By Phil Lemler, February 9, 2020
There are many problems with the current management of HSV and many things that need to be corrected for HSV to remain a great place to live! Deferred maintenance, better marketing, an actual revenue plan and many other operational adjustments are necessary.
However, there is nothing more critical than the impaneling of a POA board that is capable, experienced and worthy of the task ahead.
The biggest problem in getting the “ship turned around” is the CEO. The second biggest problem is the existing POA board. With this board election, HSV residents have an opportunity to fix both!
HSV needs directors who have been in this situation before and are not intimidated by the strong tactics of the CEO. Intimidation is the largest challenge these board members face.
In my opinion, Tom Weiss and his board were intimidated by the CEO (this was obvious in my meetings with him). Cindi Erickson is intimidated by the CEO. Watch a few board meetings and anytime there is something “out of the ordinary” transpiring … she looks at the CEO for direction. Also, the current and past Board chairpersons always seem to look to the CEO for leadership versus the other way around.
Nancy Luerhing was sternly corrected … at her first board meeting by the CEO (question about the pool estimates) … and has become a CEO pawn ever since. Same thing with Buddy Dixon … she (CEO) openly and sternly corrected him (regarding an ACC issue) in his first board meeting and he has towed the line ever since (these are open smack downs … imagine what goes on behind the scenes). Its all in the public record!
Tormey got the message quickly, while Dick Garrison refused to budge and was eliminated by the CEO. It is all about power and control! I believe that most of the board members have developed a “go along, get along” attitude because they do not want to forfeit the powers (feeling of importance) associated with board membership. This fear of being eliminated (as Mr. Garrison was) and a general ignorance of management experience at this level, has created an impotent board who is lost and not making decisions in the best interest of property owners. Note: any experienced and knowledgeable businessperson could see the CMP is full of problems. An experienced board would have looked at the CMP easement challenges (plus its radical changes to the Village) and not approved it.
To succeed, the POA must gain strength with directors who “have been here before” … know the right pathways forward and have the internal fortitude to stand by their convictions. LTD!
I have spent my entire career analyzing, coaching and managing CEOs. In my opinion, Lloyd, Dick, and Tucker are the right combination needed to get HSV back on the right track!
Dick Garrison – I have known Dick Garrison for over 11 years. We have had many conversations about HSV and the business strategies needed to move forward. He has a nose for making good decisions and for seeking revenue. Again … the public record … in one board meeting,, he saw the restaurant opportunity in the closing of Last Chance. His question was (and was never answered), why are we not going after the $500,000 in restaurant revenue left by the gap in the Last Chance closure? This is the style/habits of a CEO/manager who has actually been there .. done that! Exactly what HSV needs!
Lloyd Sherman – everyone has gotten to know Lloyd during his last two election campaigns. I had the opportunity to work with Lloyd, closely, over a five month period. I saw how he analyzes problems, creates solutions and “works his tail off”. He loves HSV and will not be intimidated by strong and manipulative personalities. Lloyd is a winner and will do what is right for the Village.
Tucker Omohundro – I do not know Tucker. However, in reading his posts and election material he is saying all the right things. He knows HSV, has the ability to draw upon experiences from what has historically worked and would be a good interface with CCI ((in my mind, a critical relationship for HSV’s future). I believe he will work collaboratively with the other board members to get HSV heading in a positive direction. And, my guess is he won’t be intimidated by the CEO.
This election is the key to HSV’s future. I am convinced that the current POA board and CEO are doing great damage to HSV and … the deterioration is gathering momentum.
Look at the facts in front of you. If you have not read the CMP …. read it. Ask yourself is this realistic?
In my opinion, the CEO, this and past boards have misrepresented the facts. You cannot trust what they tell you. They have been caught many times hiding the truth and manipulating circumstances to perpetuate their scam.
Just look at the FACTS! And, then vote for Lloyd, Dick, and Tucker! LTD!
