||| FROM JOSEPH COHEN |||
EWUA members will submit proxy cards over the next several weeks expressing their preferences on who will continue service as directors. The issue is simple: Which group of directors do you trust to move the association forward in a positive way in the years ahead?
Before addressing this question, I share an illustration of a board decision made several years ago.
- Dating back 10 years EWUA had engaged in conversations wherein EWUA would assume responsibility for providing day to day operational services for Olga and Doe Bay water associations.
- In 2021 those discussion assumed greater urgency and contractual agreements were reached. EWUA soon took over the service obligations for Olga and Doe Bay. Several months later Rosario approached EWUA, and a similar agreement was reached. (The board was unanimous in approving these arrangements)
- The agreements were priced so that EWUA would incur a small ‘net margin’ on providing the services, but the real motivation was focused on the water service operators – the EWUA employees.
- The new arrangements allowed EWUA to attract, train, and retain full time employees, provide medical and retirement benefits, and offer a career path for those so interested. A major consideration in the decision to move forward was the possibility of creating a stable workforce with capacity to service four water associations.
- The decision was a good one. There has been minimal EE turnover and most EE’s have worked and studied to improve their credentials (certifications). Today we enjoy a much-improved group of highly motivated EEs at EWUA.
Where is the risk in all the turmoil at EWUA and the upcoming recall election?
EWUA employees are the most valuable asset we have. Without their good efforts 24/7 and 365 days per year – our water services might be impaired. As a community and association of members – I urge a recognition of the valuable role our EWUA employees provide and a consciousness of how the outcome of the recall election may impact this talented group.
I support a vote AGAINST the recall of Jim Nelson, Teri Nigretto, Michael Cleveland, and Leith Templin.
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Thank you for this summary of how EWUA came into control of the management of Olga, Doe Bay and Rosario’s water systems, Joe. I applaud the synergies that created a coterie of career employees working on these systems, if I am correctly understanding your comments here. You were an important part of making this happen, with all the years you’ve served on the EWUA Board.
However, the development of staffing has nothing to do with the recall movement. The recall has to do with problems with how the current (and frankly, prior) Board has been governing, and in particular managing EWUA finances in general, and the General Manager in particular. Those are the issues at hand.
I strongly suspect that most of use members of EWUA will applaud the skill and dedication of those who have committed to maintaining our supply of clean water in the Eastsound area. I, for one, look forward to a time when we have put all this disharmony behind us, but I do believe we need a fully competent Board and Manager to move us into that future. Meanwhile, I keep receiving emails suggesting that the real problem is that a former Board president is plotting to seize control of our water for his personal gain, and frankly I’m tired of this “paranoid style” that is corrupting our attempts at conversations to resolve our issues amicably.
Joe and I agree on something.The EWUA field staff are the most valuable asset we have. Without their good efforts 24/7 and 365 days per year – our water services might be impaired. All of us seeking the recall of four directors recognize the valuable role the field staff employees provide. We have no complaint with the field staff and never have.
Our complaint is with the multiple failures of the Board Directors who have repeatedly refused to allow multiple different Treasurers access to the records. That refusal has led to numerous other Board failures, many of which have been detailed on the RecallWater.com site.
The security of the water system is best served by the resignation of the four Directors who have failed to do their job and who have blocked others from doing so. As Jim Nelson once said to me, “If someone asked me to resign, I would.” Many of us have asked. The only option left for the Members is to recall the four Directors who cling to their positions like limpets.
Why the Trumpian name calling? And I don’t appreciate being called a dupe or being accused of “TDS”!