Motions, Mountain View and More...

My apologies, I know it has been weeks since writing but with the weather finally breaking and visitors in town, time was at a premium. However, there has been no shortage of RCSC-related happenings. We won't belabor any of them, because like us, we know being outside when it is 70 degrees is the exact reason many of us live here. We will try and break this into snippets of all of the changes so you can pick and choose the things that are of interest to you.

Mountain View Put On Hold; First Reading.

Easily the most controversial board action in a very long time was at the Feb, 23 board meeting when the Mountain View project was recommended to be put on hold (first reading). If you haven't watched it yet, you can catch it here. There was also a flurry of motions made pertaining to a more transparent and easier-to-read financial process. Lots of good back and forth and for the most part, should they pass at the next reading, many of us will have a more clear understanding of where we are financially at year's end.

While many have become outspoken critics of the board's action to slow the roll on the Mountain View remodel, the reality of spending 40 million dollars over the next 8 years is one that needs both discussion and an honest evaluation. We know theater lovers are upset, but this massive expenditure was never well thought out; especially given the recent drop in home sales over the past couple of months. The RCSC has an asset valuation of roughly 140 million dollars and the idea we would spend that large a percentage (30%) for a single project with such a narrow community impact is illogical.

With our opinion out of the way, this decision is bigger than the board members, bigger than just those living in and around Mountain View, and is one that deserves proper airing across the community. Kudos to the board for asking for input and for understanding their obligations as fiduciaries of our assets. This was how the process is supposed to work. Anyone with thoughts (for or against) on this should make every effort to be at the next Exchange meeting. It starts at 9 am and is this Monday, March, 13th at the SunDial auditorium.

There's been any number of articles in the newspaper and across social media sites. It is a controversial topic, as well it should be. You can read my take on it here. And, feel free to post your thoughts on our comment page.

2 More Board Members resign.

We knew one board member resigned and the position was quickly filled by what we lovingly called a "retread." Board members felt they needed someone with a deeper historical understanding of how the board used to work. Following the last board meeting, 2 more board members resigned. They had both voted no on the suspension of the Mountain View project. Virtually all of us on the Sun City Advocates have argued the value of diverse opinions, apparently, they didn't see it that way. It's pretty obvious Dale and Allan weren't happy with being in the minority position. 

There's nothing new about board members quitting, it has happened periodically over the years. 3 leaving within 2 months is out of the ordinary and normally we would just say thanks for your service and enjoy life away from the board. Unfortunately, when the last two left, they decided to defecate all over those who stayed. I have little patience for what they did. I won't share my comments here but I have a pretty blunt opinion on this thread posted on TOSC. You can read it here.

Musical Chairs For Officers.

There was quite the flap over the president and vice president stepping down as officers but staying on as board members earlier in February. We heard all kinds of rumors and rather than letting them float across social media sites and throughout the community, both John and Steve addressed their health reasons for asking to be removed as officers. It was refreshing on its face, as their campaign to run on an open and more transparent style of governance, was quickly witnessed. You can watch that at the February Exchange meeting here.

Golf Is Still A Hotbed Of Controversy.

In the link immediately above for the February Exchange meeting, there were numerous member comments about how difficult it is for Sun City golfers to get tee times. There is absolutely no question that the biggest reason for this is because of the full-play non-resident passes. Those passes when coupled with a small group (30 or more players who purchase the $2 override on the lottery) are creating a nightmare scenario. It's simply time for this board and management to put a moratorium on all non-resident full-play pass sales. We have and are still calling for a committee of Sun City golfers (the golf advisory committee is a great starting point) to evaluate our entire golf structure. The players know it far better than most of us non-players ever will. Let the community of golfers decide what works and what is fair and reasonable.

Random Thoughts.

There's so much going on and so many hot-button issues, we would be remiss not to point out a couple of things. While many of us were critical of the ASU survey, we know the number of responses was wonderful. We also have firmly supported the idea the follow-up Focus Groups have taken on greater importance. Thanks to all those who offered to help. On another note, kudos to the board for soliciting applications across the membership to fill the two board openings. That's the right way to go about filling positions. "Retreads" are easy but do little to grow the circle.

Finally, a quick reminder: the Sun Bowl show this Sunday night, March 12 has been moved to SunDial auditorium. The doors open at 3 pm with showtime at 4 pm (don't bring your lawn chairs). I suspect the move was due to the Italian Festival this weekend at that venue and the inability of staff to be in two places at one time. I would hope those remaining shows this spring are outdoors. The first two were moved and we all know how much RCSC members love filling the Sun Bowl and enjoying that wonderful venue under the stars.

As always; just one man's opinion.

Bill Pearson, Sun City Advocate Panel Member and Sun City Historian.

PS. Don't forget the Monday morning Exchange at 9 am SunDial auditorium.