As we approach the 2024 presidential election, we continually hear the vitriol hate speech Trump and his MAGA followers are spewing. The downright outlandish and detrimental misinformation and lies spread by certain “news organizations,” social media outlets and private group chats only propagates the divisiveness even further. It harkens back to the time of heightened fascism during World War II when Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini were in power. What is fascism? The definition from Wikipedia:
Fascism is a Far-right form of government in which most of the country’s power is held by one ruler or a small group, under a single party Fascist governments are usually totalitarian and authoritarian one-party states. Under fascism, the economy and other parts of society are heavily and closely controlled by the government, usually by using a form of authoritarian corporatism, where companies and workers are supposed to work together under national unity. The government uses violence and police power to arrest, kill or stop anyone it does not think useful.
When reading this definition, I could not help but make the parallel to what is currently happening here at Esplanade Gardens. No, I am not speaking of killing shareholders, but of this current board with their incessant need to closely control the narrative by:
- Lacking transparency by having continual closed-door “executive” sessions
- Failing to post board meeting minutes
- Failing to supply annual financials
- Replacing board members without ANY notification
- Removing board members who don’t agree with their agenda
- Harassing shareholders with audits and bogus eviction notices
- Eliminating decades old committees because the democratically voted chairs are not aligned to the current majority of the board
These behaviors are not only in violation of our by-laws, but many are in violation of city/state laws.
As an active member of our community, I have attended a majority of board meetings (until they stopped shareholders from attending in June), and for the past several years I have participated in multiple committees, including the election, maintenance, security, emergency/management, welcome and by-laws. In the last two years, I have witnessed an alarming increase of divisiveness, intolerance, bullying, and an outright coup d’état (e.g. 2023 by-laws committee). These board and committee meetings are not only a way for our community to ensure that we are running on the straight and narrow, but to collaborate and innovate to help make our community and home better.
Ask yourself, why would the board not want to be transparent about the daily operation of our homes? And why don’t they allow shareholders to attend board meetings and ask questions as they are legally required? Why would the board eliminate two of the most popular committees, pool and newspaper? Why would the board hide the fact that they are replacing board members with termed-out or unqualified new members while dismissing the actual candidates of that election year (as the precedent was set 3 years ago)? Why would the board vote to not allow committees to meet via Zoom? Is it that the board wants as little participation and information available to our community as possible? I’ll take it a step further, why would the board change numerous vendors without any consultation with the appropriate committee and not post the minutes showing the motion and how the directors voted?
The board’s actions, currently advised and executed by Prestige Management, resemble a playbook for establishing a totalitarian state in which only a few benefit, be it by notoriety, power or financial gain. What possible motives could they have to operate in this way when this approach benefits only a select few? This heavily played military tactic of divide and conquer by perpetuating falsehoods and spreading lies about our fellow shareholders is exactly what Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping are aggressively doing to our nation this election year. The board says they have everyone’s best interest at heart, that they are smarter and know better, yet will quickly place blame or claim ignorance when something goes awry. As “leaders” they should address issues and shareholders head on, not hide behind closed doors. What is happening here at Esplanade is exactly how Trump and his MAGA followers play their game and I fear Project 2025-like policies will be home right here at Esplanade Gardens.
We have an opportunity to change this. Your vote matters, not just for the general election for our United States President, Senators and Congressmen, but for our Board of Directors here at Esplanade Gardens.
Too many have fought and lost their lives to grant us the opportunity to live in a democratic society. Honor them by making your voice heard through your ballot.
Vote on October 27th for Esplanade Gardens Board of Directors
Vote on November 5th for the US General Election.
POWERFUL ARTICLE
I saw this web posting and one by Margery Hannah and appreciate the articles. I have visited the location and have found the elevator on the west side to be wanting in its repairs (possibly replacement). For the last 4 months, it has been down for one part, another part, a third part, it needs to be reset, the breaker went out, etc. Concerns are raised for residents on the second floor when the elevator is not working and a resident needs to be taken to a hospital. Yes, there are two set of stairs, and some might need to be assisted down the stairs or carried down the stairs. Although referred to this senior assisted living place, I’m surprised the fire marshal hasn’t made a visit due to access issues. Just saying.