One of our external Directors decided to leave her post. We don't know when it happened, as our Property Manager did not tell us at our All Member's Meeting. If it happened around the same time as our other external Director decided to become our paid Property Manager, who was looking after the fort? The 3 resident Board members take direction from the external Board Members; they are not decision makers. Does this mean that the Property Manager has been directing all the affairs of the Co-op? If so, for how long?
It seemed so crystal clear when the Co-op voted for these external people to serve on our Board of Directors. They were 'experts' who were parachuted in to save our Co-op from bankruptcy. They knew what they were doing; they were financial wizards with lots of experience in how Co-ops should work. They were going to take action, bring our Co-op up to standards, secure financing and within 3 years the Co-op would right itself.
Well, we're almost into the 3-year time frame. One of the external Directors resigned after the first year. The Office Co-ordinator parted ways with the Co-op, the maintenance man as well and our external Board members are no more. There was an indication at the meeting that an external Board member was being recruited; whether that materialized or not, we don't know. What we do know is that all the muster and bravado which came with these 3 external Board members, have dissipated without a trace, as if it had never happened in the first place. What about the 'accountability' and 'transparency' that we were promised? Nowhere to be seen or heard.
The concrete plan which was sold to us does not appear to be working. Did the Co-op movement really know what they were doing in the first place?
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There are several people who have started but been harassed for putting on their points of view or helpful ideas. Who have frowned on the misused term equal rights and have tried to garner the attention of the public, much to the disdain of those who are making a profit from non-profits and those who are power-tripping all over their neighborhood. They have tossed the model of co-ops right down the sewer and some members have lives they dread for if they get called to the office and grilled about postings they do not know where they may end up.
ReplyDeleteToronto Star is one media that has gotten the truth out in some areas and helped in others, but the complete truth has been suppressed and those of you who thinks it is affordable housing and who do you think minds the store...
read George Orwell's Animal Farm for a good view of what happens when 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' and in the end those looking can't tell the pigs form the people.
I've tried to find some articles on Co-op housing in the Toronto Star, but haven't come up with anything. If you can find these links for me, I'll put them up on my blog.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.