Sept 2023

MANAGEMENT TRENDS

Change Occurs When One Begins to Multiply By Michael Flippin CMCA, AMS, PCAM, INTEGRA Management Corp., AAMC

W hen we were in grade school, we learned early on that any number multiplied by one is still the same number and does not change. This may be true for basic math skills; however, when it comes to mak ing change, when one multiplies, it starts to affect change. This holds true in the legislative process as well. I relate to one of my first interactions as a homeowner with my town’s planning board to see how this can quickly occur. A developer was set to build a home across the street from me. In order to build it, they had to blast out a large ledge of rock. Having concerns about what was being proposed, I did some homework. The night that the developer of the neighbor ing property was before the planning board was there and had the opportunity to speak first. I raised my concerns in an educated and professional manner. I suggested such things as pre and post blasting surveys of neighboring properties. The town attorney retorted the planning board did not have the authority to require it. The town engineer then stepped in and sided with me. At this moment, change started to occur. One by one, all of my neighbors stood up and expressed similar concerns. As the planning board voted on the project, the concerns and suggestions I raised were all added as require ments for approval. I share this story as a simple illustration of how, when one person looks to affect change, change happens as more peo ple get involved. If we all sat home that night, or had some thing better to do, the project would have been approved, and who knows what damages may have resulted. So, when we look to make a change through the legislative process, there are a number of things we can do to help affect change. Do your homework. When new legislation is being proposed, obtain a copy of the draft legislation. Read the legislation and understand any impacts it might have on your association. Share the legisla tion with your boards and committees as may be necessary. List the pros and cons of the proposed legislation. Is this legis lation going to benefit or negatively impact your association?

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Know who your legislative representatives are. Most of us know who their town’s mayor is. Learn not only the mayor’s name, but also the council member(s) assigned to your district, the town zoning officer, town administrator and clerk, your state representatives in the legislature and your leg islators at the federal level. When communicating with these individuals, do so in an educated and professional manner. Nothing turns off legislatures faster than screaming and yelling from the rooftops. Remember, they are there doing a job like managers do. They are there representing a group of residents and looking to do what is in the best interest of the collective group. Garner support. If your association and residents feel strongly one way or the other on a particular piece of legislation, get the word out to the community. Let the residents know why the association is taking a certain position. Provide them with form letters and contacts for the legislature so they show their support for the association’s position. Invite your legislative representatives to a town hall meeting with the community. Keep residents informed of important meetings “I share this story as a simple illustration of how, when one person looks to affect change, change happens as more people get involved."

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SEPTEMBER 2023