."
Having served on our board of directors for more than 15 years in the capacity
of president but mostly as treasurer as well as chairman of our "documents
committee," which entailed working with our attorney to revise, on more
than one occasion, our association's documents, I have witnessed first-hand many
of the disputes between owners and directors.
As I see it, the problems arise from the basic concept of the condominium
association. They are administered by owners without administrative or
"hands-on" experience, who believe that being on a board confers upon
them some inherent privilege or honor. They do not realize that to do the job
properly requires hard work and dedication along with a concept of fiscal
responsibility.
It is important that an effort be made to study and understand condominium law
(Florida Chapter 718) as well as the rules and regulations (61B) as promulgated
by the state. I have long advocated that new directors be required to take a
four-hour course in such law and be certified by the state after proper testing.
Let's hope that Dr. Rizzo will give this some consideration.
Of course, the fault also lies with those unit owners who are indifferent to the
workings of their board, who fail to attend meetings and become involved by
volunteering to be on committees and who take no interest in nor question the
numerous items on the annual budget. They elect board members not based upon
their background and experience and what they can contribute to the association
but who is the most popular individual with the friendliest smile. Fortunately,
however, there are many qualified unit owners now serving their communities.
Until a more active role is taken in their affairs by residents of condominium
associations, along with a basic understanding of the law as well as the
association's documents and rules and regulations. Dr. Rizzo will have a tough
job ahead. Nevertheless, I wish him the best in his new job.
|