Truths and Facts Compete in SCPOA Election Campaign

December 20, 2022 Swansboro, California Op Ed*

A Merry Christmas to all and the best to you and yours in this coming new year. As you consider what really matters, particularly the conclusions reached by certain candidates in their “Swansboro United” webpage, consider this:

Truth versus fact, what’s the difference? A fact is something that’s indisputable, based on empirical research and quantifiable measures. They’re proven through calculation and experience, or they’re something that definitively occurred in the past. Examples are documents, which confirms certain events and reality, or tangible things, existing in time and space.

Truth is entirely different; it may include fact, but it can also include false narratives and beliefs. Oftentimes, people will accept things as true because they fall closer to their comfort zones, are assimilated easily, or reflect their preconceived notions of reality. “Everyone can have their own truths, but a fact is a fact, no matter who presents it.” Truth is often Mythology (i.e., the earth is flat).

 “The truth or falsity of the proposition depends on the fact…”

Aristotle

The four candidates identified by Swansboro United, include two current SCPOA board members, one former SCPOA board member and one community member. We’ll refer to them as Truth Trackers here. They all are on the MOSQUITO FIRE SAFE COUNCIL (MFSC) board. The MFSC benefits from SCPOA decisions financially and in other ways. How they plan on preventing any conflict of interest was not disclosed. They advocate taking “ACTIONS GUIDED BY TRUTH“. Doing so often results in bad outcomes.

On the other hand, these four candidates (links below) are running for positive change, and believe in taking “ACTION GUIDED BY FACTS“. This allows them to deal with reality effectively. They have no affiliation with the MFSC or the current SCPOA board. They are a breath of fresh air. If you haven’t already viewed them, click on these links: https://youtu.be/idco8pwCQ8Q, https://youtu.be/cLnC4f_6wBs, https://youtu.be/RO1-NEA1uuk, https://youtu.be/zpezo9czrvA

Below are some examples of truth (as claimed by the Truth Trackers) versus fact.

CLAIMED TRUTH	FACTS
Budget “The building is budgeted with excess operating cash from delinquent dues, recovered late fees, costs, and a foreclosure lien.”	Budget The Community building is not budgeted. It is paid for by SCPOA dues paying members. Future boards can determine additional costs. (If the Truth Trackers are elected, the costs will most likely increase – editor) https://sentinelblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/building-description.pdf
Support “The SCPOA board has received an overwhelming amount of community support and has had a positive response from the residents in moving forward with the project.”	Support A poll of SCPOA members on the question of a new community building voted 66% against it and 89% want a vote on it. https://sentinelblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/scpoa-survey-on-new-building.pdf
Respect for our Fire Department “Swansboro Country Property Owners Association understands the value of having a fire department in our remote community. SCPOA has supported and collaborated with the Mosquito Fire Protection District to improve the lives and efficiency of emergency services to the community.”	Respect for our Fire Department Certain board members and one running for re-election have routinely shown disrespect toward our fire department. https://sentinelblog.net/2022/06/14/chief-rosevear-reports-on-mosquito-firefighters-association- https://sentinelblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/scpoa-fire-station-unauthorized-use-email-email.pdf
Respect for Community Members “As candidates, we wanted to remain true to our stance of grace and respect for the candidates’ intended messaging. We wanted to hold space for these candidates to shine and share their messages. We intended to listen thoughtfully and understand their position regarding community service.“	Respect for Community Members The Truth Trackers candidates attended the recent Meet and Greet event, but ignored the members and did not participate as candidates. https://sentinelblog.net/2022/12/11/scpoa-board-candidate-meet-greet/ The board does not accommodate the members at board meetings. https://sentinelblog.net/2022/11/16/surreal-scpoa-meeting/ The board does not respect or listen to the community. https://sentinelblog.net/2022/10/18/scpoa-board-decides-not-to-table-the-community-building-project/

More to come – Note that the “claimed truths” are opinions; no supporting facts are cited. You can draw your own conclusions and create your own truths.

* Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. The views expressed herein, inclusive of all links and or attachments, are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Swansboro Sentinel's owners or managers.  Do not rely upon the material or information as a basis for making any business, legal or any other decisions. The Swansboro Sentinel is a legally organized LLC by a SCPOA community member. To read a statement about the purpose of the Sentinel and the reasons, click on "About".