6/28/2006

Ocean Pines: Settle down and listen up
Commentary by Chip Bertino

Could someone explain for me when decency vanished from the discourse among property owners in Ocean Pines?  Did a memo of some sort circulate that it was open season on manners, etiquette and fairness.  There has always been a level of disagreement among different factions within the Pines but lately it has reached a level of embarrassment.

During the past several weeks normally decent, well-meaning and respected individuals have behaved like unruly kindergarteners in need of a time-out.  Insults have been hurled and derogatory comments have been made in public settings and in personal exchanges.  And there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. 

Just read some of what has occurred during the past several weeks:
1. A malicious and vindictive letter toward a property owner was written by a committee chairman and was published in a local newspaper.
2. A property owner mouthed off at a recent public meeting accusing a board member of wanting to create, of all things, a concentration camp.
3. Ocean Pines Association attempted to bully a member of the local media by saying that because OPA was spending advertising money with him, he had to desist from making any negative comments about OPA.  (The media owner told them exactly what could be done with the ultimatum).
4. Board members are making decisions to spend money on new construction projects without providing the community the opportunity to know the facts and details about final costs.
5. Verbal altercations are erupting between property owners and board members that have degenerated into personal attacks.
6. For cheap theatrics, the recent OPA candidates' debate was interrupted by a current board member hoping to embarrass one of the candidates.

There are other such instances but I think you get the idea.  The interesting thing about this entire situation is that it involves maybe one to two percent of all property owners.  The remaining owners have little or no idea what is going on.  The problem is that the two percent of those involved are the community leaders, elected board members and involved homeowners.  These are the people who are active, the ones who are the most vocal and who, right now, for the most part, are behaving in a manner that is well beneath their own dignity and certainly beneath the dignity of the community as a whole.

It's time for these people to take a deep breath, to stop reacting to every perceived slight and realize that the person across the table is a neighbor, not an enemy combatant. Yes, maybe a neighbor with a differing viewpoint, but a neighbor, nonetheless.  I am not naïve to believe that in a community as large as Ocean Pines everyone can get along with nary a harsh word or differing opinion.  However, I am optimistic that the people involved in many of the situations mentioned above can reclaim the mantel of decency and channel their passions more constructively.  After all, they have, by their own actions and desires, put themselves forth as individuals wanting what is best for the community.

This will take understanding, patience and a recognition that communication is a two way street; that problem resolution often requires compromise.  But nothing will ever get accomplished unless a healthy dialogue is established.  This goes for board members, candidates and property owners alike. 

They need to shake off whatever evil spirit has them in its grip, sensibly prioritize community objectives and look around to see all the good things going on in the community.  There are a far greater number of positive things in Ocean Pines than not.  So, I say to each of these people, some of whom are my friends, settle down, listen and start behaving in a professional and cordial manner that is equal to the wonderful community in which we live and corresponds to the admirable objectives you seek to achieve.  The community deserves better.  Don’t you?

Send an Email Letter to Courier Editor - be sure to include your telephone number.