In&Out Staff

Make sure Anthem thrives by becoming involved in its operation. Two seats are open on the Community Council Board, one each for Parkside and Country Club. Country Club residents must decide between the incumbent Donna Gloshen and Jeff Pointer. Parkside residents must choose from Craig Boates, Gary Reznick, Randy Schmille and Butch See. In&Out asked each of the six candidates a host of questions.

Ballots were mailed to homeowners Feb. 18 and are due by 5 p.m., Monday, March 22. Mail or hand deliver ballots to: 3701 W. Anthem Way, Suite 102. Election results will be announced at the March 24 Council meeting. As of this writing, ballots have not been distributed to business owners who, Council recently determined, are entitled to vote.

QUESTION 1. While Anthem is not a subdivision or municipality of the state, but a private corporation, it is not subject to the same laws regarding meetings and transparency. The topic of transparency has become a major issue in this election. Do you feel Anthem should adopt the methods of the Arizona Sunshine Law and Arizona Open Meeting Act (giving open access to meetings and records, and providing enough information before meetings to reasonably inform residents of the matters to be discussed and decided)? Why or why not?

Donna Gloshen (Country Club)
We are already doing that. We post the agenda before the meeting and all the committee reports before the meetings. The day after, we actually publish a recap of the meeting at onlineatanthem.com. You can see all of the records, all the governing documents, all the meeting minutes and all the committee reports since the beginning of the resident-run board  In that respect,  I feel like we are doing a good job of transparency. We can always do a better job of communication.  And, we're working on that. The community manager is helping us to put more detail into the agenda. This is one of the reasons we went out and searched for someone who had more city/county experience than a property manager.
Some of the lack of communication and transparency has, to a degree, been manufactured by people with a different agenda. 
I definitely think we are following the open meeting laws already. 

Jeff Pointer (Country Club)
I believe the Anthem Community Council should adhere to the Open Meeting Law in its entirety and should change the CC&Rs and bylaws to mandate this adherence. As stated by Council attorney, the Council is a corporation and therefore not qualified as it is not a public body, per the state statute. However, Bill Clower stated in the January "Freedom Way" that if Anthem were an incorporated community the Anthem Community Council would be our city council. So, it is recognized that the Council is a community governance authority and yet they resist operating in an open and transparent manner that is required of these types of organizations. It is the principle that matters and the other is a technicality that can be changed.

Craig Boates (Parkside)
One of the most important issues in this election is the transparency of the Board. The ACC should follow all aspects of the Open Meeting Law. Not only should residents get proper agendas and be allowed to attend all meetings, they should be allowed to participate in the meetings and speak to issues before the ACC. Then, residents can truly have a voice in the government of Anthem.

Gary Reznick (Parkside)
I am absolutely in favor of adopting the methods of both the Arizona Sunshine Law and Arizona Open Meetings Act. Ideas and rules which were needed at one time to meet the needs and desires of residents need to be reviewed periodically to assure that they are still relevant to current needs. I am 100-percent for adopting all aspects of the Open Meetings Act. One aspect I feel is needed immediately is the need to publish draft minutes within four days, for review by residents. There have been too many instances where topics carried over from a lightly attended meeting were brought up and passed at a subsequent meeting with the assertion that it was discussed prior, and residents had ample time to express their views. This has been evident very recently. With such publication, no resident could complain about issues being "rammed through" without a chance for public input. Also, we need to stop the abuse of "executive sessions" to discuss sensitive matters which do not really qualify for such deliberation. There are four items which are clearly listed as the [ITAL]only[/ITAL] justification for executive sessions. We need to be far more open and informative regarding issues with all residents; not just a small handful of them.

Butch See (Parkside)
I absolutely believe the ACC should follow the Arizona Open Meeting (Sunshine) Act. The act was designed to allow the citizens to be informed as to how the government operates, spends the tax payers' money and to eliminate "back room deals." In this case, the ACC is performing the duties of a municipality government and should follow the same open meeting rules. The citizens of Anthem deserve to be shown the same respect as any municipality citizen is shown.

