Lessons

 

The co-op has recently emerged from a three year semi-take-over plan to avoid bankruptcy and thus the question arises:  Did we learn anything?

We might have if the plan had had any integrity at all.  Three outside Board members were presented to us as 'experts' in financial management; that the co-op movement knew what they were doing as they had successfully 'righted' wayward co-ops in the past.  During the tenure of this Board, which included three members of our co-op, they turned a blind eye to the failings of our Office Co-ordinator, to the detriment of the co-op and ultimately to its members as well.  Apart from the fact that many of our vacant units have now been rented out, there are no visible signs of improvement, not even an attempt to enhance the upkeep of the co-op grounds - we have common areas with grass as high as hay fields.

There are no long-term plans in place to address the sustainability of our co-op.  Our buildings are aging - pre-cast concrete steps are crumbling as well as foundation pargings, decks, fences and windows need replacing, leaky, moldy basements must be addressed, trees need trimming and paving concerns are becoming a priority.

There are no qualifications to become a Board member.  It is, in essence, a popularity contest and at the moment the 'appointees' are part of a clique.  The Board, in their fervor, may seem invincible, but lack credibility and this type of management will continue.  So, no, we did not learn a thing from the three-year takeover.