The OP-ED Column

JUST A COINCIDENCE ???????????

If anyone did not see the Channel 8 (CBS 11:00pm news)last night, check this site out:

www.lasvegasnow.com/global/story.asp?s=9390698

You see it is a follow-up to the investigative report that was conducted regarding the recent revelations regarding fraud in homeowners associations.

Funny thing, if you read this article, for some strange reason the name John Leach----you know, that guy that's our association attorney---was mentioned along with his many distinguished friends.

Strange coincidence, huh?

NORM:
Your comments about the Trumpets "lease" are not correct. The Board made it quite clear several times that what was going to be mailed to prospective candidates was an "initial proposal" for them to comment on. The proposal is NOT all-inclusive. It is a place to start the process. Once we receive responses from the candidates, the negotiating team, led by Roz Berman will begin actual lease negotiations. That means that probably items in the proposal might change and others might be added.

SUN CITY ANTHEM MEMBER ALERT

FINALLY - THE PROPOSED TRUMPETS LEASE and an opportunity not only to read the lease, but also make comments and ask questions is available!

The attendance at the recent meetings concerning the Trumpets restaurant area proved that a great many people are interested in the outcome of the ongoing Board negotiations concerning the restaurant lease. Many people asked questions, and now they want to be assured their questions are being considered during this important phase of the process.

A link to the proposed lease terms, and an invitation to comment and/or ask questions about the proposed lease terms is provided below for your convenience.
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http://www.blog.anthemvoice.org/

SUN CITY ANTHEM MEMBER ALERT

FINALLY - THE PROPOSED TRUMPETS LEASE and an opportunity not only to read the lease, but also make comments and ask questions is now available!

The attendance at the recent meetings concerning the Trumpets restaurant area proved that a great many people are interested in the outcome of the ongoing Board negotiations concerning the restaurant lease. Many people asked questions, and now they want to be assured their questions are being considered during this important phase of the process.

A link to the proposed lease terms, and an invitation to comment and/or ask questions about the proposed lease terms is provided below for your convenience.
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blog-anth...pdf

Regarding the article in today’s Review Journal. I would also like to offer Bob Frank my sincere congratulations. In gratitude, I would also like to offer a “Reprint” of a comment I made some time ago to his lovely and gracious wife who has also been vilified by some members of this current board of directors (are you reading this Carl?). Here then is my previous comment;
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To Kay Frank;

I feel that I have to apologize to you. You see last year (at election time), I was totally convinced by the very people who today show disrespect for your husband, that they would keep their campaign promises and CHANGE the irresponsible way Sun City Anthem was being governed. In my opinion, they lied, and I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. I helped get them elected, and for that I apologize.

Your husband is the ONLY member of the board who has demonstrated a total commitment to uphold the rights of the citizens, and now he is being attacked for his concern for the community.

There is not a single member of the Board of Directors that can come close to your husband’s achievements and dedication, but they have the audacity to criticize. Take a moment to consider the source, and the reason might become clear. The critics on the board have something to hide, and they also resent his involvement in uncovering the truth about the Trumpets fiasco, (once again my opinion).

No one can doubt that you are proud of your husband, and you have every right to be. His service to this country is a testament to what type of man he is, and who criticizes him the most? A quitter who was the biggest promoter the infamous “ACE” organization, that was instrumental in the “deal making”, that occurred right after the election. It will be interesting to see who this quitter wants to endorse in the coming election.

Please tell your husband for me, that I thank him for his military career in the service of this country, and for his service to Sun City Anthem. You may also tell him, how ashamed I feel for the way these “children” on the board have treated him. You husband is the type of leader that Sun City Anthem needs.

We have had enough of the people who “look the other way”, when our rights are threatened.

Norman McCullough

REVIEW JOURNAL BUSNESS SECTION PAGE ONE 11/16/08

My sincere congratulations to Bob Frank for his guts, determination, and integrity in his endless search to constantly defend himself against the RUTHLESS, UNTRUTHFUL, and DISGUSTING ALLEGATIONS brought against him by the former president of our association, Mike Dixon and his pack of wolves that have made it a quest to derail each attempt to provide the openess and honesty to which each resident is entitled.

I call your attention to the front page of the Business section of the Sunday, 11/16/08 edition of the Las Vegas Review Journal to an article entitled "Home Group's Board Battles." The article is also continued on page 3--full page).

It is a MUST READ.

Note that EACH AND EVERY ALLEGATION against Mr. Frank by Mike Dixon's 101 page formal complaint HAVE BEEN FULLY DISMISSED BY THE NEVADA REAL ESTATE DIVISION, and as a result, he has been FULLY EXONERATED against the hateful and revenge driven allegations brought about by our past president.

Please also note that in addition to Mr. Dixon, comments by our current president, Roz Berman, and past association officer, Bob Sansing, have either been noncommittal or very limited as to providing any meaningful answers to the questions Mr. Frank has demanded answers to for months.

It is time to finally provide the forensic audit DEMANDED by responsible management, but it's also time to give credit to another individual, NELSON ORTH, as this was his main platform when he unsuccessfully ran for office for our board during the past election.

So let's clean up this place once and for all and demand full accountability for each and every expenditure made from our resident dues.

Congratulations Mr. Frank, this is a victory for you and those that have never doubted your honesty despite the constant frivolous attacks and embarrassments you have had to endure this past year and a half.

...and while you're at it, Mr. Frank, could you please find out for us if our association paid for DIXON'S LEGAL BILLS in preparing that untruthful 101 page document, or will your board counterparts continue to EVADE THE SUBJECT whenenver they are asked for those financial details? I have asked this of Barry Friedman and he told me to ask Mr. Dixon, and I have asked Richard Pendleton of the Finance Committee and was told he "didn't like my tone." Needless to say, no one wants the truth because THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH.

I trust government officials will read the Review Journal article and obtain answers that us "desert roaches" (Association Vice President Carl Weinstein's OWN WORDS DESCRIBING RESIDENTS) are evidently not worthy of obtaining from the current leadership.

On November 18th the Henderson City Council will honor the SCA fund raising initiative for the Hospice in Henderson with a commendation at the council meeting at 7pm. It was a huge effort made by several clubs in SCA to get approval to hold this event on our property when talks began, yet as things evolved, I believe all those who may have been in doubt in the beginning had to admit it was a well run, organized, entertaining and most of all SUCESSFUL fundraising effort that did this community proud. All of groups that took part in FRIENDS OF HENDERSON HOSPICE should take a deep bow and if any or all of you are available on the 18th, please come to Water Street at 7pm Tuesday and enjoy the Kudos the City has for you.

A reminder, the pages from the memory wall are now in a leather bound album and will continue to grow. If you wish to add your loved one to the album, please contact me at rana0527@aol.com or Meg McClintock at mcClintockclan@cox.net We have asked the BOD to allow us to display the album in Anthem Center.

Approval for 2009 Friends for Henderson Hospice has been requested from the Board for a community wide fundraiser, this time to include all Anthem Communities.

Thank You,
Rana Goodman

FURTHER UPDATE ON WIRSBO PLUMBING

As promised, I again spoke to Wayne Newmiller of Pulte Homes yesterday and asked additional questions regarding replacement of high zinc yellow brass fittings in Wirsbo plumbing. I asked him the following questions:

1. For those homeowners who never signed a petition invoking NRS Chapter 40 or sent an individual letter to you invoking NRS Chapter 40, what happens to them and their Wirsbo problems?
Answer: We will be contacting ALL homeowners who have Wirsbo yellow brass fittings in the next few weeks and they will be included in those who need to have these fittings changed. We will have to schedule those that have invoked NRS Chapter 40 first, as that law restricts the amount of time we have to fix the problem.

2. Will you be replacing the shower mixing valves in all these homes?
Answer: No we will not be replacing the shower mixing valves.

3. Why won't you be replacing the shower mixing valves?
Answer: The Symmons mixing valves that were proposed to us to use as a replacement, have four parts, one of which is made of yellow brass, so the problem is still there. He further stated that they have not seen problems with the shower mixing valves.

The answer given by Mr. Newmiller seemed somewhat suspect to me, and I decided to investigate this further. I contacted my expert and met with him this morning and was given a diagram of the Symmons replacement valve in question. The one part that is made of yellow brass that Pulte's research and development office said would not solve the problem, NEVER, let me repeat, NEVER comes in contact with water, so it would not dezincify.