By Phil Lemler, February 9, 2020
Mary Odom
02/09/2020 — 11:05 am
Well said Phil..absolutely correct ❤️
Mor
02/09/2020 — 11:29 am
Vote LTD. What do you have to lose?
Nothing could be worse than what we have now.
Andy Kramek
02/09/2020 — 11:35 am
I totally agree with Phil that the only real hope that exists is to elect Lloyd, Tucker and Dick (LTD). It is, however, imperative, that we recognize the necessity to ensure that people vote for all three.
The danger that I foresee is twofold.
First, that Mr Denger may take votes that would otherwise go to LTD. This could result in only two of the three getting sufficient votes to qualify (something like this happened in the last election to the “Three for HSV” when Lorri Street took votes that might otherwise have gone to the “Three” and Lloyd lost out). While I have nothing against Mr Denger, I do not believe that his policies are the right ones for the Village at this point in history and I am not convinced that he is a real force for opposition to the status quo.
Second, and potentially much worse, while we may believe that Ms Choyce will probably not get enough votes to win outright in first place, the probability is that people who vote for her will also vote for Mr Denger. This raises the real possibility that, once again by reducing the number of potential votes for LTD, Ms Choyce may actually accumulate sufficient votes to jump ahead of other candidates and get into second or third place – thereby qualifying for a seat on the board. I am pretty sure that the ‘establishment’ ( if I may use that term) has foreseen this scenario and this is probably why there is only one candidate who supports the status quo.
In either scenario the result could well be that the majority of support on the Board of Directors will remain firmly in the pro-CMP camp, controlled by the “ceo”, and any hope for change fades into obscurity. We all know that a major change in direction is necessary if we want to preserve the village as we know it. This, if for no other reason, is why it is vital that people spread the word to friends, neighbors and, where possible, to non-residents to eschew the blandishments of Ms Choyce and Mr Denger and vote for LTD.
Linda Anderson
02/09/2020 — 11:37 am
PHIL, THANK YOU FOR A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING THAT SAYS IT ALL.
Every word is correct and to the point. Our Village is in a desperate shape.
Board and CEO decisions are breaking down HSV’S financial stability which threatens it’s future.
Property Owners have a choice to save the Village by voting for CHANGE.
The Best Choice is LTD. VOTE LTD.
Minn Daly
02/09/2020 — 11:44 am
Thank YOU Phil! A very fact filled article. I am voting LTD, let’s get HSV back to sanity! Minn Daly
Ken Betz
02/09/2020 — 12:08 pm
A campaign slogan – “LTD for HSV”
Frank Shears aka Bubba
02/09/2020 — 1:29 pm
Phil, you said it all and said it VERY well. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement.
VOTE LTD
Lloyd Sherman-Tucker Omohundro-Dick Garrison
They will get this mess turned around and start cleaning house for us.
Monica Impellizzeri
02/09/2020 — 5:30 pm
This is excellent! Needs to be shared with your neighbors ( those who aren’t on this website). It cannot be stressed enough…this election is so important!
Thanks Phil!
Elvis Presley
02/09/2020 — 6:35 pm
What does it matter, the election is rigged, who actually sees the vote count, the BoD puts in who they want
Chipmunk
02/09/2020 — 6:42 pm
OK. Elvis is in the building. He should know. All I can say is that me and all my squirrely and chippy friends are packing our cheeks with nuts and looking for other wooded venues to scamper off to.
Rick Ovrton
02/09/2020 — 10:00 pm
Guys, please understand that it is not only LN that needs to go. Her direct subordinates JT, SH, and JC, All cower like dogs and do her will. I understand that LN will have to fulfill her contract, but the directors that have supported her deplorable decisions need to be held accountable also. The Heffer’s, Jason Temple, and Jamie Caperton need to go also.
Craig
02/10/2020 — 4:56 am
People. Wake up. If LTD are not victorious then HSV is finished.
If they are they need to immediately eliminate the phony “ceo” position for good.
