The Snug Harbor Property Owners Association (SHPOA) has long been considered the backbone of its community, working to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of its residents. The Board of Governors, made up of members elected to manage the day-to-day affairs of the property, holds an essential role in upholding the rules and regulations that guide the association. However, recent decisions have sparked controversy, leaving many questioning the integrity of the Board and whether it has truly prioritized the community’s best interests.
A particularly troubling situation has emerged in relation to the association’s hiring practices, specifically the continued employment of individuals who have been caught on camera engaging in illicit activities, including drug use and theft. For a community that prides itself on its commitment to safety and good governance, this raises serious concerns about the standards being upheld at the highest levels.
The Rules Are Clear—But Are They Being Followed?
Every community association, especially one as established as SHPOA, operates under a set of rules and guidelines designed to protect the rights and interests of its members. These rules are not optional; they are the foundation upon which the entire structure of the association stands. Unfortunately, it appears that the SHPOA Board of Governors has failed to uphold its own standards in a recent and highly publicized series of events.
The issue began when employees of the association were caught on surveillance cameras engaging in illegal activities, including drug use and theft. Rather than taking swift and decisive action—something the association’s own policies would likely demand—the Board allowed these employees to remain in their positions. This decision flies in the face of the association’s own code of conduct, which is designed to protect residents from harm and maintain the integrity of the community.
A Question of Accountability
It’s hard to ignore the significant breach of trust that this situation represents. The SHPOA is not just a governing body; it is meant to be a steward of the community’s well-being. By allowing known drug users and thieves to continue working for the association, the Board undermines its very own mandate.
The issue is even more egregious when you consider the potential impact on the residents. The SHPOA Board of Governors is supposed to ensure that employees are not only competent but trustworthy individuals who will work in the best interests of the community. When individuals with documented criminal activity are allowed to stay on staff, the safety and security of the entire neighborhood are called into question.
Moreover, the failure to act raises questions about the Board’s ability—or willingness—to enforce its own policies and standards. Are these rules really there for the benefit of the community, or are they simply symbolic? If the Board can’t hold its employees accountable, can residents trust that it will act in the best interests of the property owners when it comes to other matters, like safety, maintenance, and governance?
What’s at Stake for the Community?
The ramifications of this decision extend beyond the immediate embarrassment or disillusionment that residents may feel. This is about the future of the community itself. When a governing body is seen as weak or unwilling to act, it erodes confidence in the entire system. Residents may start to question whether the SHPOA is truly committed to upholding high standards or if the rules only apply to some.
The continued employment of individuals who have been caught on camera engaging in criminal activity could also set a dangerous precedent. What message does this send to potential employees or to future candidates for the Board of Governors? If those in power aren’t willing to enforce rules about behavior and professionalism, what else are they willing to overlook?
The Community Deserves Better
The SHPOA Board of Governors has an obligation to ensure that its employees meet the highest ethical standards. By failing to remove known drug users and thieves from their positions, the Board has not only ignored its own rules but also placed the community at risk.
It’s time for the Board to take a long, hard look at its actions and the message they’re sending. The residents of Snug Harbor deserve better, and the community’s future depends on a governing body that can be trusted to act in the best interests of its people. The SHPOA needs to make it clear that it will no longer tolerate behavior that undermines the very rules it was created to uphold.
At the end of the day, the strength of any community lies in its ability to hold itself accountable, and that starts with leadership. The Board of Governors must now decide whether it will continue to look the other way or if it will take decisive action to restore integrity and trust to the association.
Conclusion: What Can Be Done?
The Board of Governors must act swiftly and decisively. Immediate termination of employees involved in criminal activity, along with a public acknowledgment of the issue and the steps being taken to remedy it, would be a good first step. Additionally, the Board needs to reassess its internal policies to ensure that incidents like this do not happen again. Trust can only be rebuilt through transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to the rules that govern the community.
If the SHPOA is to remain a symbol of safety and integrity, the time for change is now. The community deserves leadership that is committed to enforcing the standards it so diligently sets out to protect.