Elect Mike Chevalier: Championing Fairness, Protecting Rights and Inclusiveness
As a dedicated member of the Surfside community, I am passionate about fostering transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability within our HOA. With a proven track record of advocating for environmental sustainability, fair treatment for all members, and open communication, I am committed to addressing the pressing issues that affect us all. My experience in managing successful initiatives like PCTREES.ORG and surfsidewa.com, combined with my dedication to fair and democratic practices, positions me as your advocate on the Surfside Board. We can build a stronger, more united community that listens to and respects every voice.
Rights and Principles
I fully support Steve Wallace’s Member Bill of Rights
Right to Equal Treatment:
Every member of our community deserves fair and equal treatment. Any variance, HOA covenant, or operations manual language interpretation or special consideration granted to any HOA member must be granted to every member. We all pay the same dues and follow the same rules. No individual should receive special treatment based on income, relationships, property location, likability, or other considerations.
Right to Presumption of Innocence:
When a complaint is generated by the Surfside HOA, it is the HOA’s responsibility to demonstrate a violation with appropriate evidence. The property owner is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, and the HOA must provide documentation to support any claims. Currently, compliance complaints are deemed valid upon generation, placing the burden of proof on the receiving member. This process must change to align with the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”
Right to Information:
Transparency is essential. Any document generated by the Surfside Board or Committee, unless restricted by law, must be made available upon member request. If a document cannot be disclosed, a letter stating the reason for non-disclosure must accompany it.
Right to Initiate Member Motions:
Members should have the right to initiate motions at the July member meeting without prior notice to the Surfside Board. This preserves the longstanding right for members to make motions, a right that has been in effect since the HOA’s inception.
Right to Vote on Policy Changes:
Any proposed changes to Covenants, the Operations Manual, or HOA procedures impacting members must be submitted to a member vote, except for scrivener’s errors. The Surfside Board can bypass member involvement by altering the Operations Manual. This loophole needs to be closed.
Right to Financial Disclosure:
Any new funding proposal exceeding $1,000 must be published in the Surfside weekly newsletter for 60 days prior to approval. The notice must describe the expense and its purpose. Transparency in financial matters ensures members are well-informed and can trust the use of their dues.
Top Policies
Transparent Governance:
- Implement policies to ensure all board meetings are open to members, with minutes and recordings accessible online. Transparency builds trust and accountability. Utilize the member email list to promptly send out information that affects them. Audio recordings of board and committee meetings with transcription should be made available to members quickly.
Member Voting Rights:
- Establish clear, fair, and accessible voting procedures, including electronic voting options to ensure all members can participate equally in elections and decision-making. Distribute candidate brochures with the ballot to guarantee fair access to all members. I also believe in using electronic voting to poll members in key issues before the board to access member opinions.
Conflict of Interest Policies:
- Enforce strict conflict of interest policies for board members and committee chairs to prevent any potential bias or corruption. Disclosure of any personal or financial interests related to HOA decisions should be mandatory. Members should disclose any action or conflict of interest where they financially gain directly or indirectly. The office manager and staff should only handle fines and issues of covenant violations. No board or members of committees should be involved in any covenant enforcement.
Dispute Resolution Process:
- Create a formal, fair, and transparent dispute resolution process. Every member should have the right to appeal. Utilize mediation and arbitration as alternatives to litigation to resolve conflicts efficiently and amicably. There should be an independent HOA volunteer advisor available to members to voice complaints and ensure understanding of any fines we have an elderly population with health and mental conditions. They need an advocate to fight for them when they cannot due to health condition
Homeowner Rights and Responsibilities:
- Clearly define and communicate the rights and responsibilities of homeowners within the community. Ensure all rules and regulations are reasonable, necessary, and uniformly enforced. There should be no support for one group over other members.
Environmental Stewardship:
- Develop policies that promote sustainable practices and protect natural resources, such as tree canopy preservation and water conservation initiatives. Align with local and state environmental regulations. We need to follow science. The ecological effects of the tree covenant should be studied, and recommendations should be followed. Tree waivers in the Carl regarding tree heights should be removed.
