OPA needs an intervention
Commentary by Bob Lassahn

As I sit before my computer keyboard mulling over my thoughts on the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors (the board) meeting of June 14 I find myself again lamenting the “state of the Pines.” The problem goes far beyond any single issue. The lingering questions with the new community center, a marina at the Swim and Racquet Club, dissention among the ranks of the board, advisory committees criticizing board actions and firing off letters to the editor with disparaging remarks about OPA members are signs that help is drastically needed. The present breadth and depth of the dissention in Ocean Pines is beyond the pale and the community is greatly in need of professional intervention.

Director Reid Sterrett commented that he went outside of the referendum process for his pool enclosure initiative because any referendum will fail. I don’t disagree. In the current climate there is mistrust, nay, downright suspicion of almost anything the board might undertake. The problem: the board created this climate by being disingenuous in their handling of some issues. In every undertaking the previous failures of the board now transfer to the new initiative.

Information provided to the membership is too often sanitized for a positive spin and when the truth finally comes out suspicion sets in. “The only news is good news” doesn’t work. That is exactly why, just one week ago, I suggested the board needs a good public relations campaign. An effective PR person knows that you cannot simply hide something negative…you acknowledge and deal with it. People usually respect honesty and openness...and by acknowledging potential problems there is some reasonable assurance that dealing with any negative issues is a part of the plan.

The vision for a healthy, thriving Ocean Pines will continue to blur as long as this situation continues to fester, but it is not going to be easy to reconcile what has basically become a dysfunctional family. It will take patience, understanding and moderation on the part of everyone involved.

There is a tendency by some individuals to believe the board is irresponsible, or even has some malevolent intent with regard to recent decisions and actions. Such talk serves no useful purpose and I personally refuse to accept that any board member has succumbed to “the dark side.” They are still individuals who care deeply about the community. But to overcome this current rift the board needs to change its stripes and begin interacting with the membership in a more positive manner. That isn’t going to come easy because there is obviously ill will on both sides.

I don’t think the legendary Dr. Phil is likely to do an intervention with a homeowners association, but to solve the present problems in OPA might take someone of similar ilk. Honesty, openness and straight talk could eventually lead to understanding and reconciliation...if only that process could begin.

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