I know dear reader, so now you are saying what do I do? If you choose to replace the original shower mixing valves in your home, you can buy the Symmons valves on your own and pay to have them installed while the walls are open. Now you are probably thinking where do I go for these valves? The following source is available here in the Valley:

Plumbing Parts Company
5015 Bond Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89118
Phone: 702-365-5665

TO ALL WIRSBO PLUMBING HOMEOWNERS!

As more and more of you receive certified letters from Pulte regarding Wirsbo plumbing with high zinc content yellow brass fittings, I, upon advice from a professional consultant, contacted this morning a Mr. Waynes Newmiller from Pulte Homes. He is in charge of the Wirsbo plumbing issues for the developer.

I posed the following questions to Mr. Newmiller:

1. Will Pulte be drafting a formal repair protocol listing any and all repairs to be made on the homes which have Wirsbo plumbing?
Answer: Yes

2. Will you be replacing the cold water line fittings as well as the hot water line fittings?
Answer: Yes

3. Will you be replacing any high zinc content fittings that feed into the hot water tanks?
Answer: Yes

4. Will each homeowner affected receive a copy of the repair protocol?
Answer: Yes.

The conversation evolved into discussing homeowners who would rather sue Pulte for the plumbing defects than give Pulte a chance to
correct them as stipulated in NRS Chapter 40. In my humble opinion, after closely questioning Mr. Newmiller, it may not beneficially serve either Pulte nor homeowners to take this to court since they seem more than willing to fix all the fittings which contain a high zinc content and replace them with red brass C-314 fittings. He said that they feel that our source of water here in the Valley is becoming increasingly harder as time marches on and they want to fix the entire problem completely and not have to come back at a later date.

Wayne Newmiller addressed all those who invoked NRS Chapter 40 either by petition or by individual letter as being on their list of homeowners that will have this issue resolved. I am not sure if they will eventually contact EVERYONE who has Wirsbo plumbing who did not either sign a petition or send an individual letter to them invoking NRS Chapter 40. I will try to contact him again and get an answer to this question.

For those that want to send a letter to Mr. Newmiller, his address is the following:

Mr. Wayne Newmiller
c/o Pulte Homes
8345 W. Sunset Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89113

The actual law that you invoke in your letter is:NRS 40.6472 (2)(a)

MSK;

The issues I have are the same ones that 161 other Villa owners have.

You said your issues are between the residents in Shadow Canyon, Desert Sky and the newer part of Black Mountain and the developer. That is no different than ours. Your issue is plumbing, our issue is reserves funding.
AND – You are not the only residents with construction defects.

When Rana referred to my “sweet elderly neighbor”, she was refering to a lady who is 99 years old and spends her day in a wheel chair. But don’t let that bother you. It certainly didn’t bother the Board of Directors when they raised her annual dues by $500, instead of requiring “the developer” to obey the law and fund the reserves.

Why can’t we all just get along?

Norman

Rana;

I didn’t think you were that gullable!

Stop by my house anytime, and I’ll show you exactly what this out of control Board of Directors (with the exception of Bob Frank), will do.

You said “So long as dues and assessments are paid this cannot happen “.
Have you ever heard (or read) the term “cease and desist”? Well I have, so don’t be lecturing me about what I say.

You have the right to pick your battles and your friends – so do I.

I’m not changing one word.

Norman

Norman, please think about people like your sweet elderly neighbor when you write things like your note to MSK. When you say things like; “ACTIVISTS who aggravate the board of directors (by asking questions they do not want to answer), can suffer. The board can claim they are “HARRASSING” and can cause these well intentioned people a lot of grief. The board can go so far as putting a lien on their property if they choose to do so.” You know I have, and always will be an ACTIVIST and am proud of it, that is my nature, but I believe in picking my battles.
You know that a Board in ANY HOA can only, by law, place liens on property under specific circumstances. They cannot place a lien on your property just because a resident is a pain in the neck to them. So long as dues and assessments are paid this cannot happen so please don’t frighten people into more complacency than we already have. That, I am sure is not your intent, but if you read your words again, it could very well be the outcome for readers who don’t know better

TO NORM MCCULLOUGH:

It appears that you are equating the actions by myself and others scattered in three villages with your own actions that directly have Board of Directors ties. You couldn't be MORE incorrect! Our petitions to the developer were to put them on notice regarding Wirsbo plumbing problems using yellow brass fittings which have a high content of zinc. These actions have NOTHING to do with the board! We are entirely withing our rights as stated by the law to invoke NRS Chapter 40 in regards to construction defects.

So please in the future, stick to the issues that concern you and your villa owners and other issues you are involved in and leave our issues to those of us who want to tackle them. After all, we are adults and can think for ourselves.

A word of caution to MSK.

Please be careful. In your post (Nov. 18, 2008), you identified yourself and all petition signers as “ACTIVISTS”. This is NOT a popular phrase with the board of directors.

ACTIVISTS who aggravate the board of directors (by asking questions they do not want to answer), can suffer. The board can claim they are “HARRASSING” and can cause these well intentioned people a lot of grief. The board can go so far as putting a lien on their property if they choose to do so.

ACTIVISTS can (and have) come under attack by our well connected BLOG owner (and self admitted forger), who will dedicate thousands of printed words to undermine his/her character and good name. If you want proof of that, just look on his BLOG for the article titled “When Residents Harass”. It would not surprise me in the least if you are not the next candidate for his vile.

So be careful my fellow activist. You may be in for a bumpy ride.

Norman McCullough

ATTENTION TO HOMEOWNERS WITH WIRSBO PLUMBING!

Anyone that insists that all US ACTIVISTS are merely trouble makers, you had better think that again! If you would all remember, there were several petitions circulating within the villages of Shadow Canyon, Desert Sky and the newer part of Black Mountain, some invoking Chapter40.6472 (2)(a) in regards to the high zinc content yellow brass fittings in all our homes who have Wirsbo plumbing. Well today, my fellow homeowners, I received a certified letter, return receipt requested, acknowledging the particular petition I submitted and stating that they will be replacing the C-360 yellow brass fittings with C-314 red brass fittings in my home. They asked for an extension of the deadline prescribed in the state law, Chapter 40, to 90 days from the date of the letter which was written on November 7, 2008. It was signed by Wayne Newmiller from Pulte.

Judging from the response sent to Pulte, I would assume that letters are being sent out to at least everyone who signed the petition I circulated and any other petitions invoking Chapter 40. If you were one of the people who signed such a petition, I would wait a week to see if you receive the same letter. If not, then I would contact Mr. Newmiller by phone and discuss why you have not heard from Pulte.

Sometimes the rewards are significant when a little dedication and perseverance are initiated by activists in our community. Thank you to all who gave of their time to make this happen.....................

We have been asked to post this by a lovely caring lady, please read and see if you know who owns this dog:

My name is Katie Sheehan and I work at the St. Rose Anthem Wellness Center (across the hall from fitness center). This morning I found a little terrier dog lost on Anthem Parkway . He does not have ID and he is not chipped. The dog is a male and in-tact. His collar is green and the leash is part chain part black nylon. He is beige with a wiry coat. He is super sweet too!

He is with my friend over the weekend because I will be away but all the contact info I have put out contains my cell # 617-877-3237. He definitely has a home and someone should be looking for him.

Please spread the word and help us get this little guy back home.

Thank you,
Rana

I was asked to post this notice on behalf of residents in Shadow Canyon and Desert Sky.

SHADOW CANYON, DESERT SKY RESIDENTS-NEW PETITION UP!

A new petition against the proposed additional trail in Shadow Canyon will be available starting this Friday,Saturday and Sunday at the corners of Lewiston and Bensley.

If you don’t want to open up our senior community to a citywide invitation for others to come into our area and jeopardize our safety, security and peaceful community, then you must act now. If you don't speak now and the trail is completed, we will be stuck with the consequences.

Please sign the petition and attend the Town Hall Meeting November 13, 2008 at 10:00 AM.

Volunteers are always welcome to help with the petition.

Forrest Fetherolf

forrest@fetherolfdev.com

702-823-5580

If you are concerned about the crime in the area of the trail head on Shadow Canyon Drive, if you are concerned about the fact that Parks and Recreation for the City of Henderson has yet to fulfill their promises made when the easement to the trail head was given to them, if you are concerned that portions of the trails circle very near resident's homes which will give direct access to private properties, THEN DO NOT MISS THIS TOWN HALL MEETING SCHEDULED ON NOVEMBER 13, 2008 AT 10:00 A.M. IN FREEDOM HALL!!!

