Some of you may know that I was inspired to start my own community website after reading Bob Sommers' post, Become The Real Estate Expert In Any Community In Less Than 60 Days. For the past week or so I have been working diligently on the site and preparing for its debut. Part of becoming an expert is knowing what the heck in going on in the community, right? So, basically, I envision myself as becoming an amateur reporter. Well, I can dream!
My first reporting assignments were to find get information from the Homeowners Association and the Municipal Utility District. I think neighborhood news includes what's going on with the HOA. Two major projects are underway in our community that are sponsored by the MUD (with my money).
So, last week I tried to get contact information for the HOA Board of Directors. I called the third party management company and the conversation went a little something like this (after a couple of voice messages):
Me: Hi, my name is Toni Ellis. I live in "HV" and I am creating a website for our community. I am trying to get contact information for the Board of Directors so that I can help residents stay informed about what's happening.
Her: You would just contact us and we would give you any information you need.
Silent pause...
Me: Well, I would also like to see about the HOA possibly hosting a Fall Fun Fest in October. Would I talk to the Board about this?
Her: Just send us an email explaining what you want to do and we'll pass it along.
Silent pause of disbelief...
Me: OK, what's your email address?
Then, this morning I wanted to find out from the MUD how the construction of the community center was coming along. I also wanted to know when they were going to start working on the project that will turn our detention pond into a recreation park. The only number I have is for the water company.
Me: Hello, I am trying to get contact information for the Board of Directors for MUD###.
Her: You need to send a letter. Is it for a complaint?
Me: No, I am trying to get updates on the construction projects in our neighborhood.
Her (mumbling): Information on construction projects? You need to send a letter.
Me: Well, I need contact information.
Her: We can't give that out.
Me: Well, how I am going to send the letter.
Her: You send to the same address where you mail your water bill. It's PO BOX...
Me: Uh, thanks.
So, why is there a BOD if we can't get in contact with them? Why does the BOD have gatekeepers? I thought they were the voices of the community.
It looks like I have my first story for the HV News page. It also looks like I will truly become the neighborhood expert. If it's this hard to get information then everyone will just call me. :-)
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