This isn’t Camelot
By Bob Lassahn

In what has become a  “pressure cooker” atmosphere on the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board it would appear that some of the directors are now reaching the boiling point. It is always a good thing to have diverse views and healthy debate within such a body (these elements should make for a thorough airing of the issue and hopefully sound decision making), but downright personal hostilities are counterproductive and should be avoided like the plague. An election is underway that will result in at least one new board member, possibly two if sitting director Mark Venit falls short in his reelection bid, and it can only be hoped that things will settle down to a slower boil.

This board has faced what could be unprecedented pressure in resolving contentious issues including a new community center, the Swim and Racquet Club Marina, a pool enclosure, a rewrite of Environmental Controls/Architectural Review Committee guidelines and procedures, a Bylaws rewrite, golf losses, food and beverage losses and a host of others. The issues themselves have obviously taken a toll, but the dissention within the community over these issues has also thrown some gasoline on the fire (not to mention the press, including yours truly). The board has been juggling the views of critics and supporters in trying to reach some reasonable idea of where the community should be headed.

The seven sitting directors have certainly made mistakes. Where these might have occurred will vary according to individual opinion, but in order to make a “mistake” one must make a decision. Casting a vote for either side of an issue has become an act of courage for the directors. It is almost an absolute certainty that someone will take exception to the entire board or an individual director’s position.

As OPA approaches the date of the annual meeting it is imperative to put things into proper perspective. Virtually every OPA member probably has some criticism on what the board has, or has not, done during the last year, but it cannot be overlooked that every OPA member also owes a debt of gratitude to those who choose to serve. It is a certainty that they have put in long hours, had a few sleepless nights and suffered the indignity of personal criticism just to work without compensation on behalf of the community.

For one brief moment the members of OPA should put aside their differences of opinion, their notions of political alignments, look at the directors for what they really are: members of the community who probably have much better things to do than argue over OPA stuff, and then simply thank them for stepping up to the plate. Take them out of the realm of “directors,” see them as individuals and you might discover some very likeable people.

The issues aren’t going away, but perhaps just one brief, shining moment of unity among OPA members in saying “thank you” will renew the directors’ spirits a bit and set the stage for a less hostile working environment. Think of it as an opportunity to lead the leaders by example, to set aside personalities and treat people with an appropriate level of respect. Who knows, it might have some lasting influence. This certainly isn’t Camelot, but Ocean Pines deserves its brief, shining moment.

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