A sign was posted next to the only independent candidate running against the Surfside presentation group of candidates. A sign beside Steve said, “Vote NO Steve Wallace”. I assume it’s not to vote for or against Steve, but urging him if he gets elected to vote no. So the sign  is laughable. “Vote No” sign right next to Steve Wallace’s campaign sign urging He’s for members rights  — a guy who actually stands for something. It’s a not-so-subtle reminder that while Steve’s working to improve our community, they’re proudly reminding us they’re just here to say 

NO. 

But hey, at least they’re consistent.

Personally, I’ve had the chance to meet and get to know Steve, and I can say without hesitation — he’s the real deal. With a large, close-knit family right here in Surfside, Steve brings a sense of warmth, responsibility, and long-term commitment to everything he does. What I admire most is that he’s always positive — no matter the challenges or disagreements, he stays upbeat, respectful, and focused on bringing people together.  I recall the members meeting where Steve was presenting a motion to promote tree canopy while a Surfside meme hysterically yelled “shame” repeatedly. It was my first  introduction to Surfside preservation and treating Surfside elections like a game of thrones episode. He just calmly continued reading his tree motion. His calm demeanor is a testament to the man’s character. He’s one of the rare few I’ve met — even after 35 years at Intel — who truly embodies the calm temperament and strong character that define an outstanding leader.

He doesn’t just talk about community — he lives it. Surfside would be lucky to have someone like Steve representing us.

But the sign is a reminder of Surfside preservation’s campaign to shoot down last year’s motions.

🚫 SURFSIDE PRESERVATION SAYS “NO!”

To Trees, Rights, civil rights , Fairness, Modern Voting, and… Oh, Look, Everything.

Let’s take a look at their vote NO theme posted on their web site  for last year’s HOA Motion Rejection Parade, where saying “YES” is apparently a cardinal sin:

❌ A – Homeowners Bill of Rights

Rights? For homeowners? What’s next- email lists to allow free communication amongst members? Let’s shut this one down fast before members get any ideas about fairness.

❌ B – Quarterly Governance Reports

Transparency? Ew. If we tell you how decisions are made, you might understand how bad they were. All you need to know is we voted 7-0.

❌ C – Save Our Trees and Habitat

Because what Surfside Preservation really wants to preserve is their crystal-clear view into the neighbor’s living room — and maybe catch a glimpse of seniors at night in pajamas(hopefully) — not silly things like trees or wildlife.

❌ D – Assign a Non-member Ombudsman

A neutral third party to handle complaints?
Absolutely not. Surfside has a long, proud tradition of ignoring members directly; why add a third party to ignore?

❌ E – Enforce Fireworks Ban

Let’s be real: Nothing says “safety” like launching fireworks over dead trees. Vote NO and let the backyard fires begin.

❌ F – Remove the Code of Civility

“If the board actually listened to members, a civility code might make sense—until then, it’s just a decorative rule used to silence the people they’re not listening to  anyway.”

❌ G – Return Tree Compliance to the Compliance Officer

Oh please. Why let trained staff handle compliance when we’ve got an elite unit of old ladies with declining eyesight, who may or may not be able to see the top of trees?

❌ H – Adopt ElectionBuddy

A secure, fair, and modern voting system?
No, no, no. We prefer the ancient art of ballot confusion, like last year when we had no candidate information on the ballot, a misspelled candidate name, and a replacement ballot with seven choices labeled “candidates” on the ballot( no names, just candidates), and “oops, you didn’t receive a ballot sorry you missed voting.

❌ I – Amend Article 5, Section 2

Clarity in bylaws? Don’t be ridiculous. Vague, confusing rules are the backbone of compelling HOA drama.

❌ J – Stop Charging Water Fees for Unmetered Lots

It’s tradition! We must charge people who don’t use our water because they pay for half of the Surfside Preservation members’ water bills.

❌ K – Raise Tree Height to 24 Feet

24 feet?! Next thing you know, people will want cleaner air, flood protection, and pollution-free water. We can’t have that kind of environmental benefit when having a view of ghost trees is preferred.

❌ L – Hire a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Firm

You want us to include people? Respect differences? Be equitable?! That’s a solid NO from the same people who believe your environmental rights end when you move here and board members tell grandmother’s to leave if they don’t like it.

The  “Vote No” sign right next to Steve Wallace’s campaign sign — a guy who actually stands for something. It’s a not-so-subtle reminder that while Steve’s working to improve our community, they’re proudly reminding us they’re just here to say no… to everything. Trees? No. Fairness? No. Homeowner rights? Definitely not. But hey, at least they’re consistent.

🤡 Final Thoughts:

Steve is a man who votes ✅ YES on every measure that:

• Protects our property values and preserves the character of Surfside for families who cherish traditional, community-centered living.
• Supports fiscal responsibility and transparency, ensuring every homeowner sees how dues are spent and trusts leadership to uphold our shared standards.
• Stands for fairness, treating all homeowners equally regardless of income, background, or relationships—no special deals, no exceptions.
• Upholds our residents’ rights, giving every member a genuine voice in rulemaking and governance through voting and open meetings.
• Protects our environment, especially the trees and green spaces that define our neighborhood’s traditional charm and safeguard our health.
• Leads on  prioritizing low cost tree growth for  stormwater and flood management to keep our streets and homes safe.

In short, Steve is for responsible stewardship, open and honest governance, and respecting the values and rights of home owner rights  that have made Surfside a timeless, close-knit community. So your choice comes down to Surfside preservation candidates focused on no. Or a candidate who is a positive family man and says yes to a better future for all members of Surfside.

Vote for Steve Wallace — because leadership should be about people, not power. Steve treats every neighbor like family. He doesn’t just talk about community — he lives it. He’s the kind of person who’ll show up, no questions asked. He voluntarily hauls your trash to the dump just to lend a hand. Who does that? Steve Wallace does. Surfside would be lucky to have someone with that kind of heart, humility, and commitment representing all homeowners on the board.