Randy Schmille (Parkside)
We want to openly communicate with everyone and be as transparent as possible. The problems in the past have been communication. The ACC has had some excellent ideas but have not communicated them to the public before they got too deep into them. The building at 3715 Anthem Way was an excellent opportunity. If it would have been presented in a different light, I think it may have been a great investment in our community. We could have brought in an extension of a community college or ASU for the residents.

Question 2. Most of you agree that residents should be given the opportunity to vote on
"major" decisions, but in practice, the interpretation of major could vary greatly. How would you specifically define the parameters of decisions which require a resident vote? How does this differ from the parameters of decisions that would require only resident input?

Donna Gloshen
I believe that this country was founded on the principle of representative government, which means that people are elected to represent their constituents and vote on their behalf. This holds true for boards from the local level (i.e., HOAs, school boards, etc.) right through city, county, and state to the national level. So I believe that the only level on which a community-wide vote might be taken on an issue would be in the case of a major purchase of the magnitude of $1 million or more.

Craig Boates
While I believe residents should be involved in the meetings and be able to debate the issues, I do not think that every issue should be placed at a popular vote. It is simply impractical to run a city/development in this fashion. However I do believe that the homeowners should be made Members of the non-profit corporation that is the ACC. This will give the residents rights to vote on certain issues and other rights that are set out in Arizona law. I believe this, in addition to following the Open Meeting Law, would strike a good balance and allow for resident input and sound governance.

Jeff Pointer
To make Council accountable to homeowners, and to ensure homeowners have approval rights I feel we must:
1. Make homeowners members of ACC, Inc.
2. Require homeowner approval to encumber the community in debit
3. Require homeowner approval of dues increases above inflation rate plus a to-be-determined percentage. (Council currently can increase dues up to 20 percent annually without approval.
4. Require homeowner approval of unplanned capital expenses over $150,000.
5. Be able to validate the above with a 51-percent majority (of votes cast, not of total potential votes.)

Areas of community input (not approval by vote) would be non-financial in nature such as variances to building and property restriction and changing the number of council members to include business owner representation. I would also propose that on issues for community input the council would adopt a process where issues would be made public during council meetings and not acted upon until the following month's meeting.

Gary Reznick
I feel all amendments of Governing Documents should require ratification by homeowners. As the ACC is governed by the Not-For-Profit Act rather than the Condominium or Planned Community Acts, the ACC is not required to do so. I feel this is a case where the ACC is in compliance with the letter of the law but is severely violating the [ITAL]spirit[/ITAL] of the law. After all, Congress can makes laws but they must be ratified by the President; Amendments also must be ratified by states after they are passed by Congress. This set of checks and balances assures the will of the electorate is reflected in all major adjustments of governing documents. I would push that all changes requiring homeowner votes as specified in the Condominium and Planned Community Statutes require such votes by the ACC.
 
Butch See
I believe the citizens of Anthem deserve the right to vote on all major expenditures. Major expenditures include ones that commit the citizens of Anthem to a long-term financial contract. This would not include the annual administrative contracts that are awarded to companies to pick up waste and landscape maintenance, etc. My election platform includes several recommended changes to the ACC Bylaws that I will work toward if elected to the ACC. If enacted, these changes will give the citizens of Anthem a legal voice in the form of a vote.

Randy Schmille
You are voted onto the Board as a representative and the majority of the people are trusting in you to make the right decisions. On any decisions, if extra input is needed, I would get it from the community
by the way of a vote.

Question 3. In what profession/industry did you spend a majority of your working life?

Donna Gloshen
I spent most of my career in education. I was the Assistant Administrator and CFO for a four-county education agency in Nebraska for 28 years. Before that, I was the General Accounting Manager for an aerospace/electronics company in Northern California

Craig Boates
I have been an attorney for almost 11 years.

