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Highlands Today

Board Is Responsible

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Tom Bates

Published: March 24, 2009

While attending the Spring Lake Improvement District's board meeting, I was disappointed to hear the statements of a group of people who apparently banded together to dominate the microphone during the open discussion period.
Many times, there were rounds of applause after one of the group members made statements based on their agenda opposing the SLID purchase of the golf course.
In most all cases, their points or references to them had been already addressed and answered by the qualified experts: Gary Ritter, director of South Florida Water Management, Craig Wrathell, the district's financial advisor, and Gene Schriner, district engineer.
The board members made many statements and points indicating their extensive involvement and research regarding the purchase of the course.
One would have to wonder why the previous boards over the past 30 years (or even the past five years) had failed to react to meet the "compliance regulations" and to get our systems certified.
Our board will have a very difficult time trying to get the majority of our residents to agree with whatever decision they make.
We elected our board to make the best decision for us based on all the facts and research that they have available, not the unqualified opinions of their constituents, just like our federal and state politicians do.
Our board members will have to make some very tough decisions based on what is best for our community for the present and the future, regardless of whether a small outspoken group tries to pressure others into believing that it represents the majority.
If the cost burden is less for all households should the golf course be purchased to achieve compliance with SFWM regulations, and to finally become certified, then that is the decision that must be made by our board members.
Tom Bates
Sebring

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