Glenbrooke News

1) Why did you decide to run for the Board and what strengths/skills will you bring to the position?

I would like to serve on the Board to help alleviate the divisiveness that I have experienced this past year. It appears to me that the main focus for a remedy will rely on improved communication. We now have a Communication Committee that has identified several areas for improvement. I will support their efforts and solutions. It is a critical time for our community as it grows and the Glenbrooke community will eventually have a majority number of members on the Board. My background has been in the fields of Engineering, Education and Counseling. I have had experience in conflict resolution, communications and working with people from diverse backgrounds. I feel that it is time that the residents of Glenbrooke feel that their suggestions and thoughts are listened to by the Board. I will hopefully be part of that change.

2) Are you willing to hold monthly town hall meetings with residents to hear their concerns?

I am absolutely committed to holding meetings monthly and am hopeful that both Glenbrooke representatives will agree to attend. This is a minimal necessary improvement. We have a percentage of residents who work full or part time (myself included) and basically cannot attend most of the Board meetings. This will give them the opportunity, along with others to voice their ideas and suggestions. I will also simplify the methods of communication to the Board so that computer email is not the only way to reach a Board member. Board Members have to remember that they represent the community and this is difficult to do unless they listen to the wishes of the community.

3) Do you feel you can publicly voice the interests of the residents and not be intimidated by the majority three Pulte employees?

This has been a challenge in the past as Glenbrooke members of the Board have many times aligned themselves with the 3 Pulte members. Since we have 5 Board members we need independent thinkers and Glenbrooke residents who will stand up to opposing the Pulte majority when necessary. We must remember that we are representing the community not the company. I will support the wishes of the residents whether this is the view of the majority of the Board or not.

4) Have you reviewed the Association's finances, and do you think the assessments and funding for reserves are set at an appropriate level?

This is another area of concern as aptly put in the question. Residents are concerned that our HOA dues may go up in the near future. Finances are published periodically and Board members can make decisions such as raising the HOA dues by as much as 20% without a resident input or vote. I am in the process of consulting with an outside professional CPA to review the latest financial statement and help with my understanding. The reserve fund is critical and must be set appropriately to avoid any financial disasters in the future. At this time I can only express my concern and cannot give a yes or no answer. Hopefully in the near future I will report back to you with additional information.

5) Thank you for your willingness to serve and the opportunity to get to know you better.  Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you?

Included with the concerns mentioned above that relate to communication, finances and a disenfranchised population, there is an ongoing issue regarding safety in the community. Our Neighborhood Watch program is active and well organized. We may be able to supplement this with additional services from the VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) program. I am in the process of exploring the services that they offer.

In summary, if elected I will be a candidate who communicates, listens to and advocates for residents. I pledge myself to the endeavors stated above and will gain your trust through my actions. Remember when the time to vote arrives;

”A vote for me is a vote for you!"

P.S. I am willing to have a discussion about any topic that you are concerned about. Please use this forum on the glenbrookenews.com website or my email on the ourglenbrooke.net website.

Thank you,

Sebastian Lampe