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FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK "If I can't go to heaven, send me to Sun Lakes." I have been assisting the Marketing Committee in opening the envelopes of the community survey responses. This was quote from one of them. By the time you read this the deadline for returning surveys has past, and I can tell you the community's response was very rewarding. I can also tell you that statement seems to be representative of an overwhelming percentage of our residents. The final results of the survey will be announced once they are all tabulated and analyzed. In skimming them as they were opened we noticed lots of positive comments, but there were also suggestions, concerns, and requests. Besides the statistical information that will result from the survey I believe the Board will find many of these comments worth a thorough review and serious consideration. Many comments addressed our community's rules, rising assessments and other financial concerns, traffic problems, dog park, children hours at the pools, and the need for the Marketing Committee. Remember, I only opened a portion of the surveys. I have no idea what the others will reveal. I can honestly say the Board has either has already addressed, or is currently addressing, every issue I encountered. Two issues that are always a concern for the Board are rules enforcement and the financial stability of the community. We spend much of our time, both in meetings and out, reviewing issues relating to both. Our rules and CC&Rs were not written by the current Board. We recognize the need for our governing documents to remain relevant to current needs and conditions. As a result, they are constantly being reviewed and revised to fit those needs. Residents must remember that the Board, in deciding any change or addition, must always consider the affect it will have on all of Sun Lakes. No one likes every rule, but we do our best to see that they remain pertinent to the whole community and are enforced in a consistent fair manner. One of our primary responsibilities, financial security, is one area the Board never stops addressing. It is a topic at every meeting. We feel that financial decisions should be transparent as possible and go out of our way to be so. Every session is open during the six month period we spend developing the next year's budget. These workshops give residents the opportunity to see and hear what we are contemplating and, to be a part of the process by providing their thoughts and suggestions. Very few people attend these meetings. Those few that do attend leave with a better understanding of what goes into building a budget, and why the assessment is what it is. They also see that our biggest concern in determining a new budget is balancing the physical and operational needs of the community with By George Moyer, SLCC HOA President the burden that increased assessments puts on the residents. We also have an obligation to keep Sun Lakes facilities and grounds in a safe and well kept condition. The Reserve and Operation budget are where the monies come from for this. For the benefit and use of the whole community it is often necessary to improve a certain element. These funds come from the Capitol Improvement fund. It is these projects that keep our aging community current and up-to-date. Without them we would be like many of the communities that have aged and can no longer attract new buyers. Once the surveys are all tabulated and analyzed the final results will be announced. However, in glancing at some of them I get the feeling that too many of our residents rely on second or third hand information. They apparently do not read our Lifestyles Magazine, watch Channel 97, go to any Board meeting, or read their District Newsletters. Many said they rely on their neighbors for all their information. It is understood that many of our elderly residents cannot get out, so going to meetings is impossible. I urge you to contact a Board member or management staff when you have a question or something is bothering you so much you feel the need to express yourself. We are here to serve you and will be glad to answer your questions, or investigate the issue that concerns you. community news | sun lakes lifestyles | november 2013 | 3

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