Jeff Pointer
The majority of my career has been spent in the Aerospace industry.

Gary Reznick
I am a degreed Accountant with both a C.P.A. Certificate and an M.B.A. degree. The majority of my career has been spent in the cable television industry (10 Years) and the community management industry (11 years). As current senior vice president of Summit Management Specialists, Inc. (an Illinois Community Management Company), I have also received the certifications of C.M.C.A. (Certified Manager of Community Associations) and A.M.S (Association Management Specialists) from Community Association Institute; the national governing body for community associations.
 
Butch See
Facilities Maintenance Management

Randy Schmille
Construction of new homes and residential development.

QUESTION 4. How many years have you lived in Anthem?

Donna Gloshen
8 years.

Craig Boates
Over 7 years.

Jeff Pointer
Resident since 2003.

Gary Reznick
I have lived in Anthem for 3 years.
 
Butch See
9 years.

Randy Schmille
A total of 3 years (1 year in 2001), then the last two years.

Question 5. This is a time-consuming and relatively thankless volunteer position. Why do you want to win?

Donna Gloshen
I believe that my involvement within this community, as well as my education and my professional experience give me the necessary tools to provide the leadership and knowledge that the council needs for the future.

Craig Boates
I believe I can truly make a difference in helping the ACC become a more open and transparent entity.  If I did not think I could help make this happen I would never have run.

Jeff Pointer
I want to foster the "promise of Anthem" as a premiere community. This can only happen when homeowners are given the opportunity and authority to have significant input to the governance of Anthem.

Gary Reznick
I feel there are many practices which are no longer relevant to the residents which are having an adverse effect on the value of our homes. I feel, quite strongly, that they must be fixed. As I have been a board member of two other association boards in Illinois, I know the time, effort (and sadly, abuse) which are required to "right the ship." I feel that the investment of my time, efforts and experience are worth the final product. As I am currently an active member of the Parkside Finance Committee, I have gotten an idea of the time investment involved and know that I can invest the time needed to accomplish the change needed in our governance.
 
Butch See
This is my home. I want it to be a community that has the reputation of being a community where everyone wants to live, work and play. I want the ACC to be respected and have a reputation as a fair and friendly governing body, throughout the Community, the Valley and the state.

Randy Schmille
I see a need for a director that has a vision and is aggressive. I want to promote this one-of-a-kind community to be the most-wanted place to live in Arizona.

Question 6. What do you feel is your role as a Director?

Donna Gloshen
My role is to make the best possible decisions concerning the business of maintaining the council’s assets, protecting our property values, helping our businesses thrive, and ensuring the quality of life we all enjoy.

Craig Boates
The board members should not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the ACC or the Community. The board should rely on the staff that the community has and serve more as a guiding force for the community focusing on big-picture issues.

Jeff Pointer
To bring effective planning, assessment of needs, fiscal priorities and engage the residents in dialog which is open and transparent.

Gary Reznick
As a director of the board, it is my duty to represent my constituency and their views in considering actions which impact our daily life and well-being. I am afraid that some of the board members have forgotten this primary reason for their being elected to the board in the first place.
 
Butch See
Govern the community within the governing documents with honor, while representing my constituents with their desires.

Randy Schmille
My role is to see this community move forward and not stagnate. We have a good base to work with and need to keep improving the quality of this community. We need a new Welcome Center to introduce people to our community and to show off our amenities. We need a pedestrian bridge at Anthem Way and I-17 to safely get our residents back and forth to our businesses and community parks and schools. We also need to expand our sports fields.  We have too many children who want to play sports and do not have enough room in the park right now.

Question 7. What do you see is the role of the Board of Directors of the Anthem Community Council?

