As a “new member” of the Section 22 Board, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and let you know more about who I am, why I ran for the board, and what my goals and thoughts are as we move forward for community. I rarely, if ever, do anything without thought and planning. When I first considered running for the Section 22 Board, I wanted to understand what I was getting into. I had attended the monthly meetings somewhat regularly, but thought it important to start going to the Tuesday work sessions so I could gain as much information on the inner workings of our community as possible. I also wanted to observe the interactions of the board, to see if I would be a fit.
It is also important to me to let everyone know a little about me, and not only me, but my family. Without them, I would not be the person, husband, father and grandfather I am. Without their support, I could not have the time to take on this board position. Lori and I bought a condo in Harbor Towers in 2008. We loved our home away from home, and were here as often as we could be given we were still working. In 2018,as our daughters got older, and they started coming down more and more, and with retirement looming, we made the move to a bigger unit where we could live as full-time BSM residents.
Professionally, I spent a lifetime after college as law enforcement in Hamilton, Ohio. I retired in 2016 with almost 40 years total of law enforcement service. Lori, spent her career in nursing, as an emergency room nurse, a Professor of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati, and the last 23 years as an Acute Care/Emergency Nurse Practitioner for the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Cincinnati. We have two daughters, Molly (Andy Sexton) who is the mother of two-year-old Embry, and a soon to be debuted daughter, coming in April. Molly and Andy are active-duty Majors in the US Air Force. They live in Tampa, currently assigned to McDill AFB, and also own a condo in Harbor Towers. Abby, our younger daughter lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her spouse, Emmy, and is an attorney for the US Justice Department. She is a US Air Force Academy Graduate, and completed seven years in the Air Force, separating from service as a Captain prior to law school.
Anyone who knows me will tell you, I am not one to sit around. I like to be active, both physically and in my community. Shortly after buying our first condo, I was asked to fill a spot on the Harbor Towers board due to a resignation. That was sixteen years ago, and I have happily served ever since. Wanting to get more involved in our community is what led me to look at a position on the Section 22 Board. Lori and I were very early members of the Burnt Store Golf and Activity Club, since 2009 and we are also members of the Fitness Club. Being dog owners, we also were excited with the new Barking Lot park, and are members there. As I said, I (we) want to be active and involved in the Burnt Store Community.
I think it is important for our owners/members to know what to expect of me as a new board member. I will be active and involved. My goal is to make contact with many of the sub associations, and I hope to attend meetings of many of those associations during the year. I have already attended the Fitness Center Committee meeting last month, sat down with John Abbott the manager of the Burnt Store Country Club, and Seth the Chef to understand their wants and needs to grow the Country Club and Linkside as we move forward. I also talk often with Deby and Baking Lot crew to understand what their goals are, and how they want to grow our newest amenity. What I most enjoy is talking to members of the community. Early in my law enforcement career I had a Chief of Police who described his leadership style as, Leading by Walking Around. His belief is that prior Chief’s insulated themselves in their offices, and lost touch with the day-to-day dealings of the officers. I adopted that leadership style for myself. I will walk and talk, and meet with those who want to and learn what is going on. My belief is that we all have wants and needs. Some are doable, some not, but it is important that we talk and understand what people think and want. I am a firm believer, don’t tell me something can’t be done, let’s figure out how to make it work, if at all possible.
*I think it is important for our owners/members to know what to expect of me as a new board member. I will be active and involved. My goal is to make contact with many of the sub associations, and I hope to attend meetings of many of those associations during the year.
It is important to remember that Burnt Store Marina, Section 22 HOA is not just a homeowner’s association. We are a $6 million dollar a year business, that is entrusted with ensuring the financial well-being of all members of our association. This includes our safety and security, which starts with access control to the community, amenities to keep our community a desirable location to own and visit, good roads, landscaping, irrigation, and places to have a meal or just a drink, or many other aspects of our Florida homes.
As we start a new board year, and I embark on my first of hopefully several board terms, I pledge to each of you this: I will listen, and I will continue to learn. I will make decisions based on what is best for the whole of the community, and I will never fail to be aware that you have placed a trust in me. That trust is to do all I can to ensure that the Burnt Store Marina Section 22, your home, is well maintained, run with sound fiscal planning, and most important, decisions are made morally, legally and with sadly what is becoming less common place, with common sense.
REMINDER
Section 22 HOA Board Meeting
Tuesday, April 22 at 9 a.m.
Location: Linkside Patio
Section 22 HOA Board Workshops
Every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Location: Linkside Patio