Community Engagement:
- Encourage active participation from all community members through regular surveys, town hall meetings, and volunteer opportunities. Any member should be able to serve, not just hand-picked members the board agrees with. Foster a sense of community and inclusivity. I think members should be able to present ideas in a workshop with board members.
Fair and Consistent Enforcement:
- Ensure all community rules and regulations are enforced fairly and consistently. Implement a clear process for addressing violations, with appropriate penalties and opportunities for appeal. The homeowner’s bill of rights is a good start.
Technology initiatives
Document Management Systems: Cloud-based document management systems facilitate easy storage, retrieval, and sharing of important HOA documents, such as bylaws, meeting minutes, and financial records. Surfside should adopt a system for members easy access to information via email.
Automated Communication Tools: Email newsletters, SMS notifications, and automated phone calls keep residents informed about community news, emergencies, and events.
Mobile Apps: Custom mobile applications allow residents to receive real-time updates, pay dues, and report issues directly from their smartphones. Implement a messaging system to request answers from the HOA office to answer questions from members.
Eliminate Water Fees for Lot Owners
In the case of Carrillo v. City of Ocean Shores, Washington (2004), property owners of vacant lots sued the City over “availability charges” for water services to properties not connected to water. The court found these charges unconstitutional for property taxes rather than permissible regulatory fees. The Court of Appeals of Washington upheld the ruling, determining that availability charges assessed to owners of vacant lots for water were unconstitutional property taxes. Lot owners in Surfside should be treated like any other lot owner about water.
Open Communication
I will encourage the HOA to collaborate with residents to expand the email list. Email is a safe and secure method, supported by reliable vendors like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook, facilitating open communication. The legislature’s House Bill 1043, as stated by its author, Senator McIntyre, was designed to provide members access to email lists, fostering communication and promoting democratic principles. I support Senator McIntyre’s vision for democracy in HOAs, ensuring inclusiveness for all members and fostering communication between them.
Grow Trees
The Surfside tree canopy sits at 16% in restricted areas of 16-foot and 24-foot tree height. Surrounding areas around surfside and up and down the coast usually sit at 50% or higher. Surfside’s current trajectory of downing and dying trees paints a concerning picture. The community loses these crucial benefits with limited canopy height, increasing its vulnerability to flooding and associated damages. The stunted trees are also more susceptible to wind damage, soil erosion, and disease, potentially shortening their lifespans and exacerbating the issue further. Trees, the natural stormwater absorbers, need to be protected.
Founder and Developer of PCTREES.ORG
Editor of Surfside Washington News
Election Buddy Surfside Polling
I managed six successful elections using Election Buddy within the Surfside Washington HOA, advocating for adopting electronic voting with over 97% support from participating residents. This demonstrated substantial cost savings, increased voter participation to over 50%, and enhanced security and transparency. The board has yet to deliver on its promises for electronic voting. I believe every member should have the right to shape the future of Surfside. All 2,000 voting members deserve a voice through electronic voting and polling, ensuring everyone’s opinion is heard. The collective wisdom of 2,000 members holds more value than the decisions of just 7 board members.
Surfside Vision
Our love for Surfside is deeply rooted in our appreciation for the beach, the wildlife, and the natural beauty surrounding us. We cherish seeing deer roaming freely and the eagles soaring majestically overhead. This place isn’t just where we live; it’s a sanctuary where nature and community unite harmoniously. Our community’s love and support is palpable, making Surfside truly special. It’s a privilege to be part of such a vibrant, caring, and connected community where we can all thrive together.
I have met some amazing individuals in Surfside whose talents and spirits inspire me. Your dedication and contributions inspire me daily. With a humble heart, I seek to support and uplift each community member. Your words of encouragement are heartfelt, and I am deeply committed to working together to make Surfside an even better place for all. I kindly ask for your vote to help ensure every member’s voice is heard and valued in shaping the future of Surfside.
Surfside Washington News 