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| SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | APRIL 2026 | 13 On April 9, a new Master Board will be seated at Sun Lakes. Districts will have elected their Delegates. These volunteers sought the responsibilities inherent in their elected positions, and devote much to execute the demands. The time and talent given to the community they serve is often overlooked for the gift it truly is. There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others. Still, many good people committed to making a better community are often disrespected by the very people whose lives they wish to improve. They can easily become the fodder of Facebook trolls lacking the knowledge to make informed comment as well as the courage to publicly state opposing views. These loudest voices of the fringe offer no solutions — just pass judgments on those advocating for something new. Because it's easier, personal character is attacked and decency denigrated. Decency is avoiding disrespect, not avoiding disagreement. Integrity is trying to get it right, not being right. Sun Lakes will always have areas that could be improved and the best solutions will ultimately come from the minds of many. Working in a group setting is very different from running your own business. For collaboration to be effective, people must be in an environment where they can take risks. If everything has to be brilliant from the word go, nothing ever gets beyond the concept stage. You have to fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that leads others to join you. A little consideration and a little thought for others make all the difference. More is accomplished when the members of a group feel their input is of value and clearly understood. Our elected members must find balance in these newly formed collaborative bodies. Many who run for election were leaders in their careers and often have strong personalities. Good leaders usually listen more than talk, trying to understand the complexities of a situation before moving to action. They do not assume they always have the answer and they alone can solve the problem. Hubris is deadly to collaboration. Hopefully, our new Board and new Delegate Assembly will be filled with people willing to, wanting to, work with one another. We need governing bodies void of personal grievances and agendas, with people who are ready to work together and focused on determining how Sun Lakes will become better than ever. ~ Cal Martin From the Delegate Assembly

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