Because of the efforts of Forrest Fetherolf, a resident of Shadow Canyon, and others, board member Shirley Cheri has arranged to have Mary Ellen Donner, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Henderson, and Captain Green of the Henderson Police Department at this meeting to discuss all our concerns and perhaps come to a compromise amenable to all concerned homeowners. There should be NO DIRECT ACCESS for the trail circle to homeowners properties! If this is deleted, then there would be a buffer zone area between homes and the trail.

To further back up our concerns, last weekend there were 26 vehicles and one bicycle parked at the trail head and this was not an event sponsored by the Hiking Club. My next question is where did all these people come from?????? Cars were parked all up and down on both sides of Shadow Canyon Drive for hours. It is enough that traffic will certainly increase a great deal next year when Recreation Center III will be finished.

Anyone concerned about this additional proposed outrage should be present at THIS TOWN HALL MEETING!!!

A message to Sonny Sonnenfeld from Norman McCullough

I read your message. I could not agree more with what you had to say. I especially liked your concluding sentence when you said – (Quote);

“David Berman has no special rights to condemn, ridicule or denigrate any other member’s honest and sincere behavior.”

David Berman has for years interfered in the elections of this association. He uses his BLOG to condemn, ridicule or denigrate any candidate that is opposed to his (or his wife’s), liking. He introduced slime politics to the election process here in Sun City Anthem.

I have also come under attack from David Berman for no other reason than I represent the Villa home owners who have every right to question the board and RMI about what has happened to the money that was in their care. RMI has failed us. The past board of directors have failed us, and the present board of directors (with the exception of Bob Frank), have been covering up for the misdeeds of past. I have been threatened by the majority board for no other reason than seeking the truth.

Like you, I believe I have the right and the obligation to question RMI and the Board of Directors whenever I believe they are wrong. I won’t let David Berman and his vile BLOG deter me.

My hat’s off to you Sonny, stick with it.

Norman McCullough
Spokesman for the Villa homeowners.

SCA member Sonny Sonnenfeld responds on Anthem VOICE to David and Roz Berman's personal attacks.
http://blog.anthemvoice.org/2008/11/04/open-letter-from-sonny-to-the-bermans/

WHAT'S INVOLVED IN A FORENSIC AUDIT

Well Mr. Berman, you asked, so here's the answer; and if I were you, as well as a number of your pals and current and past board members, I would commit this to memory and be ready for the FBI to ask for one should this Board of Directors continue to reject the will of the people and stonewall the notion of one.

Forensic accounting draws its name from association with a COURT OF LAW. (Surprised a former attorney is not aware of that). It is performed to accomplish an objective that involves a JUDICIAL PROCESS.

With regard to our association, examples of forensic accounting objectives include:

a. assessment of damages caused by an auditor's negligence.
b. fact-finding to see whether EMBEZZLEMENT has taken place, in what amount, and whether CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS are to be initiated.
c. the collection of evidence in a CRIMINAL PROCEEDING.

Forensic accounting is focused upon both the evidence of financial transactions and reporting as contained within an accounting system, and the LEGAL FRAMEWORK which allows such evidence to be suitable to the purpose of ESTABLISHING ACCOUNTABILITY.

Forensic accountants are typically Chartered Accountants that specialize in those types of cases WHERE THERE IS A NEED FOR SUCH EVIDENCE.

Their job is to DETECT AND INTERPRET THE EVIDENCES of both normal (non-fraudulent) and abnormal (fraudulent) transactions in the books and records of an accounting system and the subsequent effect upon the accounts, inventories, and THE PRESENTATION thereof.

Now as far as the timeframe--------how about back to DAY ONE OF SUN CITY ANTHEM EXISTENCE, NOT FROM TRANSITION. How cute that example of yours was in order to perhaps figure out a way to avoid some involvement prior to that time.

Not gonna work, especially with the current climate of homeowner associations being investigated for "deals" between directors and management companies with certain association attorneys being questioned as to kickback schemes.

Would it be possible that this is the case in SCA?

If a small group of people without much of any net worth and very little meaningful business experience could control millions of dollars or a person that had no conscience other than greed and corruption in some way became involved, OF COURSE IT'S POSSIBLE.

That's why we need this audit, bunky. So stop trying to play innocent as to creating every possible roadblock to one, when in fact, if for nothing else, it would either restore CONFIDENCE IN OUR LEADERSHIP, or banish those that have contributed to CORRUPTION by sending a message out that improprieties OF ANY KIND, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND PROSECUTED.

Finally, just ask people in our community to recommend a forensic auditor. They most definitely exist, and I am sure, would gladly bid on the job of doing an excellent scrutinization in order to EARN THE RIGHT TO OUR MASSIVE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM AND LARGE FEES ASSOCIATED WITH IT.

It is time for PAST & FUTURE LEADERSHIP TO BE MADE AWARE THAT A FORENSIC AUDIT IS MANDATORY FOR MULTIMILLION DOLLAR OPERATIONS and that SCA is no exception to that rule.

Typical of Mr. McCullough to respond to a constructive comment, which attacked no one, with a personal attack.

The simple fact is this: I respect your issue, but until you decide that you want to build a meaningful level of support for your issue among a criticial mass of the community, you are not likely to succeed. Until you address the types of questions I put forward, you will not give your fellow residents the background they need to even understand what you are talking about. An educational effort takes work, and it does not look like you are willing to make that effort. Until you do this, "forensic audit" is just a term, a buzz word, that has little or no meaning to at least the 95 percent of our residents who are quite happy here and don't perceive the problems that you do. So feel free to spin your wheels all you want.

David (self admitted forger) Berman;

How typical of you to write a thousand words criticizing a resident who is concerned about the financial well being of the residents.

Why the H - - L didn’t YOU see to it that an audit was done at the time of transition? You were Vice President of this association.

Why don’t YOU read Rana’s comment (October 31, 2008)? She says ;

“Let’s put this audit issue in a more business like frame of mind for a moment, shall we? As one of my fellow campaigners used to say during the last run for the board, if you were in the process of buying a business would you accept the books of that business from the current auditor or CPA? NO YOU WOULD NOT! SCA audits have been run by the same auditing company since before Del Webb turned it over, if I am correct and we cannot deny that over the years there have been many errors made in our financial operations with the change in computer systems at RMI. The finance committee has found errors and fixed them, yet considering the number of people that handle our transactions, when Del Webb turned over the control to us, an independent audit would have been the prudent thing to do. It was not done.”

This is your “albatross”. Quit ducking the responsibility of your failure.

Norman

Norman McCullough writes: "A forensic audit would give every member of Sun City Anthem the confidence to say with conviction “I’m proud to live here”.

Notwithstanding the fact that the vast majority of SCA residents are already proud to live here, one must wonder why proponents of a forensic audit such as Mr. McCullough have not made a serious effort to market the idea to the community at large.

I have talked with numerous residents over the past year who say they can't form an opinion about a forensic audit because they have no knowledge of what it would involve. In other words, it's hard to sell a community on something if most do not know the details about the product being sold.

For starters, it would be nice to know the answers to the following questions, which I have never seen addressed in the context of demanding a forensic audit.

1. Exactly what is a forensic audit? What steps would be followed to do it?

2. What individual or company would be a candidate to conduct a forensic audit?

3. Within a reasonable range of estimates, how much would it cost the Association, especially relative to the maximum amount that could be recovered, to conduct a forensic audit?

4. How far back would the forensic audit go in time? It's a proper question to ask, since it's hard to imagine what good a forensic audit would do for the period during which the developer controlled the Association, contributing funds as a subsidy until the time of transition.

You want a forensic audit? Then you have to create a groundswell of support by educating the community about what it involves. All we have seen so far is a term, "forensic audit," being tossed around, without the education that should go with it. And until a much larger segment of the community can be educated to support the proposal, then residents are entitled to ask why a forensic audit is needed when our audited financials are certified by a reputable CPA every year.

Notice that I am not arguing for or against a forensic audit, merely making the point that you can rarely sell something, be it a product or a service, if you don't tell the intended audience why it is in their interest to buy into it.

At the Tuesday, November 4th City Council Meeting the Sun City Anthem Women’s Club will be honored by Mayor Gibson with a commendation “for its outstanding contribution to the Sun City Anthem Community.”

