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Highlands Today

Sun 'N Lake Election

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Richard E. Diotte

Published: February 1, 2009

The Sun 'n Lake 2009 landowner's election is over but the controversy over voting rights will linger on. Elections normally are fought on several issues; what was done wrong, what candidates would do to correct incumbents' errors and all kinds of promises of good things to come. That was not the case here.

The primary focus was on landowners' right to vote. The focus was such that even the county commissioners and this newspaper weighed in. Most landowners, whether full or part-time residents, Highlands County registered voters or not would have liked to hear about other issues, problems and positions on how to solve them; no such luck.

The election was held, to the best of our knowledge, in compliance with current legislation, federal, state, county, and the district's charter. The largest landowners are the owners of N.R.P.I., Tanglewood, Maronda Homes and the Florida Hospital. The allegation that they "control" the three landowner elected supervisors surely disappeared when their direct employees no longer held board seats and were replaced with long term Sun 'N Lake residents.

If such control still existed and there really was a "them and us" division of board members, we would see many three to two votes on resolutions passed. We rarely see that vote.

The five board members work hard in the best interests of all landowners and of course, will sometimes have different opinions. Sun 'n Lake is very similar to a very large and complex condominium. We pay condo fees (assessments) for the services provided by the district and we vote proportionally by what we own: resident and non-resident. I believe we are well served for our approximately $55 per month condo fee.

I am a Canadian snowbird home owner since 1986 who actively participates in community activities. I was president of the POA for three years, have chaired three annual landowners meetings, and attend all Board of Supervisors meetings, etc.

Landowners, large and small, have a common interest; the growth and prosperity of Sun 'N Lake. It is time the negative bickering stopped and we get on enjoying our great facilities.

Richard E. Diotte
Sebring

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