Michael Longacre
I had the opportunity to speak with Bryan (HOA President) shortly after moving into the Park at Merryfield. He expressed his vision for the HOA as “bend, don’t break” the rules. When asked if I would join the board, I said “yes” as his philosophy represented a board that would attempt to be of service for the betterment of the members and neighborhood. This happened around 6 years ago, and in my opinion the vision still stands today.
Recently, I was informed that HOA board members are a “bunch of old people that don’t want to relinquish power.” As one of the old people, I’d like to make some comments.
This statement demonstrates a significant amount of ignorance. The board has both young and “old people.” My corporate life demonstrated the value of a diverse group when it comes to addressing issues and solving problems. I can’t recall any instance when votes were taken they were not unanimous. There are no agendas, just a desire to do the right thing.
I also found this statement to be disrespectful as it fails to acknowledge the work accomplished by board members. This work falls into two general classes. There is the physical work accomplished in the common areas representative of trimming trees, shrubs and general maintenance. These actions by board members result in significant cost reductions to the HOA. The other class of work is intervening in neighborly disputes and the enforcement of the CC&Rs. In most cases these issues can be resolved. In only one instance, in my tenure, has the board faced an issue that was so egregious; it required immediate action due to potential cancellation of our liability insurance.
Should you chose to vote for me please do so because you value my vision, which is to be of service. Should you vote for me please do so because of my belief that people “having an agenda” is one of the worst things that can happen to HOA Boards.
Arnie Chase
Why I would like to continue to serve on the Park of Merryfield HOA Board. I love our community and have served in many ways, have lived in Wilsonville since 1976, and my only agenda for serving on the HOA board is to listen to and serve the residents of the Park at Merryfield. Since I moved here I have attended all of the Annual HOA meetings and summer picnics except when out of town or had a work conflict.
I originally served early on the HOA board starting in 1995 just after my house was built here in the Park of Merrifield, so I have a lot of history.
In 1996, for three years, I was also a part of the S.A.F.E.T.Y. (Stop Any Future Escapes This Year) board to fight the State Women’s and Intake Prison that was proposed to go in on the abandon Dammasch State hospital property adjacent to Merrifield (North side). During those three years I also served as a member of the Oregon DOC Prison Advisory Committee representing ‘Community At-Larger’. I served on the HOA board for a few more years then volunteer left as it was in good hands.
In 2015 I was asked to join the HOA board again and I agreed. Since then I know we have accomplished a lot and continue to look out in best interest of neighborhood.
Other experience: served in the US Army for three years, lived worked retired in Wilsonville since 1996, was in BSA leadership for 15 years (including Scout Master), joined the Clackamas Amateur Radio Emergency Service group in 2001 and currently the Assistant Emergency Coordinator for West Clackamas County, was BSF Class Administrator for 12 years, and have served various volunteer positions at our church for decades and still very active.
Bill Jankovich
Community Hello,
I am very excited to hopefully serve you on the HOA of the Park at Merryfield. I feel we have lost a bit in the 8 years I have lived here in the form of family events. I believe I can bring more cohesion to our neighborhood while keeping our beautiful landscape up to par. When we first moved here in November of 2012 there were family Easter egg hunts, parades for the 4th celebrating our great country and a place where you knew your neighbor and felt safe. I would like to bring these traditions back.
I live on Camelot St. with my wife and 2 kids. We are dedicated to helping our community and keeping Park at Merryfield a beautiful place.I want to be your partner in keeping this community to be the best it can be.
Sincerely,
Bill Jankovich
Ryan Flaherty
1. Short statement about why you want to be on the Board
I would like to be a part of the board to provide a different perspective as a new neighbor here at Merryfield and support the history of the community.
2. Any prior Board/Volunteer experience with HOAs or other registered non-profits
I do not have experience with any other HOA’s or non profits.
3. Any other experience or qualities that would make you a valuable asset to the Board.
.I believe my ability to work with others and communicate well would serve the Merryfield HOA board.
Renee James
1. Short statement about why you want to be on the Board
I would like to have more neighborhood gatherings to ensure more of a sense of community. There could be more neighborhood emails regarding when a neighbor is sick and needs food etc this would be a platform to have people ready to help.
2. Any prior Board/Volunteer experience with HOAs or other registered non-profits
I do not have any board or volunteer experience with HOAs. I have volunteered for race for the cure, MS society and breast cancer awareness racing events.
3. Any other experience or qualities that would make you a valuable asset to the Board.
I feel I would be a good listener to the HOA community needs and I enjoy working with people of all demographics. I have owned my own physical therapy practice for 3 years and have worked in the the profession for 18 years. I am approachable and easy going.
Thank you,
Rene’e James
Beth Marshall
My name is Beth Marshall. My husband Aaron, our two kids and I have lived in The Park at Merryfield for over 4 years now. I love our neighborhood and all the neighbors I have met. I appreciate that our HOA is small and flexible and as residents we have the flexibility to maintain our properties and homes as we see fit but we also do not have to worry about our property values decreasing as things are maintained nicely. We have had the same board members for multiple years. Just in the short time I have lived here I have seen a decrease in our neighborhood activities and communication from the board. I would like to bring transparency back to our HOA. I would like to create a more involved facebook page for our residents so we can learn about those who may be in need, concerns, neighborhood crime and more (with moderators keeping it informative, helpful and appropriate of course). This platform would be voluntary of course for those who would like to participate and preventing our email boxes from filling up with nonessential communication from the HOA. I would like to have our HOA meeting schedule posted more than the minimum of 3 days in advance so more residents can be involved if they choose to do so.
Prior to our move to Wilsonville we have lived in multiple different states with job related moves. We have settled into Wilsonville and have no plans moving anytime in the next 10 years. Horray!!! My experience in each place we have lived has brought new outlooks and visions of what makes a neighborhood great. When we lived in Boise, ID I served on our HOA board in a neighborhood with over 1800 homes, thousands of acres of open and park spaces in addition to 4 pools and a full clubhouse with library, gym, meeting spaces and more. This experience taught me how land can be managed and maintained in an economical matter and creating economical events for our residents. During my time on the board there and managing landscapers, utilities and maintenance we never had to increase our dues. For a neighborhood with all that to offer, our dues were only $33 a month and we have beautiful parks and amenities maintained.
Riverton, WY is a town of about 9,000 people in the center of the state with not much to offer. The playgrounds were all run down and not updated or replaced in decades. Myself with 2 other moms spearheaded a campaign to rebuild a new safe playground with structures for all children, including those with a range of disabilities. We raised over $210,000 in less than a year in the small community and the playground was built with 100% volunteer hours. The experience was great and a great way to serve our community and provide a safe place for all children.
Being able to serve on our HOA and contribute new ideas is something I would love to provide to The Park at Merryfield. I will always be open to hearing new ideas, events and concerns from our neighbors and ways to help keep our neighborhood safe and friendly.
Cheers,
Beth Marshall