This is listed as the first item (PR-001) on the evening’s agenda starting at 7pm.

s to all the ladies who work tirelessly on so many projects, it’s so nice to see that the club’s efforts are being recognized by those off our “hill.”

FLASH BULLITIN TO ALL VILLA OWNERS
--------------------------------

In 2007 when the Board of Directors told us they had to raise our neighborhoods assessments by $500 because the cost of paint had climbed from $0.90 sf to $1.57 sf (74% higher), we naturally objected.

We also pointed out that the $500 increase was a violation of the CC&R’s because it raised our annual dues more than 20%. We pointed out that the developer HAD NOT obeyed the Nevada Statutes to properly fund the neighborhood reserves, and if more money was needed, they should ask Del Webb to fund the reserves as called for in the NRS Statutes. The BOD wouldn’t listen. They insisted THEY knew what was appropriate, and over our strong objections, they added $81,000 to the neighborhood reserves from our pockets instead.

By now you have received a letter from the board announcing the 2009 Budget Ratification Meeting to be held November 20, 2008. Here are some of the highlights;

If you live in High Mesa, in 2009 your reserves will be OVER funded by 89%! If the BOD gave back the $500 they took from you in 2007, Your reserves WOULD STILL BE OVERFUNDED BY 50%!

If you live in High Mountain, in 2009 your reserves will be OVER funded by 60%! If the BOD gave back the $500 they took from you in 2007, Your reserves WOULD STILL BE OVERFUNDED BY 29%!

If you live in Canyon Crest, in 2009 your reserves will be OVER funded by 95%! If the BOD gave back the $500 they took from you in 2007, Your reserves WOULD STILL BE OVERFUNDED BY 57%!

If you live in Club House, in 2009 your reserves will be OVER funded by 36%! If the BOD gave back the $500 they took from you in 2007, Your reserves WOULD STILL BE OVERFUNDED BY 3.3%!

Does anyone get the idea that this current Board of Directors (with the exception of Bob Frank), DON’T KNOW WHAT THE H - - L THEY ARE DOING? Does anyone believe that RMI must be “smoking” the funny stuff? I thought RMI was supposed to keep an eye on these idiots.

THIS IS A REPEAT OF MY MESSAGE (OCT. 10, 2008), FROM THIS WEBSITE- STILL RELEVANT
---------------------------
Recently I offered a challenge to Carl Weinstien. I made the challenge on the web site that is the domain of the editor of The Review Journal who reported that an FBI investigation into the practices of community associations may be widening to include many of the larger developments (including Sun City Anthem).

My exact words addressed to Carl from the web site follows;

“You are the Vice president of SCA. It wouldn’t be too hard for you to prove your concern for the citizens of Sun City Anthem at the next board meeting on Oct. 7.
Why don’t you propose a resolution to conduct an independent forensic audit of the operating and reserve funds of Sun City Anthem and let the entire board to vote on your resolution. Lets remove the unresolved financial misconduct questions.
Or -- could it be you are afraid of what it might reveal? “

Well, -- Oct. 7 has come and gone, but sadly Carl did not answer the call to remove the unresolved financial misconduct questions. In fact NONE of the majority “Unity” candidates offered to clear the air once and for all and conduct a forensic audit.

In my view, it was NOT simply a misguided mistake when the past boards DID NOT INSIST THAT AN AUDIT BE UNDERTAKEN AT THE TIME OF TRANSITION. Every member of this community has a right to find out if their interests were protected when the association became a resident controlled board, and freed itself from the developer dominated board. Its no secret that Del Webb did not make the transition a smooth one. The Del Webb Corporation placed a great many obstacles in the way that has prevented a full and complete presentation of the facts even today.

The ONLY way this community will EVER learn the truth, is via of a independent forensic audit performed by a completely trustworthy outside source. Our current Board of Directors (with the lone exception of Bob Frank), is standing in the way of our right to learn the truth about what happened in the past, and what implications it may have on our future.

What makes this community great is the people who live here, NOT the board of directors who are elected by a very small percentage of the entire population, and the “expertise” of a BLOG owner who had his chance to do some thing when he was Vice President of the board and failed.

Lets get the job done. Lets get a petition started that will force the board to tell the truth and reveal once and for all what happened and will put to rest all the distrust and the partisan rhetoric. A forensic audit would give every member of Sun City Anthem the confidence to say with conviction “I’m proud to live here”. If we don’t take this opportunity, can we really say those words?

Board member Carl Weinstein (29 Oct.) encourages those who disagree with certain past Board actions to put up or shut up. Carl might be more careful in what he asks for. As Carl should know, there is more than one way to skin a cat and bringing suit, as he proposes, is not always the preferred method to resolving an allegation of fraud and malfeasance.

For all SCA Veterans:

On November 13th at 11 AM, Thunderbird Pilot Major Kirby Ensser, USAF, will be the luncheon speaker for the SCA Women’s Club. In honor of our veterans and Veteran’s Day, November 11th, we would like to extend an invitation to SCA Veterans to attend this unique luncheon, and we are requesting assistance from the SCA Veterans SIG and the blog operators to help spread the word on this event.

SCA is extremely grateful to be able to have Major Ensser, USAF, as our speaker this month. Thunderbird Pilots rarely have time to make pubic presentations. The Thunderbird Team travels worldwide most weeks during the year, and even when they are home with family and friends, they usually have to fly twice a day to develop new skills and maintain their high levels of aerobatic proficiency. This luncheon promises to be a truly memorable occasion for our community.

Our luncheon will start at 11 AM on November 13 in Hanneman Hall. A catered buffet meal by Chef Neal will be followed by Major Ensser’s presentation. For this event, we have waived the guest fee for veterans, and the luncheon charge will only be $25.00–the standard price to women’s club members.

Veterans wishing to attend must make a reservation with payment made in the Women’s Club mailbox by Sunday, November 9th by 5 pm. The payment should be inserted into the locked box in the SCA mail room to the left of the SCA club mail boxes.

We plan to set aside reserved tables for our veterans, but individual veterans may request to be seated with others at different tables. If you wish to be seated with any specific person or persons, please include the information on a note attached to your reservation when it is placed into the Women’s Club mailbox.

We look forward to having our veterans attend our Women’s Club November luncheon, and we welcome the opportunity to recognize you at this very special event.

Thank you,

Kathy Matson & Kay Frank
Co-Presidents, Sun City Anthem Women’s Club

Rana;

You are absolutely right about the need for an audit. To use your words;

“when Del Webb turned over the control to us, an independent audit would have been the prudent thing to do. It was not done.”

Two questions;

1. WITHOUT an audit, how can the residents be assured that Del Webb is being asked to fund the correct amount (that considers ALL transactions from 1998 until the date of transition)?

2. WHY was it NOT done at the time of transition (when David Berman could have been “our hero” by calling for it)?

Let’s put this audit issue in a more business like frame of mind for a moment, shall we? As one of my fellow campaigners used to say during the last run for the board, if you were in the process of buying a business would you accept the books of that business from the current auditor or CPA? NO YOU WOULD NOT! SCA audits have been run by the same auditing company since before Del Webb turned it over, if I am correct and we cannot deny that over the years there have been many errors made in our financial operations with the change in computer systems at RMI. The finance committee has found errors and fixed them, yet considering the number of people that handle our transactions, when Del Webb turned over the control to us, an independent audit would have been the prudent thing to do. It was not done. Now, in light of all that has transpired in the last few years, all the doubt and questions, it would lay all those doubts to rest if this were done. I personally don’t feel it is a matter of conspiracy theory, deliberate theft, or anything other than DAMN GOOD BUSINESS and about time it was done. We should stop calling each other names and start running this place like the multimillion dollar corporation it is. This is a business and we are adults, lets act like it PLEASE!!!!

I want to congratulate Board member Barry Friedman for picking up the ball and running an excellent seminar on construction defects this afternoon. This event, which drew nearly 300 residents to the afternoon session, might never have come off as it did without Barry's efforts to pull it together and serve as moderator.

WEINSTEIN PROVES MY ENTIRE POINT

Mr. Weinstein, just why can't you handle people questioning the status quo and why do you constantly refer to them as "a bunch of financial dissidents"?

Are you saying that to question is wrong?