Day one.
Then the CMP must be tossed out with the garbage that is picked up by leased trucks (more mismanagement).
Then get to work eliminating the other overpaid do-nothing positions around here. Close it all down and start over.
We are so insanely mismanaged now it is difficult to even contemplate.
Drain the swamp.
Now.
Otherwise, we are gone, too, along with many, many others who want no part of this sad, deplorable state of affairs.
Ronald Regnier
02/10/2020 — 7:00 am
The new Board needs to regain the Leadership and make the decisions. The gm should manage the maintenance of the village and have no say in Rules, Declarations, or By-laws…that position is manage day to day operations!
Have a members only Governance committee and Finance committee to advise the BOD.
The past bod members selected for Governance committee should never have been selected.
I will vote for “Best Choice is LTD”. It’s now or never.
Phil you are correct on all points.
Patrick T. McCarthy
02/10/2020 — 8:15 am
Phil – Thanks for some concise statements about where we currently are with our Board/POA in the Village. And even more importantly how we need to vote to put some common sense on our Board. I agree 100%. LTD are the best way to right the ship.
Let’s do all we can to get them on the Board so we can restore trust in our Board/POA and get the Village back on track.
Nothing but 4 votes out of the 7 Board members can make this happen – Diana + LTD. Let’s make this happen!
Judy W.
02/10/2020 — 8:16 am
Phil,
I agree we need LTD and many changes as you mentioned. Diane Podiwiltz is our only strong BOD. She fights for us and doesn’t back down. She and LTD can make positive things happen in the Village.
VOTE..LTD!!!
Tell your neighbors!!
Keith
02/10/2020 — 9:21 am
Sounds like several of you are either completely infatuated with LN or are having trouble with female leaders. This site sure spends a lot of time focused on her. Or else you simply have no better arguments. Maybe that’s why the same people are posting over and over. You even have to call on the help of people that do not even live here. It’s hilarious to watch but also like a train wreck.
HSVP C
02/10/2020 — 10:08 am
Thank you for your input. Mr. Keith, we are focusing on all the candidates. Unfortunately, Ms. Choyce has covered up the Marketing Sub-committee “Summary of Findings” report. Quite a few people find this disturbing. We have presented many, many valid points on this website over the last 15 months or so. The only train wreck we see happening is with the management of the Village. It is easy to not use your full name and criticize, isn’t it? – Cheryl Dowden
Keith
02/10/2020 — 10:33 am
You allow other people to post without their full name and with fake names. Do you only call the ones out that you disagree with? You obviously are not a fan of at least one candidate. Should we assume you support all the others?
And you censored my comments on other postings. Sounds like you are also hiding things.
HSVP C
02/10/2020 — 10:46 am
Yes, Mr. Keith, I did censor one of your comments which was very derogatory to all of the candidates. You are a troll and I have made no secret of the fact that I censor trolls. My husband made a YouTube video about this and I wrote an article. I also spoke at a Board meeting about this. So no, I am not hiding anything.
I really don’t care for anyone posting anonymously, but understand that people fear intimidation and reprisal. Yes, intimidation and reprisal. That is what this community has come to.
Don’t assume anything about me. You add nothing to the conversation. Stop playing games and go hide back under your rock or bridge or the POA Administration office. I will no longer address this issue or any others with you.
Thank you and good day, Mr. Keith. – Cheryl Dowden
Andy Kramek
02/10/2020 — 4:23 pm
Way to go Cheryl.
We need trolls like this guy like we need holes in our heads!
Gene Garner
02/10/2020 — 9:30 am
I’ll vote for LTD but I don’t expect to get rid of the CEO for a few more years. Her present contract runs until March 31, 2021 and may be extended until March 31, 2023 by the present BOD. What are the odds of that happening?
To terminate her takes 6 votes of the BOD and with LTD elected we’ll have 4 of those 6. that means at least 1 more year (and possibly 2) as CEO. Also her contract calls for 4 months severance pay if she’s terminated.
