Dear Fellow Members:

I have been engaged in an internal debate for some while now. The urgency of this self-examination has only been heightened by the recent (and continuing) quarrel over the closing of the dam road and by internal Board communications over the budget process.

Image Here are my conclusions:

1. The style and methods of operation of some members of this particular Board are ones for which I have a certain distaste;

2. My philosophical liberalism is inimical to the philosophical affinities of at least a majority of my present colleagues on the Board and that is unlikely to be changed by the upcoming Board election, or, probably, by any subsequent election;

3. The positions I have sometimes taken on issues often seem to act as a lightning rod for negative reaction, closing minds on the Board not opening them. This is, I expect, my fault;

4. My complaints about Board processes may be having the unfortunate effect of diminishing opportunities for member input, not increasing those opportunities. Again, I expect this is my fault;

5. Having promised not to do so, I find myself falling all too easily back into habits of competitiveness;

6. Though this is trivial to my decision, I selfishly include it so as not to be perceived to be any more derelict than may be convenient. I consider that I have been authoritatively informed that my role in the budget process will be such that my absence from the process is unlikely to be noticed;

7. The conclusions I have listed above clearly indicate that my continuing service on the Board would be a disservice to the membership, to the Board, and to me.

I hereby resign from the Board of Directors of the Seven Lakes West Landowners’ Association.

Respectfully,

Joseph T. Sikes