Op-Ed by Tom Harris, Associate Editor
The purpose of this article is to inform all dues-paying residents of the Swansboro Country Property Owners Association (SCPOA) of matters of interest to our community.
On February 25th, 2023, SCPOA held the annual membership meeting and election. It was watched on Zoom and at the local fire department. Nine candidates ran for four open positions, making the campaign spirited and competitive. More than 100 signs were placed in the neighborhood, and several meet-and-greet events were held, generating a significant buzz on social media. The voter turnout was the largest on record in recent memory, with a total of 286 counted ballots. The Election Inspector reported that 286 ballots were either received or verified. The count of votes was: Carmen Barney -122, Meredith Blain-143, Renate Cooper-19, David Dudley-135, Wayne Gregson-118, Karen Paul-138, Jerry Pullin-128, Melissa Stever-139, and David Strict-114.
The top four vote-getters were elected to the board. Congratulations to the four new members of the SCPOA Board of Directors: Karen Paul, David Dudley, Melissa Stever, and Meredith Blain. The Sentinel extends its thanks for their perseverance and positive attitude.
Following the Annual Meeting, the new board met and Board Officers were appointed: Karen Paul, President, Derek Trimble, Vice President, Melissa Stever, treasurer, Meredith Blain, Secretary, Luz Brown, David Dudley, and Megan Lattanner, members at large.
Members of SCPOA look forward to the restoration of a positive relationship between SCPOA and all other groups on the hill, including, but not limited to, the Mosquito Fire Department and Chief Rosevear. We anticipate the new board will make it possible to return board meetings to the firehouse and continue their support for our fire department. We also hope that future project will be budgeted and the board will restore the faith in SCPOA members to have a voice when it comes to large expenditures. We also look forward to the new board members delivering on their promise to bring concerned dues-payers into the decision-making process by listening to and respecting their views, and restoring harmony and peace to our community. Remember, we all have our own opinions, and we may disagree at times. But in the end, we are still family, neighbors, and friends.
It is essential to recognize the courage and dedication of the candidates who did not get elected. Running for a position on the board is a brave decision, and their commitment to serving the community is commendable. We also owe a measure of gratitude to the outgoing board members whose hard work and dedication was an essential part to many in our community.
Tom Harris
It is essential to recognize the courage and dedication of the candidates who did not get elected. Running for a position on the board is a brave decision, and their commitment to serving the community is commendable. We also owe a measure of gratitude to the outgoing board members whose hard work and dedication was an essential part to many in our community.
We must come together to welcome the newly elected board members and support them in making decisions that benefit the entire community. The high turnout of voters in this election is a promising sign for the future of the neighborhood. It demonstrates that we can come together and work towards common goals, even when we have differences. We must continue to stay engaged and involved in the decisions that affect us all.
In conclusion, the SCPOA board election held on February 25th, 2023, was a significant event for the community, generating a competitive and spirited campaign, as well as a much larger-than-normal turnout. We must come together and thank the outgoing board members, recognize the commitment of the candidates who did not get elected, and support the newly elected board members in their efforts to make the community the best it can be.
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