I can only guess at what “pie-in-the-sky”, expensive and doomed to fail scheme will come down the trail during that year, but I’m sure it will be a “doozy”.–Gene
Moe
02/10/2020 — 6:01 pm
You can reassign her duties anytime. Don’t give up so easily.
Put her on the crack sealing team.
Gene Garner
02/11/2020 — 10:37 am
MOE, no you can’t. Her contract paragraph 1(c) “The CEO job description in effect at the time of the execution of the Agreement will remain in effect during the course of this agreement…” It might be a good idea to read her employment contract.
Her duties can’t be changed unless she agrees and I’m pretty sure she would sue if they were changed.–Gene
steve bylow
02/11/2020 — 7:55 pm
Gene
I’ll chime in about having a CEO Agreement that says you can’t change job duties without the CEO’s approval.
I was so stunned when I read the clause that I brought it up at a Lets Talk. The Board Chair and Ms. Luering (sp?) did not see it as a problem.
To me, this is one simply example to share with others about why LTD are the right choice – they have the right business acumen.
If people don’t have a concern with decisions like this then they should vote for Ms. Nikki Choyce.
Phil Lemler
02/12/2020 — 6:47 am
Steve – Nancy Luerhing is way over her head and has NO idea what is going on … she is a good person … and we should thank her for her service but … she should NOT be on the board! Same for Dixon, Medica and Erickson ….
Anonymous
02/10/2020 — 4:20 pm
With LTD and LP in place, we may wish to hope that Mr. Tormey will jump back on-board the majority way of thinking. This could bring further pressure to end this reign of terror.
Chipmunk
02/11/2020 — 4:00 pm
Even if that remote possibility occurs there will still be two old fools preventing removal of their queen.
Weston
02/10/2020 — 8:02 pm
Phil – question. Did you not relocate outside of HSV recently? Or am I thinking of someone else ? Can’t clarify please?
I surely hope you’re still with us.
Phil Lemler
02/11/2020 — 12:33 pm
Weston – I am no longer a Village resident.
Gene Garner
02/12/2020 — 7:55 am
Her employment contract protects her from termination and changing her duties, that’s why we have to find a reason to cancel her contract. I believe there’s a way but it would cost a significant amount of money and while talk is cheap, attorneys are not.
If there are enough Villagers willing to donate, we could possibly get rid of the CEO and all seven Directors. Again nothing is certain when you go to court but talking about it will never solve the problem.–Gene
Kirk Denger
02/18/2020 — 7:41 pm
I have donated, the money vanished and did not receive one word back, not even cheap talk. Please post your contact info. for further donations. $50 X 6000 = $300,000.00. This message has been censured from this site along with hundreds of others because this has become a bogus site that only allows comments that support the agenda of the Dowdens. I will be sure to talk about it for 3 minutes on Feb. 22 at the Coronado center 2 PM.
Tom Blakeman
02/18/2020 — 12:32 pm
$10 each times 10,000 resident homes = $100,000. Take away those 30% or so who are pro CEO and another 10% who are clueless and you’ve got about $60,000 to get the ball rolling. I’m in. Who else?
Andy Kramek
02/18/2020 — 1:11 pm
Sure, count me in. Since I am not a resident I am an extra to your calculation anyway 🙂
Gene Garner
02/18/2020 — 1:20 pm
There’s an ad/statement in today’s (2/18/2020) Village Voice;
” From the Managing Editor and Publisher
Due to legal liability the Hot Springs Village Voice will not be accepting any letters to the editor that reference or hint at the POA CEO’s salary or other terms of her contract.”
It looks like there’s been some pressure applied to the V.V. and it’s been effective. How does that old adage go? “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”–Gene
steve bylow
02/19/2020 — 7:49 am
FYI – the VOICE started censuring letters to the editorial in September of 2019. Here is the email I sent on 9.12.19. When I followed up with the Editor, they said they could not print it because it referenced the CEO’s salary.
