Uh Oh--I Have Something to Say

 

Most people (at least those outside my family) think of me as a quiet, soft-spoken or shy individual who doesn't stir up controversy or voice much of an opinion. I never take the lead in a group discussion--or often even contribute much without being called on. I like to listen, think, and then voice my opinion later, to family and close friends.

Well, all this has apparently changed now that I've become a member of my housing complex's board of directors.

You are probably wondering why I haven't mentioned this position of power previously on my blog. After all, when I was appointed to Ben's preschool's board of directors, I went on and on about it, trying to figure out what had led to such an honor, etc.

The explanation is simple: there is no group that is more hated or criticized, or looked upon with more contempt, than the board of directors here at our complex.

I ended up on the board through no fault of my own (as far as I know). A few months ago the chair called and said there was a vacancy caused by someone who'd moved out (i.e., been driven out by his extreme lack of popularity due to his board involvement), and the board was requesting that I fill the spot until a new group of representatives could be elected in June.

My first reaction was to say no, but knowing that Jason's landscaping contract was coming up for review, I thought maybe I could use my temporary position to influence the board to renew it (you can see how a little bit of power begins to corrupt . . . ). Anyway, I said okay, and then avoided the board meetings with a variety of excuses, including a trip to Disneyland, a parenting class at my church, a case of the flu--when it comes to excuses, I really am good (I used to be a teacher, so I've heard them all!).

Anyway, on Wednesday an emergency board meeting was called, and since I didn't have time to double book myself, I ended up sitting in an uncomfortable chair at the big rectangular table (clearly not a very prestigious board).

The emergency involved an individual (a friend of our family, kind-hearted, friendly to children, very "non-board") who was trying to do his best to serve his neighbors, by sacrificing his time and efforts to fulfill the role of "Parking Officer." He had the bright idea that to solve the "parking problem" we are currently experiencing, he would start ticketing and--15 minutes later--towing residents' cars that were parked in visitors' parking or any cars parked in front of units. Having gained board approval at the last meeting (which I obviously hadn't attended), he'd already purchased the no-parking/tow-away zone signs.

Well. I thought about the times I'd parked in visitors' parking because someone had been blocking our driveway to pick up our neighbor--and then left the car there while I made dinner or played in the backyard with my kids. My car would have been towed! What about the times when Jason had parked his truck on the side overnight so he wouldn't have to unhook his trailer. He would have been towed! And the times when my sister came in for a few minutes after her girls had come here to play. She would have been towed!

I couldn't keep quiet. I SPOKE UP AGAINST THE NEW PLAN.

To be honest, all I said was that I thought the Parking Officer (PO) should knock on the door or phone the person with the parking violation and ask him or her to move the car, warning that the vehicle would be towed.

Others agreed.

The PO said the matter was not up for discussion; we would either go through with his plan or he was not willing to continue in his role. He needed the full backing of the board.

The Parking Officer resigned.

I am now a hated member of the board.

Jason had a parking lot conversation with the Former Parking Officer (FPO), where the FPO informed my husband that he is not willing to work with a board that won't back him up.

How many times have I sympathized with neighbors who have said similar things? They had been doing their best to serve their community, but the board wouldn't support them, and so they had resigned.

I'd always thought the board was the enemy. Now I know better. At least until next month, when I use any excuse I can think of to GET OFF OF THE BOARD!!