On the “meet the candidates” night, not many people attended (possibly because of the weather).  I have asked that this web site publish some of the ideas I expressed that evening along with a few new ones.  My wife and I will be out of state on holiday during the week of the general meeting and I am weighing the pros and cons of renting a car and driving 8 hours to attend.  If I decide not to, this will be what I would include in my address.  Candidates were asked to submit a “bio” as part of their candidacy.  Several included a “platform” of ideas.  As this was not part of the official request, I did not add my points of interest.  I hope the items below will help you understand some of my ideas and concerns. 

I am not part of a special interest group or clique, nor do I have a “hidden agenda” to manipulate the LFPOA.  I have an honest desire to work to keep Lake Forest a great place to live.  I will not use this position as a stepping-stone towards election to the County Commission, the Daphne City Council, or even the School Board. 

Things I feel strongly about:

1. I would have to be thoroughly convinced by engineers and contractors that an amenity could not be repaired or renovated before considering its destruction.  In addition, there would have to be a viable way to fund all work considered necessary.

2. I would like to see the board adopt a policy of requiring 2 separate votes on all motions.  City councils do this, Nashville, TN requires 3 votes, and even the band directors’ association of Middle TN required 2 votes.  Again, this allows members to know what is taking place and avoids that stigma of secrecy.

3. I would like to see the minutes of each meeting published within days as “minutes to be approved at the next meeting” and then officially published upon approval with corrections if necessary.  Again, this would allow members (as well as any absent board member) to know what is coming up for second reading and what has already passed.

4. I would like to see the board adopt as policy adherence to what is called the “Sunshine Law” - all meetings and deliberations would be open to the members.

5.   I would like to see a return to working meetings – this would reduce or eliminate stalemates       like those that occurred at the August meeting.  It would help reduce gossip and innuendo that       the board is setting policy and making plans at individuals’ homes over supper.

Carl Kauffman

Candidate for LFPOA Board of Directors