_____________________________________________________________________
HSV Voice Representative 9.12.19
Here is a letter to editor I’d appreciate you publishing. Feel free to call if you have any questions or suggestions (501.303.xxxx).
We’ve lived in the Village about 10 years and love it. I’ve seen the editorials and heard about the Board meetings so I decided to go to the recent “Lets Talk”. I wanted to understand if it was true that the CEO had received a new 2-year contract and the criteria for replacing the CEO had changed. The one Board member who was involved in both decisions indicated they were true and appropriate because the CEO was meeting their expectations in a very complex role. She stated I could go to the POA office and view the actual CEO contract. Fortunately, a golf buddy had mentioned the website “hotspringsvillagepeople.com” and I was able to view the CEO’s contract.
Due to the fact I’ve created and reviewed many executive employment contracts for both for-profit and non-profit executives, I was stunned at a number of items. For example; lack of specific goals for a $60k+ bonus, salary/perqs over $230k, and the inability to change the CEO’s job description for two years. Where a common theme in the business world is; “Executives serve at the pleasure of the Board”, I get the impression some Board members believe the “The Board serves at the pleasure of the CEO”.
I encourage folks to attend a “Let’s Talk” meeting, talk to Board Members, and check out “hotspringsvillagepeople.com” to get a better understanding of what is really going on and then you can decide if your expectations are being met.
Steve Bylow
Tom Blakeman
02/18/2020 — 2:04 pm
Drain the swamp. Soon.
steve bylow
02/19/2020 — 7:47 am
FYI – the VOICE started censuring letters to the editorial in September of 2019. Here is the email I sent on 9.12.19. When I followed up with the Editor, they said they could not print it because it referenced the CEO’s salary.
_____________________________________________________________________
HSV Voice Representative 9.12.19
Here is a letter to editor I’d appreciate you publishing. Feel free to call if you have any questions or suggestions (501.303.xxxx).
We’ve lived in the Village about 10 years and love it. I’ve seen the editorials and heard about the Board meetings so I decided to go to the recent “Lets Talk”. I wanted to understand if it was true that the CEO had received a new 2-year contract and the criteria for replacing the CEO had changed. The one Board member who was involved in both decisions indicated they were true and appropriate because the CEO was meeting their expectations in a very complex role. She stated I could go to the POA office and view the actual CEO contract. Fortunately, a golf buddy had mentioned the website “hotspringsvillagepeople.com” and I was able to view the CEO’s contract.
Due to the fact I’ve created and reviewed many executive employment contracts for both for-profit and non-profit executives, I was stunned at a number of items. For example; lack of specific goals for a $60k+ bonus, salary/perqs over $230k, and the inability to change the CEO’s job description for two years. Where a common theme in the business world is; “Executives serve at the pleasure of the Board”, I get the impression some Board members believe the “The Board serves at the pleasure of the CEO”.
I encourage folks to attend a “Let’s Talk” meeting, talk to Board Members, and check out “hotspringsvillagepeople.com” to get a better understanding of what is really going on and then you can decide if your expectations are being met.
Steve Bylow
steve bylow
02/19/2020 — 8:11 am
I’ll echo Phil’s assessment – “we need folks who have been here before”. I’ve seen it many times in business where well meaning folks who lack experience struggle because “they don’t know what they don’t know”.
I was pleased when I first saw that Nikki Choyce was running for the Board and the fact she’d have a fresh perspective. I was disappointed after I read about some of her leadership actions as a Committee Chair.
This may seem minor but in hindsight, the fact she did not want to share the type of degree she got from Baylor with me seemed odd but no big deal. The fact she may have a unique degree does not matter to me but the fact she did not want to share it seems to reinforce a “transparency issue”.
In addition to needing folks with “experience”, I believe we need folks who are “transparent”. As a result, Nikki is not a viable choice for me.
Steve Bylow