I think you need a lesson in history. Questioning the party in power has been an American tradition and shows INTELLIGENCE; however, there are people like you that prefer to look at disagreement as DISLOYALTY, and I have to say that the attitude you have shown is one that would have gladly supported the British Crown in 1776. Your belief in government is that if elected, one should consider it's leaders as ABOVE REPROACH AND DESERVING OF LOYALTY UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Well my man, that's not how real life works.

Let me give you another lesson in history, this one a bit closer to home. When your Unity Party did it's victory dance, an INTELLIGENT PERSON would have looked a bit closer to the numbers.
You see, Mr. VP, approximately 53% of the people who cast ballots voted for independent candidates with your Unity bunch receiving 47%.

On top of that, all 4 of the independent candidates CAMPAIGNED WITH FULL SUPPORT FOR A FORENSIC AUDIT OF THE BOOKS. Only the 3 Unity Party candidates stressed STATUS QUO.

Now to me that means that the majority of this community wanted that audit, yet your group is holding back THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE.

This organization controls approximately $7,000,000 per year in resident dues and to me that means EXPERTISE IN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE A DEMAND, NOT AN OPTION.

Can that be achieved under the current manner this association is governed? I question that because very few IF ANY OF YOU HAVE THE FINANCIAL BACKGROUND OR ANY EXPERIENCE AT RUNNING A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR BUSINESS.

To my knowledge, you sir, are without any experience in ever running any business. You have worked for others you entire life; you have never met a payroll, never had to worry where the next dollar in revenue ever came from to provide benefits to your employees, never had to concern youself with competitive pressures, and certainly never had to ever invest a nickel of personal capital to ever claim entrepreneurship. Yet you claim to call others that have had that experience FINANCIAL DISSIDENTS. In addition I believe that MOST of the board members also fall in the same category as VERIFIABLE RESUMES seem to be out of bounds with association election rules.

So Mr. Weinstein, do we have a right to question the management of a multimillion dollar organization that is run by individuals that have probably never been an any CEO capacity? You bet we do.

Now finally to the part about the finances of such an audit.

First, you write the "dissidents" should pool our resources. Well sir, he have, IT'S CALLED ASSOCIATION DUES.

But let's take it one step further. If we do pool our personal resources, will you approve the audIt, open up the books to an independent auditor OF OUR CHOICE, AND BEST OF ALL, IF WE ARE RIGHT, PUT UP YOUR HOUSE TO REIMBURSE US TO THE COSTS?

Balls in your court, Curly.

Dexter says;

Carl (Desert Cockroach) Weinstein;

You’re wrong. In your case it’s called “Putting your FOOT where your mouth is”.

Dexter

TO: Richard Arendt

I read your suggestion about how to resolve the financial audit situation. On the one hand we have Bob Frank leading a bunch of financial dissidents and claiming fraud, theft, malfeasance by some former and current Board Members as well as coverup charges. On the other hand we have Board members who have relied on past and present audits by our consultants that say everything is/has been done properly.

I rate that as a standoff. The answer therefore is for one of the parties to "do something or get off the pot". Why should it be the Board who does something? I don't trust the integrity of the head dissidents to pay up if they lose.

So.....Why don't all the complainers pool their financial resources and hire an attorney and sue the appropriate Board members that they believe are guilty of all their charges. Seems to me, if they think things are so bad, as good citizen residents they owe it to the community to sue the Association's butt right off the map. That's called "putting your money where your mouth is!"

COMMENTS TO:

FRANK BLAHA
MERCEDES BARRIS
KEN HINSON
AL

I recently read your commentaries on Berman's blog and I have to admit, I get a real kick out of the constant criticisms of Bob Frank.

So, to each of you, let me use an example.

If you needed legal advice and found out that the person from whom you were obtaining it, had at best a checked past with regard to honesty and integrity and further admitted to acts that caused that person to lose a license to practice law, you would still have faith in that person
as to his ability to tell you the full truth on which you would wholly rely?

If the answer is yes, I let others draw their conclusions as to the credibility you have in the comments you make.

A special message from Dexter;

I think having the Pet Park and a Senior walking area on the BLM site on Volunteer is an absolutely wonderful idea and a solution to the Pet Park Problem.

“Lets Get-er Done” !!

Dexter

Richard Arendt ;

I almost hate to point out the obvious, but it took over three years for some of the communities that had similar problems to overcome their out of control boards (thanks to the FBI).

I’m afraid we all may have to endure what you call “throwing stones” for some time to come. The recent story in The Review Journal proves that justice is some times slow in coming, but never the less justice was eventually proved to the people who refused to submit.

As time goes by, you may have a different view, but putting the hornets back in the hive is not some thing that is not even achievable. If its “old and boring” to you, perhaps you need to relax and hopefully let justice take it’s inevitable path. If we have learned anything from the past it is this.

Justice won’t be achieved by silence.

A day has now passed and note that NOT ONE Board Member has had the guts to PUT UP OR SHUT UP regarding my challenge to audit the books to find out who is telling the truth.

Pathetic, isn't it?

Where are you blowhards that are so sure of youselves (and full of yourselves) yet don't have the courage to prove what you preach?

Since none of you have the guts to PUT UP and call for the audit, can the rest of our community be assured you'll now SHUT UP and stop throwing stones at each other?

It's all getting old, boring, and proving the point that old people have nothing better to do with their lives other than bitch.

Richard Arendt;

And what about this?

How long is this community going to allow David Berman to influence and interfere in the political and the financial policies of this association? He is currently using his BLOG to lie and discredit Bob Frank. Why is an admitted forger even ALLOWED to publish that crap without being censured by the election committee? During the last election, Jack Troia (the husband of a member of the election committee), was allowed to rant and rave about certain candidates HE disliked while conducting the business of the community, and that display of political bias was witnessed by Roz Berman our illustrious President who made no objection. Is that acceptable? Would the federal government consider it acceptable? I wonder.

Norman

A SIMPLE SOLUTION TO THE BICKERING

Want to end all this childish behavior and hate?

Very simple.

Do the forensic audit by an independent auding firm.

There can only be one of 2 results:

1. Bob Frank eats crow.

2. These and past "leaders" of our community are guilty of mismanagement and should bear the judicial consequences of those actions.

So those that constantly complain about Bob and his being such a "rogue", PROVE IT ALREADY and to Bob, if mismanagement exists, you prove it as well.

Open the books and let's see who is telling the truth.

I put the challenge out to all you "leaders" that seem to know what is best for us. Do the audit and if mismanagement is present, RESIGN and face the consequences.

I also put the challenge to Bob Frank that if after an audit is taken that he is proven to be in error, that he will resign.

So all of you, put up or shut up already.

Any of you willing to take this deal and get this community back to where it should be?

Look who's talkeng about personal attacks --- The man who gave birth to Slime Politics for Sun City Anthem.

My dog Dexter has more moral character than you David.

Norman

It is quite instructive and typical of Mr. McCullough that when he is confronted with irrefutable facts, he ignores them and reverts to his usual m.o. of engaging in personal attacks.

In case he hasn't heard the audience laughter during his Board meeting dissertations, at him and not with him, he has long been identified, and properly so, by the community.

Bitterness, thy name is Norman.

To David Berman (The admitted forger);

You sound a bit bitter. Nobody likes a crybaby David. If the FBI knocks on your door, just put on your tinfoil hat and let your tongue hang outside the side of your mouth while you sing ring around the Rosie. You might get a really nice “condo” complete with a big strong boyfriend to keep you company.

Per Mr. McCullough's comments, it is also a fact that the owner of THIS blog attempted to influence the outcome of the past two Board elections, and failed when his recommended candidates, other than those whom I also supported, went down to defeat.

And Dexter's owner conveniently ignores the fact that the current Board President voted for Bob Frank to be President, and then to be Vice President, and also helped him with a joint contribution of $500 toward his legal costs. How much did Mr. McCullough give him? After that, Mr. Frank destroyed himself in the eyes of the Board majority. That's what democracy is all about.

Mr. McCullough, who has never provided any documented proof of how many Villas owners he "represents," should put his beliefs where his mouth is and, instead of being now known as the "SCA whiner," should run for the Board himself so that he can put things right. That's what Mr. Frank did when he felt he needed to take revenge for all the wrongs he imagined had been done to him. It would be a community service on my part to engage Mr. McCullough during the course of a Board election campaign. Until then, it is just so much yada-yada-yada. And as I also told him during the last Board meeting, he should stop putting the Association and its members through all the wasted time and money with his complaints about the "criminal" actions regarding Villas reserves. He should cut out the baloney, hire a lwayer, and sue SCA. Then, when he wins, he can recover all his costs.

