Elect Steve Wallace: Leading with Transparency, Fairness, and Commitment to Every Surfside Homeowner

Meet Steve Wallace

Steve Wallace is running for the Surfside Board of Trustees with a commitment to bringing transparency, fairness, and dedication to every homeowner in Surfside. With an extensive background in leadership and a passion for serving the community, Steve aims to make a positive impact on the Surfside HOA.

Leadership Experience

Steve’s journey in leadership began as a Boy Scout Leader and expanded through 32 years of owning and managing an insurance agency. His roles involved hiring, training, HR management, and compliance with various government regulations. Additionally, Steve has organized large events and coordinated with city officials, showcasing his ability to lead effectively and ensure all stakeholders are satisfied.

Active Community Member

As a full-time resident of Surfside, Steve has demonstrated his commitment by attending every board meeting over the past two years. He pledges to continue this dedication by participating in at least 60% of the meetings and overseeing committees regularly.

Principles and Rights

Right to Equal Treatment

Steve firmly believes that every community member deserves fair and equal treatment. Any special consideration or interpretation of HOA covenants must apply to all members equally. No individual should receive special treatment based on income, relationships, property location, likability, or other considerations.

Right to Presumption of Innocence

In Surfside, when a complaint is generated by the HOA, it is the HOA’s responsibility to prove a violation with appropriate evidence. Currently, the process places the burden of proof on the receiving member, presuming guilt upon complaint generation. Steve advocates for a change to align with the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”

Right to Information

Transparency is crucial. 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, the reason for non-disclosure must be provided.

Right to Initiate Member Motions

Steve supports members’ longstanding right to initiate motions at the July Member meeting without prior notice to the Surfside Board. This preserves an essential democratic principle within the HOA.

Right to Vote on Policy Changes

Steve believes that any proposed changes to Covenants, the Operations Manual, or HOA procedures affecting members must be submitted to a member vote, except for scrivener’s errors. The current process allows the Surfside Board to bypass member involvement, which needs to be reformed.

Right to Financial Disclosure

Steve proposes that any new funding proposal exceeding $1,000 must be published in the Surfside weekly newsletter for 60 days prior to approval. Transparency in financial matters ensures members are well-informed and can trust the use of their dues.

Vision for Surfside

Living within a homeowners association presents unique opportunities and challenges. While we operate similarly to a municipal government, we benefit from lower overhead costs and streamlined services. However, we lack some of the checks and balances found in larger governmental bodies. Steve’s goal is to enhance transparency and accountability within our HOA, ensuring funds are managed responsibly and in the best interest of our community.

Commitment to Transparency

If elected, Steve will bring a new level of transparency to the board. He believes in clear and open communication with all members, addressing issues promptly and effectively. Steve is dedicated to making sure all voices in our community are heard and respected.

Conflict Resolution

Effective conflict resolution is crucial for maintaining harmony within our community. Steve believes in understanding and empathizing with all parties involved, recognizing that most conflicts arise from differing perspectives of well-intentioned individuals. By fostering open dialogue and mutual respect, he aims to resolve conflicts amicably and fairly.

Fair Representation

Representing all members of Surfside without bias is a priority for Steve. He will ensure that every member’s concerns are heard and addressed, regardless of their location within our community. By engaging in open conversations and asking the right questions, Steve will work to eliminate any biases and promote fair treatment for all.

Community Involvement

Steve has actively participated in various committees, including the ad hoc committee and the Insurance Committee. Additionally, he initiated a program to help residents dispose of large items by organizing monthly trips to the county dump, significantly contributing to keeping our community clean and well-maintained.

Covenant Enforcement

While Steve supports the enforcement of important safety covenants, he believes the current system needs improvement. Enforcement actions should be reasonable and nuanced, considering the unique circumstances of each case.

A Call for Support

This is Steve’s third attempt to join the Surfside HOA Board. His experience, dedication, and vision make him a strong candidate. Steve kindly asks for your support in the upcoming election. Together, we can create a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive Surfside HOA.

Vote for Steve Wallace – Leading with Transparency, Fairness, and Commitment to Every Surfside Homeowner.