Candidate Questions 2021
Steve McKee, a Member in Good Standing, as well as a former BV POA Board Member, drafted 5 questions and submitted them to the candidates running for the BV POA Board of Directors in 2021. I thought that these questions and responses were interesting and wanted to get them out to the audience so that you, the reader, could make an informed decision for the upcoming vote. Here are the questions and responses from each of the candidates, unadulterated. However, you will see after reading, why I feel that only 2 of the 5 running, are worthy of any kind of vote at all.
Question 1: Are you for our lakes being fully private or open again to the public, which includes public tournaments, events, and classes?
Dan Berghammer: I am not in favor of opening lakes to the public, as they would be overwhelmed in very short order. Public events would only be a stepping stone to eventually everything open to the public. A member only community was a significant attraction for us when we moved here originally, also as have many residents told me. And as this nation changes drastically, privacy is more important than ever.
Jackie Gain: Lakes all Public - no, members & guest only. Size of our lakes would also present safety concerns. Tournaments - members & guests only. With current limited # of entrants it is manageable. Events - annual or very infrequent with definitive stop/start time, yes. Example: Kayak event on Lake Ann- provides opportunity for trial before making large purchase. Classes - Why different than classes at our fitness centers? Members & guests only. If not enough to support a class, then interest is not high enough.
Question 2: Are you for or against keeping our parks private, except for Blowing Springs, Tanyard, and Metfield Skills Park? Or are you for public parks?
Dan Berghammer: Same answer as number 1.
Jackie Gain: Private parks where possible and where it makes sense.
Question 3: In a couple of years, the Revised 2020 Plan will terminate. Do you anticipate supporting another assessment increase at that time?
Dan Berghammer: I believe the POA management is just like the federal government, and views the residents as an open wallet. Yes I anticipate another assessment increase. The last increase was attained by unfair practices (even if they were technically legal), and I will not support anything like that.
Jackie Gain: Need more information about priorities and costs. Last amenity study was January 2013, need updated info to fit changing demographics and needs.
Question 4: Are you familiar with the 2015 Bella Vista Trail and Greenway Master Plan and/or the Plan 2040 Comprehensive Plan? (these plans are also posted on this site for reference)
Dan Berghammer: Fairly familiar with the 2015 plan, but not the 2040 plan. This plan strongly leans toward forcing Bella Vista to no longer be a private community.
Jackie Gain: Familiar, yes.
2015 BV Trail & GW MP - Encountered a member who purchased a home last month based on this plan. I believe trails & members can not only exist but flourish together.
2040 Comp Plan - Lots of unknowns about this plan. Overall sounds great, but we (BV population) need education and input, for example: mixed-use buildings, housing types, land use, community destinations.
Question 5: Do you support a BV Community Center under conditions such as Borrowing roughly $10-30 million to build? Increasing assessments to pay for it? Opening it to the public?
Dan Berghammer: No. It would place a significant burden on many senior residents.. These residents have been the financial backbone of the BV POA for decades, and ignoring their plight is just plain wrong. We do not need to provide an increasing and unending string of activities to satisfy a small segment of the community. Public? Same answer as number 1. The POA is not in the business of being a party planner or events host with the exception of for the assessment paying residents only.
Jackie Gain: From my knowledge of recent past voting, this was not member supported, so no.
Jan Hagan: Response to the requested Questions from a Member
In regards to your request for responses to the questions you asked of the candidates, I think the best and most appropriate response I can provide is to refer you to resources already available regarding my vision for Bella Vista, my positions on issues and my priorities for Bella Vista's future.
The "Meet the Candidates" session and the Weekly Vista news article regarding my candidacy as well as the candidate profile I submitted capture information that I believe is useful in evaluating my positions, priorities and background.
Thank you.
Jan Hagan
JB Portillo: Response to the requested Questions from a Member
In regards to your request for responses to the questions you asked of the candidates, I think the best and most appropriate response I can provide is to refer you to resources already available regarding my vision for Bella Vista, my positions issues and my priorities for Bella Vista's future.
The "Meet the Candidates" session and the Weekly Vista news article regarding my candidacy as well as the candidate profile I submitted capture information that I believe is useful in evaluating my positions and priorities.
JB PORTILLO
Mike Abb: Refused to respond to any questions from a Member
Thoughts and Reflections:
Clearly, we only have 2 real candidates running this year and is outlined by the time they have taken to respond to the questions from a Member of the community they hope to represent. It would also seem that 2 of the candidates had likely had some guidance on their responses, but since I do not know for sure, can not say for sure…but they are VERY similar in nature. You be the judge. Mr. Abb must feel as if he either already has it won, or does not see value in questioning from a MEMBER as he did no respond at all.
When I was running for this position, I responded to each and every question from the Membership. I even had some of the Members turn those against me, and lie about my responses, but none the less I did respond. When you run for an office of any kind, your boss or manager, are the ones that elect you. You are absolutely accountable to them for each and every action you do or word you speak. I urge all Members of this community to ask as many questions as you see fit, to make a decision as to who you want representing you for the next three years in this community. Once you feel you have the information needed, then cast your vote for the ones you think will do you proud. The ballot box is the most important tool in seeing change. If you do nothing, nothing is what will change.