The R-J article is about fact patterns that in no way have a bearing on our well-managed community, except in one regard: Questions need to be asked and answered about what type of deal Mr. Frank has with Attorney Robert Maddox. For instance, have they made a deal that Frank would not have to pay the Maddox legal bill for his services to Frank if they can't get SCA to pay it?

There is an article in today’s Las Vegas Review Journal on page 1B. The article relates the facts concerning the residents who lived in several communities in the Las Vegas area that were governed by a home owner associations like ours. It seems that after many years, the residents are finally going to have an honest and open election for board members courtesy of the federal government.

It’s no secret that David Berman has greatly influenced the elections for a great many years here in Sun City Anthem. First he gave us “ACE” and Mike Dixon. In the last election he promoted “Unity” and gave us Carl (Desert Cockroaches), Weinstein, and a board majority (including his wife as PRESIDENT), of a board that can not seem to agree what day it is let alone on many of the issues that are so important to the members.

How long is this community going to allow David Berman to influence and interfere in the political and the financial policies of this association? He is currently using his BLOG to lie and discredit Bob Frank. Why is an admitted forger even ALLOWED to publish that crap without being censured by the election committee? During the last election, Jack Troia (the husband of a member of the election committee), was allowed to rant and rave about certain candidates HE disliked while conducting the business of the community, and that display of political bias was witnessed by Roz Berman our illustrious President who made no objection. Is that acceptable? Would the federal government consider it acceptable? I wonder.

It is interesting that Kay Frank says she was the "lead writer" of the AV article regarding out-of-state solicitors, since she was not in attendance at the meeting which was the subject of the article. Perhaps that is why almost all the "facts" in the article were incorrect.

So now we learn that many of the unsigned AV articles are a "group effort?" In that case, why not just append each contributors name at the top of each "group article?" Hiding behind the cloak of anonymity, I will acknowledge, is certainly consistent with the anonymous behavior of the Frank/Briggs fellow travelers in the last, failed Board election campaign.

And Mr. Arendt writes, "we, the community, don't really give a damn about door knocking Dems."

Really? Apparently Bob Frank gave a damn, or he wouldn't have written his misinformed article. Last time I checked, he was still a member of "the community."

For the record, I was the lead writer (but not the only member of the group) contributing to The VOICE article objecting to the out-of-state soliciting by political workers in SCA. Weinstein and Berman did not have the professionalism to cite the revised/updated posting based on info received from Rich Miller.

By the way, AV individuals who post without consulting other AV members on their articles are asked to post under their own names. Our site policy is that group articles are posted under "The VOICE" or "admin" accounts.

My responses to the unwarranted and wild, over-the-top attacks by Berman and Weinstein are posted at the following link. The issue is SCA homeowner security, and we stand behind our objections to non-resident solicitations.

http://blog.anthemvoice.org/2008/10/22/invasion-by-california-door-knockers/

Kay Frank

MOE & CURLY ARE AT IT AGAIN

Sometimes you read things that are so ridiculous that you have to just laugh.

This is another one of those times.

First we are "warned" that a bunch of DANAGEROUS DEMOCRATS are about to invade us, then David "Moe" Berman says, AH, ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO JUMP ALL OVER A RIDICULOUS SITUATION BY WRITING A MANUSCRIPT about it. DUMB DUMB DUMB

Then of course, his cohort, you know, the guy whose tact rivals that of the leader of North Korea, Carl "Curly" Weinstein, has to jump in with his typical DUMB DUMB DUMB 2 cents. Just how hard did he hit his head when he scaled that bike rack at the center?

Of all the important issues facing this community, both have to take up yet another stupid crusade to smear Bob Frank? They must be running out of material to choose this one.

Bob Frank SCREWED UP, but of course, Moe & Curly just couldn't let this one go. They had to make a FEDERAL CASE OUT OF IT. It's been weeks since the invisible muzzle was placed on Davey with his sarcastic character assassinations, and well, it must be falling off; and as far as DESERT ROACH GUY, many of us were wondering how long it would take for him to once again open his mouth and insert his foot.

David, I miss the Anita Bryant stuff you dug up on John Briggs. Now that was true journalism !

To both of you two cartoon characters, we, the community, don're really give a damn about DOOR KNOCKING DEMS. Let them come, no one opens doors to strangers anyway in light of the many security alerts we have had lately.

Thanks for the morning Chuckle------oops, wrong guy !

Since ads for other blogs are allowed on this blog, if you want the real truth about the "California Door-Knockers" read the true story on Anthemjournal.typepad.com

It seem that there is a definite lack of military intelligence available in Anthem these days.

New articles on Anthem Voice include:

- Invasion By California Door-Knockers?
http://blog.anthemvoice.org/2008/10/22/invasion-by-california-door-knockers/

- More LV Review-Journal Articles & Postings About HOAs
http://blog.anthemvoice.org/2008/10/17/more-lv-review-journal-articles-postings/

In addition to Ron Johnson's excellent article that appears on this website (On the Real Cost of Greening Recreation Center 3), I became aware of another intriguing proposal from Mr. Tim Stebbins. Here it is -- Looks good to me, What do you think? It is featured on Anthem Voice and a link is provided if you want to comment.
------------------------

Let’s Make a Deal

October 20, 2008 by Tim_Stebbins.

Our board has used its business judgment to make a deal with the developer concerning Rec. Center #3. The board decided the deal is in the best interests of Sun City Anthem.

I would like to take advantage of their business judgment too.

Here is my proposed agreement:

The Association gives me $1,375,000. I get to keep this money for three and a half years with no obligations what so ever. After three and a half years I agree to give the Association $191,190. A year or so later I agree to begin paying a portion of the electric and gas utilities bills for Rec. Center #3 and continue such payments for the useful life of the original “Greening” features included in Rec. Center #3.

The Association will begin saving money immediately upon the initializing of the payments by me. I agree to establish a trust account to assure such payments continue if I do not survive the useful life of the original “Greening” elements included in Rec. Center #3.

I think this is a pretty sweet deal for me. It is the same deal the board made with the developer. If it is good business for the Association to make this deal with the developer it should be an equally good business to make this deal with me.
---------------------
http://www.blog.anthemvoice.org/

Many people believe that under Republican administrations business thrives, investment returns are strong, and job growth is robust. Now for the facts.

Investment Returns: According to Bloomberg Financial Markets since 1929, Republicans and Democrats have each controlled the presidency for nearly 40 years. So which party has been better for American pocketbooks and capitalism as a whole? Well, here’s an experiment: imagine that during these years you had to invest exclusively under either Democratic or Republican administrations. How would you have fared?
As of Friday, a $10,000 investment in the S.& P. stock market index would have grown to $11,733 if invested under Republican presidents only, although that would be $51,211 if we exclude Herbert Hoover’s presidency during the Great Depression. Invested under Democratic presidents only, $10,000 would have grown to $300,671 at a compound rate of 8.9 percent over nearly 40 years.

How about job growth? Following is a ranking of the presidencies since Truman in terms of compound average percent growth in private sector jobs, using seasonally adjusted employment figures.
1. Johnson +3.6%
2. Carter +3.3%
3. Truman +2.7%
4. Clinton +2.6%
5. Reagan +2.3%
6. Nixon +2.1%
7. Kennedy +2.0%
8. Ford +0.9%
9. Eisenhower +0.5%
10. George H.W. Bush +0.41%
11. George W. Bush +0.35%

The top four presidents are Democrats and the bottom four are all Republicans.

How about GPD growth? Data from the U.S. Department of Commerce for 1948 to 2007, during which Republicans occupied the White House for 34 years and Democrats for 26, show average annual growth of real gross national product of 1.64 percent per capita under Republican presidents versus 2.78 percent under Democrats.

That 1.14-point difference, if maintained for eight years, would yield 9.33 percent more income per person, which is a lot more than almost anyone can expect from a tax cut.

Conclusion: If you value investment growth, GDP growth, and jobs growth, and if the past is prologue, you would do well to vote for Obama. Besides, if your income is less than $250,000 you stand to get a tax reduction.

A special note to Carl Weinstein - From Dexter

Carl;

My master Norman wants you to know he is very glad you were not seriously hurt when you fell on Saturday morning (Oct. 18). Norm said he did the very same thing once, so I guess it may be our body’s way of warning us to be a little more careful and alert. He also said it was very nice (and gracious), of you to thank the residents who came to your aid.