Donna Gloshen
It is the council’s duty to set policies that will determine how we move forward in the future; with resident input, to determine what we want Anthem to be; and to develop short- and long-range plans to make those dreams a reality.[/BOLD]

Craig Boates
[See question 6.]

Jeff Pointer
First and foremost, maintain and operate Council properties. Secondly, evaluate the future needs of Anthem and implement projects that meet or exceed requirements to improve the quality of life.

Gary Reznick
I see the ACC as the umbrella body to find common ground for the common good of all of the elements of Anthem. They must assure that an action which benefits one element of Anthem does not injur any other elements of Anthem.
 
Butch See
Conduct the Community’s business with the community’s input, and with their approval, when major, long-term commitments are involved.

Randy Schmille
Our role is to make sure that the Anthem residents are fairly represented on major decisions that affect Anthem, to protect our property values and to preserve our great community.

Question 8. Is there any situation in which you would you allow enhancement funds to be used for things other than capital improvements accessible by all Anthem residents?

Donna Gloshen
The council is using enhancement funds this year to fund the major events for Anthem. This was done because they are a benefit for the whole community, and it made it possible to forego a dues increase. Section 6.6 of the ACC’s CC&Es spells out the possible uses for the enhancement fund, and it does not specifically mention capital improvements, although it doesn’t forbid such use, either.

Craig Boates
I would look at every proposal based on its merits and the benefit to the community.  But it is unlikely I would agree to that as I believe the enhancement fund should be used primarily for long term projects.

Jeff Pointer
Continue to reserve the enhancement funds to implement the CIMP (Capital Improvements Master Plan) and use otherwise only for extraordinary circumstances.

Gary Reznick
The answer is an emphatic NO. The enhancement fund was established for capital improvements, period; not to fund "pet projects" which do not really qualify as capital improvements.
 
Butch See
Yes, I would recommend, allowing the loaning of some of the enhancement fund, (to be returned without interest) to be used for non-capital projects.

Randy Schmille
No.

Question 9. What do you think is the most important change the Council can make to current policies or procedures?

Donna Gloshen
I think we made giant strides in February with the new board meeting agenda format, and I think it can still be improved upon. Getting the agendas to onlineatanthem in a timely fashion, with more detail on agenda items, will give residents a clearer picture of what will be discussed at board meetings so they can come prepared to offer comments.

Craig Boates
Follow ALL aspects of the Open meeting law.  Be open and honest about all issues with the residents.

Jeff Pointer
Adopt the Arizona Open Meeting Law for increased openness and transparency; revise the CC&Rs to make homeowners members of the Anthem Community Council, Inc., and conduct referendums for issues that would encumber the community in debt, for significant and out-of-plan capital purchases, and for budget approval above a set growth level above the rate of inflation.

Gary Reznick
I feel they need to hold hearings and determine what residents feel needs to be "fixed." I cannot sit here and itemize these points. I know what I feel needs adjustment, but without public input, I cannot be sure that my views represent the views of my neighbors. I also feel the Board needs to slow down on some of their actions. After attending the last several meetings, I am still sitting here wondering why such speed was needed in changing the eligibility for voting. I am still in the dark as to what precipitated this action. This feeling does not make me feel comfortable with the Board's vote.

Butch See
Change the ACC bylaws that will give the residents a vote when spending large amounts of money on major capital projects. I will begin that process of changing the ACC bylaws, which will give the Citizens of Anthem that legal vote.

Randy Schmille
The ACC needs to make sure that our residents are fully aware and properly informed of major decisions that would affect our community.

Question 10. If you could do one thing to improve Anthem this year, what would it be?

Donna Gloshen
Since a number of residents seem to feel that communication from the board has not been as good as it should be, I believe we have to find out where we can take action to improve the communication. I believe we have to find out what is perception and what is reality, and make the adjustments necessary to give residents confidence that they are being kept informed.

Craig Boates
Be part of a Council and governing body that the residents can be proud of. If we are open and allow input from residents this can happen quickly.

