Elaine Musser | On The Commons

When the concept of common ownership developments first went into mass production, the intent was to relieve cash strapped local municipal governments from some of their obligations without having to resort to raising taxes. The idea was that by privatizing some of the traditionally municipal functions, local governments could use tax revenues to help them keep pace with the rapid growth. But like many seemingly good ideas, there are unforeseen and unintended consequences lurking in the shadows. And now, some forty years into this experiment, we are beginning to see the really ugly side of this particular housing scheme.

On The Commons with us this week is Elaine Roberts Musser. Elaine is the Executive Director of Building Bridges (Elder Abuse Prevention), she is Chair of the Triad Task Force, Yolo County Commission on Aging and Adult Services and a volunteer attorney with the Yolo County Legal Clinic’s Senior Legal Hotline. She is also representing a 78 year old widow in her fight to keep her HOA controlled home. In the process she is seeing, for herself just how out of control HOA management and boards really are. Please join us On The Commons this Saturday, August 18, 2007. We’ll talk about Building Bridges, the Yolo County Commission on aging and how they may come to the assistance of the elderly. And of course, we’ll learn the details of her case and to what extent the board president will go to control the members of the association. On the Commons is broadcast live from WEBR Fairfax, Virginia., Copyright OTC Multimedia Productions 2007.

News and Views About Homeowner Associations