Norman also wants to tell you that you are absolutely - 100% correct when you said ;

“It is nice to know that when the chips are down there are residents who look out for and help other residents when the occasion arises."

Norm said it would be a better world and a better community if all our residents felt that way.

Norman, Mary, and I all hope everything is OK when you see the doctor tomorrow.

Dexter.

HAVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARDS READY
From this point forward the monitors at both Anthem Center and Independence Center have been instructed to check membership cards of everyone using the facilities. This is an attempt at making sure that our club houses are used by residents and their guests only so please be nice about it, they are just doing their job. Signs will be going up this week as a reminder to have your cards easily available as you enter and not in parked your gym bag as many of us have a tendency to do.

From Dexter;

It's time that everyone recognize David Bermans contribution to the residents of Sun City Anthem.

Light the fire under the tar kettle' I'll get the feathers.

It's time that everyone recognize that Norman McCullough, the elected representative of 162 Vilals owners, is a true community patriot.

Let's get a petition started to urge Norman to run for the Board in the next election. Who could resist the universal appeal of a dedicated volunteer and his trusty dog?

Recently I offered a challenge to Carl Weinstien. I made the challenge on the web site that is the domain of the editor of The Review Journal who reported that an FBI investigation into the practices of community associations may be widening to include many of the larger developments (including Sun City Anthem).

My exact words addressed to Carl from the web site follows;

“You are the Vice president of SCA. It wouldn’t be too hard for you to prove your concern for the citizens of Sun City Anthem at the next board meeting on Oct. 7.
Why don’t you propose a resolution to conduct an independent forensic audit of the operating and reserve funds of Sun City Anthem and let the entire board to vote on your resolution. Lets remove the unresolved financial misconduct questions.
Or -- could it be you are afraid of what it might reveal? “

Well, -- Oct. 7 has come and gone, but sadly Carl did not answer the call to remove the unresolved financial misconduct questions. In fact NONE of the majority “Unity” candidates offered to clear the air once and for all and conduct a forensic audit.

In my view, it was NOT simply a misguided mistake when the past boards DID NOT INSIST THAT AN AUDIT BE UNDERTAKEN AT THE TIME OF TRANSITION. Every member of this community has a right to find out if their interests were protected when the association became a resident controlled board, and freed itself from the developer dominated board. Its no secret that Del Webb did not make the transition a smooth one. The Del Webb Corporation placed a great many obstacles in the way that has prevented a full and complete presentation of the facts even today.

The ONLY way this community will EVER learn the truth, is via of a independent forensic audit performed by a completely trustworthy outside source. Our current Board of Directors (with the lone exception of Bob Frank), is standing in the way of our right to learn the truth about what happened in the past, and what implications it may have on our future.

What makes this community great is the people who live here, NOT the board of directors who are elected by a very small percentage of the entire population, and the “expertise” of a BLOG owner who had his chance to do some thing when he was Vice President of the board and failed.

Lets get the job done. Lets get a petition started that will force the board to tell the truth and reveal once and for all what happened and will put to rest all the distrust and the partisan rhetoric. A forensic audit would give every member of Sun City Anthem the confidence to say with conviction “I’m proud to live here”. If we don’t take this opportunity, can we really say those words?

Wow -- Another hard hitting article entitled “BOARD WASTES MORE MONEY” is reproduced below by guess who?
---------------

Thanks to the perseverance and tenacity by some of our fellow homeowners (and lately, one particularly persistent individual) the facts of more board shenanigans has come to light for all to see.

In 2006 there was a desire to install industrial quality steel shelving in one of our buildings for storage purposes. The price was estimated at something over $10,000. A quote was obtained from a local vendor:

Total price of shelving $10,552.32
Sales Tax 817.80
Installation Labor 960.00
Total Price $12,330.12

An idea emerged. Over $800 could be saved by not paying the sales tax. Having the Minuteman Foundation (MMF) buy the shelving could do this since they are not taxable. They could in turn sell the shelving back to us tax-free because they are a charitable organization. For their cooperation in this scheme the Minuteman Foundation would be allowed to use some of the shelving space at no charge. Such a deal, everybody wins

The Minuteman Foundation purchased the shelving and had it installed as follows:

Total price of shelving $10,552.32
Sales Tax 0.00
Installation Labor 960.00
Total Price $11,512.32

Apparently the Minuteman Foundation Officers felt they deserved more consideration for their participation in this scheme than simply free use of SCA property. The same people (West and Berman while wearing two different hats for the two different corporations) would charge SCA more than the shelving actually cost to realize a profit for the Minuteman Foundation.

How much did they charge you might ask? On behalf of MMF, Favil West and Bob Berman charged SCA $16,700. That is a huge 45% markup for acting as a middleman - plus those same officers still insist on the free use of the shelves now belonging to SCA.

So, the SCA officers, two of whom were also Officers and Trustees of the Minutemen Foundation, thought this was just fine, and “donated” $16,700 to the Minuteman Foundation! But, imagine this, the SCA Officers (West, Berman, Dwyer and Berg) did not even bother to get the transaction on the agenda and approved by a board vote–as required by the law! Why were they hiding such a large amount? Perhaps they knew that the amount and purpose (donation) and the self-dealing was not legal?

Let us review this action by the board:

1. We could have purchased the shelves for $12,330.12.

2. Instead, the 2006 SCA Officers (with the same individuals serving as President and Vice President of both corporations) decided to pay Minuteman Foundation $16,700 for the shelves.
The 2006 board officers paid almost $4,400 more for the shelves than was necessary and almost $4,400 more than they are worth. That was our dues money they wasted. All the while claiming to be saving the sales tax of over $800. Can you believe that kind of judgment?

Now, consider this case while you evaluate the competence, honesty and integrity of most of our past and present SCA directors. Mull this over when you think about the honesty and integrity of the Minuteman Foundation officers. We each have to act as we see fit, but many will remember this case the next time the Minuteman Foundation leadership comes with its hand out.

It is very difficult to uncover facts in matters like this. There has been an uncooperative attitude by the Board and the Community Manager that has taken our fellow homeowners over a year to finally get to the facts.

But, we also have to wonder how much more money has been wasted or is missing? Some say millions appear to have been lost or wasted. How could those of us who pay the bills find out the truth?

In the meantime, the board majority is refusing to allow all the financial facts of past years to come out. Last year the board raised the dues by $160, and a few months later cut it by $100. Do they really know what they are doing? Imagine the wasted thousands of dollars of just changing the collection procedures and by having to reconcile the 7,000+ accounts!

Months before that, we found out the board had improperly retained over $3.7 million in surplus dues for the past few years–in spite of fact that all bills had been paid, and all reserves had been funded to over 90%. We are talking about truly excessive dues collections! And, then they even raised the 2007 dues above the previously excessive levels. How could that be justified?

The excuses given? They said it is not easy to know exactly how much is needed each year, so it is better to ask for too much than to run short. While it can make sense to have an operating fund of a hundred thousand or two to support the year end carry over supporting an annual budget of $8 Million, but accumulating $3.7 million in surplus to all known needs–outrageous!

Such surpluses are required by law to be credited to the homeowners against future assessments or to pay federal income tax on the retained surplus. But, they refuse to do either one. Instead, they are hoping to not be audited by the IRS while they are struggling to find ways to spend all of that surplus and ignoring the requirement to spend the money wisely. Amazing attitudes. Whose money do they think they are handling? Do they remind you of the members of Congress?

It should be clear that SCA members must demand there be a forensic audit by a truly independent source to find out the whole truth, and to make our membership comfortable with our financial foundation for the future. We want to pay the dues needed to maintain our community property at a high level of excellence, but no more. We want to avoid nasty surprises like we are seeing on the national levels.
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Thanks Dexter – God Boy, you get two liver snaps tonight.
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The article is featured on the following web site, and you are invited to comment;

http://www.blog.anthemvoice.org/

Yet another thought provoking article has appeared and is reproduced below for your consideration.– this one is presented to you courtesy of Dexter my loyal “Westie” (Some wimps think he’s a pitbull!).
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Why Bother?

Some have asked, why did I bother to raise the questions about possible fraud concerning the co-gen and RecCtr 3 matters when the majority of the board and our law firm had 100% control of the outcome? It was a done deal/losing proposition beforehand, what is the use of taking the time to (once again) challenge the misconduct?