Jeff Pointer
Change the culture to improve resident appreciation of the Board and the board appreciation of the community.

Gary Reznick
Make the ACC Board FAR MORE RESPONSIVE to the residents. I would not require all questions to be submitted in written form (and then only read and answer those which the Board chooses). I would allow a set amount of time for oral comments from residents without any "pre-screening" at every open Board meeting.
 
Butch See
Get rid of the current sandwich message boards announcing scheduled meetings and replacing them with electronic message boards, at all three entrances off I-17 to Anthem. While these electronic message boards could also be used in case of a community emergency, they could not be used for commercial advertising.

Randy Schmille
Purchase the retail building (single story) at 3715 Anthem Way and turn it into the new Welcome Center.  This building has been foreclosed on and we will not have another opportunity like this if we do not act on it quickly. It is the first retail building that you come to as you enter Anthem and would be perfect for this use.

Question 11. The Anthem chamber of commerce, live local/shop local, the commercial properties committee, PBA, BNA, etc.; There are many business organizations with different agendas and levels of influence on the Council. How can the business community be better served?

Donna Gloshen
I think the business community needs to meet in a retreat type atmosphere, perhaps with a facilitator, and decide how they want to work together in the future. I personally hope they will make better use of the commercial properties committee, the council’s communication link to the business community. Until they become more unified, it is hard for the council to understand the best way to help them.

Craig Boates
The ACC needs to stop competing with local businesses and finding ways to support local businesses. We need to find ways to bring traffic and people to our community. One option is to look for large employers or even a community college to locate in Anthem. The ACC should also work with the City of Phoenix on its redevelopment of Pioneer Village as this will help increase traffic in our community.
 
Jeff Pointer
By engaging in discussions for needs that are within the bylaws and not competing for business.

Gary Reznick
I am not a big fan of lobbying. While well-intentioned, [lobby groups] often work at crossed purposes. I feel the welfare of residents is paramount. If the residential climate is favorable, the business climate will follow. Do not misunderstand me, business success in Anthem is quite important; without good local services, our community cannot prosper. It should not be "we and they"; it should be "us."
 
Butch See
The Council can best serve the business community by drawing more visitors to the community, while not competing with any community business directly. Once the visitors are in the community it is up to the local business to attract customers with great products/services at fair prices.

Randy Schmille
By having a representative of all business organizations in Anthem sit on the commercial properties committee.

Question 12. True or False? Council's mission is to govern the company called "Anthem" more than it is to represent the desires of its homeowners. Explain.

Donna Gloshen
I do not believe this is a true or false issue. Article 5, "Purposes" of the Articles of Incorporation states that the Council is to be “an entity for the furtherance and promotion of the social welfare of the Anthem community …and being responsible for and involved in programs and activities which contribute positively to its residents.” To do that, the Council has to govern to make sure that we are in a position to carry out this mission; and, we have to take into account the desires of our residents to make sure we are providing the kinds of amenities they want.

Craig Boates
False.  This is no more true than a statement that says the Governor’s job is to run the State not care about its people. A major component of running any public body (or quasi-public body such as Anthem) is to act in the best interests of the community and its residents.

Jeff Pointer
Governance and effective representation should never be separated from the desires of the homeowners. That is why I am so passionate about changing the CC&Rs to make homeowners members of that ACC.Inc.

Gary Reznick
FALSE! As I said earlier, what was needed at one time is not necessarily what is needed now. The ACC was set up when Del Webb/Pulte was trying to sell homes. The ACC was set up to help the developer. It should now adjust its mission to address the current needs and welfare of residents and the community as a whole.
 
Butch See
It is true that the Council is organized to govern a company called “Anthem,” and it is a fact, with a couple of changes in the Council bylaws, the citizens of Anthem can/will have a voice/vote in how this community is governed.

Randy Schmille
False. We need to represent the wishes of the residents of Anthem.

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