Hosted and produced by Shu Bartholomew, On The Commons is a weekly radio show dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory homeowner associations, the fastest growing form of residential housing in the nation.

The silver linings in the storm clouds gathering over condo and homeowner associations in America these days are very tarnished.  The many promises have lost their sparkle and there just doesn’t seem to be enough polish to fool the folks with empty promises any more.  Recent events, law suits and headlines prove that the glitter was really fool’s gold.  The last great hope of restoring some sense in our neighborhoods may be found in the hallowed halls of our state capitols.  But how do our legislators determine what will work and how we can return a sense of “community” to our neighborhoods. 
 
On The Commons this week we are joined by Jan Bergemann Jan, president of the Florida based Cyber Citizens for Justice, has been working tirelessly with his organization to find out from the residents how they would like to see things done in their neighborhoods.  In a sense of true democracy, CCFJ has created a survey and plan on holding town hall meetings to come up with proposed legislation based on the wishes of the citizens.   Please join us On The Commons.  We’ll talk about the survey, the hot topic in Florida right now, the sheer stupidity of what many boards and associations do, some of the law suits and the complete and utter waste of money that seems to be the norm in a flawed housing scheme. 

On the Commons is produced by OTC Multimedia Productions.

Hosted and produced by Shu Bartholomew, On The Commons is a weekly radio show dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory homeowner associations, the fastest growing form of residential housing in the nation.

Mandatory membership residential associations have been plagued with major problems right from the very beginning.  Initially, the “solution” to the problems was to educate all concerned but after several decades of instructing everyone it became abundantly clear that “education” was not the answer.  Frustrated, homeowners turned to their legislators looking for relief from the horrors that had become part of their daily lives.  However, many of those lawmakers had no idea how to tame the monster they created so they turned to the very people they allegedly intended to regulate for help in writing the bills.

Today most, if not all, state legislative bodies go through the routine of tweaking and rewriting state statutes regulating HOAs and condos.  Despite this annual rite, the problems in residential America  persist and multiply.  And still, some of these legislators turn to the same people year after year, heeding their advice. 

But not all legislators remain in the fog that has enveloped them since the beginning of this saga.  And one legislator stands out. On The Commons this week we are joined by Representative Julio Robaina. In a complete departure from the “business as usual” way of dealing with the ongoing problems, Florida Representative Robaina traveled the length and breadth of his state to talk to the people who live in associations.  He did this not once, but twice.  Armed with first hand knowledge of the real problems, with a deep understanding of the frustrations and inequities that existed, he returned to Tallahassee to write legislation inspired by the owners and designed to protect private property from the horrors and abuses of a system gone amok.  The result is a massive rewrite of the Florida Condo Act.   Please join us On The Commons this Saturday, July 12, 2008.  We’ll talk about the hearings and the new Condo Act.  Some of the provisions, and the need for them, were even a surprise to me.  You’ll understand why I call him the Energizer Bunny and why I believe he is the model legislator. Read the changes here: 

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On the Commons is Produced by OTC Multimedia Productions.

Hosted and produced by Shu Bartholomew, On The Commons is a weekly radio show dedicated to discussing the many issues surrounding mandatory homeowner associations, the fastest growing form of residential housing in the nation.
 
“There ought to be a law!”  How often have we heard frustrated homeowners utter those very words?  As association representatives and members of the HOA industry assume more authority over the  homes and every day lives of individuals, there is an increased demand for legislation to preserve and protect what was  once, and still is, regarded by many as sacred territory.  It doesn’t necessarily follow, however, that because there is a law, regardless of its stated purpose, that it is good FOR the homeowner. 
 
A newly enacted law in Virginia is a perfect example.  Among the many things it does, it establishes a panel, appoints an ombudsman, gives broad powers and authorities to the panel of industry pros, allows for fines of management companies.  If it has all these provisions, it has to be good, right?  We all know that the architects of this bill, the real estate industry, the managers and CAI have our best interests at heart and are dedicated to protecting our rights and property, aren’t they? 
 
On The Commons this week we are joined by Frank Short  Frank, a friend and frequent guest, is an attorney, an owner of HOA controlled property and a staunch supporter of individual and property rights.   Please join us On The Commons this Saturday, July 5, 2008.  We’ll talk about this bill and how it will affect Virginia homeowners and housing consumers.  You won’t want to miss this show.  A similar bill may be on its way to a state legislator in your state. 

On the Commons is produced by OTC Multimedia Productions