I understand the reasoning behind the capital funding proposal but I am having difficulty understanding the big picture…

We are approaching at least three times the original cost proposal for the Sconti replacement. I believe some of this is in part due to project management methodology (lack of bids, seat-of-pants management) that is probably the most risky and most costly approach.

I know the things in this capital fund that are being addressed need to be addressed. However, I am not convinced the issue is being properly addressed or at least addressed in the best manner for the economic times, Big Canoe or not.

We are faced with some of the worst inflation in prices for day to day living ever that I can recall.

The real estate market is a mess.

Gas prices are rising at such a rate one has to wonder. Everything is being affected.

The mortgage crisis has caused a real estate crisis of a magnitude rarely ever seen.

The waterfall effects of oil and mortgage/real estate have shattered consumer confidence and have all of us drawing in our belts. Big Canoe is not outside this picture.

The Byrne Corporation has put Potts Mountain on hold for now and I am certain there are many other things we can point to.

There are more homes for sale in Big Canoe than ever in history.

The grapevine is ripe with tales of homes in foreclosure. I know of at least three, maybe four foreclosures in recent months. I am certain that there have been foreclosures in Big Canoe before but I believe the level that we currently have is new.

People are leaving or planning to leave in huge numbers. There is no panic but people are concerned about the future. IF the Stock Market goes in the toilet over all of this, there may even be a mass exodus.

I say all of this to bring to someone’s attention that our base for funding may be being eroded quickly; capital funding proposal on the table now or not.

I fear our overall income from assessments without any new projects may fall.

It is quite possible Big Canoe can suffer drastic reductions in property value as people seek to escape to more reasonable places to live…at least places that may have more realistic perspectives and plans than I am seeing out of the POA Board.

So my question is this….

Given the economic environment and the poor fiscal mismanagement of the clubhouse project, et al, how is it that we believe we should, or have to deal with another 11 million or so in new capital projects on a have-to-do-immediately basis?

I understand the needs but is it fiscally responsible to dump this on us with the gun to our head of raising our monthly assessment by 40 dollars?

Can we not come up with a plan for replacement or new construction that is spread out over a longer period of time?

Are there not any ideas for stretching facilities a tad longer?

Since we have carpenters on staff, can they not modify their shop to last a bit longer…?

I for one am deeply concerned that we have moved into a spend-first-and-ask-questions-later mode.

Who says we have to follow the fiscal example of the US Government. I am deeply concerned that the board may be trying to build too many memorials to their personal fame or perhaps infamy. Surely with the collective intelligence on the board it can be seen that perhaps a more cautious and conservative approach should be taken in the times in which we find ourselves!?

Tied in with all of the above, I am concerned about overall fiscal management and integrity of the board. My confidence is truly waning and I am wondering if it is time to put my house on the list of properties for sale. I am having a hard time feeling that the board represents the average homeowner and permanent resident in Big Canoe.

Tell me what the vision is here because I am having my view and my dream home spoiled by what is going on.