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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | APRIL 2018 9 amendments to the guidelines. He spent another year on the Community Planning and Transition Committee. In this year, he compiled a transition checklist which he says was distributed widely. And he wrote a memo on the Conservancy. These committee memberships and these activities have been preparation for what he sees as by far the most important objective of impending Board focus: a smooth and successful transition. Paules refers to himself as "a news junkie." That is demonstrated in the community as he frequently attends the monthly open Board meetings in order to keep abreast of community events. He joins in some community events by singing. "I sing a middling tenor with the Singers group." He also enjoys writing. "I am in the Writers' Club, giving and receiving help with our books in process." Indeed, he has a book completed and awaiting publication. The subject: a history of the financial crisis of 2008. He and his wife Barbara also attend the wine club regularly. Paules brings a strong financial background to his candidacy. He spent five decades in the banking and finance industry. Describing his views he says, "I have tendencies to be a Scrooge when I have fiduciary responsibility for other peoples' money." He says he is a pragmatist: "Get it done on time, on budget." Aware that Board communication is a hot topic at the present, Paules says that he finds the communication adequate. Referring to the various tools available to provide that communication he says, "One must take advantage of what is available. It is not the Board's job to do other people's work." He believes in term limits. "They force people to get out of their comfort zone." Limiting the time a person can spend on a committee helps them to explore other options and to join other committees. But Paules also believes that implementing term limits may have had a contrary effect to what was intended. "Rather than increase volunteerism they may have temporarily caused some apathy because they were implemented too fast." That is an issue that deserves attention, in his opinion. Aware that some residents chafe under the rules and regulations implemented for the common good in a community, Paules says, "I also appreciate that many of the rules we face are designed to maintain the physical appearance of and financial health of the community, to preserve our investment in our properties, and to maintain the community quality of life. Of course, sometimes one has to be understanding of unique circumstances. But in an official capacity I will not usually be overly accommodating to rules breakers." Paules wants community members to be aware of his views prior to election so that there are no surprises. Since his primary goal as a Board member would be a smooth transition, he is making efforts to have his priorities and views understood from the very beginning. "Communication is always a problem during transition," he says. "I would like to do my part to make that better." communication which is available to all Four Seasons Beaumont homeowners. He also is planning two Town Halls: a State of the Association to be held on Board election day and one about the Dog Park. As a previous committee member - he was chairperson of the Landscape Committee for six years - Tavernetti has experience-based opinions about the role of committees in the HOA. "Committees are to carry out what the Board wants/needs to do. They must be in sync with Board wishes." To achieve those goals, there must be good communication between the Board and the committees. "The Board must be open to second opinions but it needs good feedback," says Tavernetti. The problem with all of this good and necessary communication is that it requires too many meetings, he believes, and it is a problem to which he is turning his attention. One effort to cut down on meetings, yet ensure the flow of important information, has been the appointment of a Community Ambassador. Now vital information to and from outside private and government entities such as the city of Beaumont can be communicated by the Ambassador without a meeting being necessary. Another effort to improve communication and increase valuable feedback through homeowner participation has been the implementation of term limits. "Six years should be the maximum amount of time that someone should serve on the same committee," says Tavernetti. "After that, step aside and let someone new have a chance to bring in their knowledge and skills." He admits that the implementation of term limits was not as smooth or successful as originally envisioned, but effort is being made to improve the process. Tavernetti also would like to get club members together to discuss common problems and develop common interests. He envisions two councils, one for indoor and one for outdoor activities. These councils would be more effective at solving problems than individual clubs could be. Turning his attention to another of his many interests, Tavernetti discusses the impending opening of the bridge. He can picture the big celebration that is being planned. "There are going to be decorated motorcycles and golf carts in a long serpentine all the way from the Lodge to the Summit," he exclaims. "We need a name for the Bridge, perhaps one that would illustrate its purpose - linking the older part with the newer part of the community." Tavernetti, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, demonstrates the same level of interest and commitment to veterans as he does to this community. He maintains 26 grave markers in Redlands, he goes to the VA Hospital once a month where he visits vets and takes gift bags, and he is in communication with Inland Empire cities regarding the Purple Heart Organization activities. He is a walking encyclopedia of botanical information. He loves plants and trees and spends a great deal of time in his garden, which is beautiful and prolific. "I would love to serve on the Board for one more term, then turn the job over to someone else," he states. "I think term limits are valuable for Board members and committee members, both." Edward Paules, continued from page 7 Len Tavernetti, continued from page 7

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