In executive sessions and private conversations, I have been strongly pushing for over a year to find the way to require that Pulte honor its contracts and pay its bills. That especially includes (but is not limited to) getting on with building RecCtr 3. But, at what life-cycle costs to the members of this 7,144 association? Why should the board grant yet another cash benefit of another million dollars or so to Pulte when all it does is rip us off–time and time again?

The basic question is, are we really a victim without any leverage–as our attorney said at the meeting? We must not agree. Even though it was an obvious losing situation, my duty was to inform SCA homeowners of the facts, so that at least there might be some chance for future accountability by Pulte and/or by misbehaving board members.

I am certain that an “effective” negotiation team could have obtained at least SOME consideration from Pulte–even if it was only a performance bond to back up its promises in this time of possible bankruptcy by builders. But, due to what I consider to be incompetence by our board majority and our association law firm, we received nothing but Pulte’s lame promises to honor its contracts. We are getting nothing of meaningful value for releasing our $1.375 million, and for forgiving the two years of Pulte delays in constructing the 3rd RecCtr.

As we have seen time and time again since May 2005, the SCA board majority accepted a “take in or leave it” proposal from Pulte. Shame on our Board majority, the board law firm, and the CAM for such a miserable performance! Is it any wonder that many homeowners feel like we have been raped by Pulte and our elected representatives?

In the negative economic future we face, we can be sure that some members will be extremely upset when they finally realize how they will have to make up for all of these sweetheart deals and wasted funds from their own wallets. But, by then, it will be too late.

So, even if a few members complain and call me the “rogue”, I am obligated to continue to demand better performance from fellow board members, and so should you. After all, it is YOUR money they are wasting. As they say, a million here, a million there, and soon we have some serious money issues. And, by the way, constantly calling me the “rogue” or maverick board member is a badge of honor. I am just faithfully respecting my promises to members, and following the money.

Finally, if SCA was a normal corporation where the board was accountable to the homeowners, you might now be removing the failed board members, along with the failed law firm, and demanding to have a new, competent team to represent your interests. But, that is not the case in a HOA. So, until you elect a majority of directors who truly honor their promises to represent homeowners interests, the misbehavior will continue. We will continue to receive more of what we tolerate.

Bob Frank
SCA Director
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The article is featured on the following web site, and you are invited to comment;

http://www.blog.anthemvoice.org/

For those residents who may not have been able to attend the conclusion of the September 25th board meeting that was held October 7th you may find the following article very informative.
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Questions about Co-Gen & Rec Center 3 for Board Meeting

Some nagging, unanswered questions about the Co-Generation Plant fiasco and related 3rd Recreation Center Construction delays and costs are listed below for you to ponder and consider asking during the board meeting on 1:30 PM on Tuesday, October 7 in Freedom Hall. This will be a turning point in the history of Sun City Anthem.

1. Since Pulte collected over $25 million by selling SCA’s golf courses in 2002 and shared nothing with SCA, and since Pulte saved over $10 million in cash by not building the 3rd golf course, and since Pulte profited by over $100 million by building the homes in Shadow Canyon and Desert Sky on FAR smaller lots than elsewhere in SCA, and since the Master Plan forces Pulte to build RecCtr 3, why should the board agree to allowing Pulte to charge the members for the greening features? Why shouldn’t the current design costs, including “greening” features, be within Pulte’s $10 million budget, and Pulte pay SCA the $1.4 million plus interest?

2. Why are we doing this “greening”? There is no guarantee the delivered prices will be same as quoted on such state-of-the-art technologies in a period when demand for the “green” components is likely to be much higher than expected. And, there can be no guarantee that the return on investment will ever be achieved. When considering the previous 2-year delays in construction, the extremely high risks of more schedule delays due to technology issues, and Pulte’s high benefits by not having to pay the co-gen money and interest for the past 3 years, why should Pulte be allowed to charge extra for the greening? Is that not a double or even triple charging the Shadow Canyon and Desert Sky homeowners? And, why should Pulte not be required to build and complete on schedule without extorting compliance to that unfair settlement agreement?

3. Why shouldn’t the relatively small additive costs of greening be absorbed by Pulte considering all that is has gained and its two year construction delays? The higher unit prices, smaller lot sizes, and higher density of homes built in Shadow Canyon and Desert Sky have caused members in those villages to have already paid for RecCtr 3. Why should they have to pay again by giving up the co-gen funds and releasing Pulte from all obligations–before the building is even finished? Pulte failed miserably on the standards for RecCtr 2. Who believes that Pulte will complete RecCtr 3 on schedule in 2010, and finish it up to the promised standards? Particularly if they already have a release that blocks the board from having any real leverage over it.

4. Would it not be fraudulent for the board to agree to this “settlement” that lets Pulte off the hook forever for the above liabilities? Even if one wanted to consider such a sweetheart deal, why would you consider it before the company has finished the building? Is this not the worst example of “negotiation” you have ever seen? See why the situation raises thoughts of extortion, bribery and corruption? It simply does not make sense.

5. How could the 2005 board members Favil West, David Berman, Bob Berman, Bob Sansing, Lyndal Ruiz, and David Weil allow Dea McDonald and Pulte to get away with not paying the $1.4 million Co-Generation funds in 2005? And, even when they struck such a bad deal, why did they not execute a written amendment for the changes?

6. Were there any SCA benefits received in return for the big cash savings to Pulte? Was that deal a sign of stupidity or corruption? Who among the board and CAM, if any, voiced any disagreement with the deal? How could the previous verbal and otherwise informal deals be considered valid when the “contracts” did not include “consideration” for the SCA members?

7. Why would anyone consider allowing $1.4 million of cash to be used sometime in the future for “greening” a senior center facility when many users would never live to benefit from the hoped-for savings? Did the 2005 board even ask for an economic analysis when they offered their illegal handshake agreement to defer payment? What possible explanation other than corruption could one formulate?
8. How much money has Pulte saved in the 3rd rec ctr building construction by using green materials instead of normal materials in the building? Does anyone know the truth? There are numbers floating around from Pulte, but we should not accept them without detailed validation. We are talking about really expensive components for a one-of-a-kind, very high-risk facility that is a true research and development project. It will be the first of is kind in a HOA in Nevada and maybe the first in the Nation.

9. And, by the way, what is a senior community doing sponsoring a high technology, advanced research and development construction program? Would that even be a good thing for something as esoteric as enhanced property values when it is clear that the cost-benefit ratio is uncertain and it is unlikely to produce significant value compared to the cash value of the $1.4 million in the reserves with the resulting dues reductions? How does a practical person make sense out of this whole deal?

10. Due to the above history of gross misconduct by Pulte and SCA boards and RMI that allowed such a series of fraudulent actions against the SCA homeowners, what risks of legal actions against the board and Pulte will there be that cause high risks to the construction schedule? Could rushing into making a bad deal to appease Pulte result in causing much greater problems, litigation costs, and construction delays over the next two years? What is the smart path to follow on October 7, 2008?
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The article is featured on the following web site, and you are invited to comment.

http://www.blog.anthemvoice.org/

For those who are interested in the sweetheart settlement agreement that proposes to give Pulte yet another million-dollar giveaway by our current and past board majorities, please take a look at the questions proposed for taking to the Board meeting on Tuesday, October 7 in Freedom Hall.

http://blog.anthemvoice.org/2008/10/06/questions-about-co-gen-recctr-3-for-board-meeting/

For other relevant items, see:
http://blog.anthemvoice.org/

If you are passionate about Rec Ctr 3, you will find it vital to attend this meeting--if at all possible.

Bob Frank
SCA Director

To Mr. Fire Plug;

I did not EVER acknowledge that you never “leaked” any confidential information. Perhaps your wife talks in her sleep?

And – no I’m not a pit bull, what I am is your worse nightmare. Some one with enough morals to NOT want you for a friend. I have higher standards than that.

Dexter.

Dexter, do let your master know that I appreciate his acknowlegment that I have never "leaked" any confidential SCA materials a la Bob Frank.

And do ask him why he named you after a serial killer who stars in the Showtime series by the same name.

Are you a pit bull, Dexter?

A message to David Berman – from Dexter
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Dear Mr. Fireplug;

I’m getting a little tired of your constant “snipping” and lying about my master Norman.

The next time you sit at the computer to write more of your vile excrement, please remember one thing.

Not everybody goes diving into the board bo