5/9/2007

McLaughlin to run for OPA Board
By Dolores E. Pike

Bio
John C. McLaughlin
Born: Boston, MA, September 1944
Education: Northeastern University,
Michigan State - MBA
Wife: Claire
Children: Hieka, John and Matt
Grandchild: Aiden (3)
Experience: U.S. Army 25 years (retired), U.S. Army Director of Procurement, retired June 2006
Property owner since 1982

On Thursday John McLaughlin filed the requisite paperwork to run in the upcoming election for director on the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board.  The Courier took the opportunity to meet with Mr. McLaughlin and pose the following questions.

Q: Why are you running for the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors?

A: Ocean Pines is going through a transition.  It has been for quite a while. Over the years I have seen it go from those who own summer vacation homes to those who retire here.  So now it is a combination of vacationers, retirees and young families. And I want to be part and assist in that transition in order to not only keep the charm of Ocean Pines but also to maintain the resources that we have and improve upon them.  I think the quality of life here is second to none.  I love it. 

Q: What do you believe you can bring to the board?

A: I think the challenge in Ocean Pines is the diversity of the people who live here and I think the challenge that any board will have is trying to bring a sense of listening to all ages in trying to meet their needs, knowing that you are not going to satisfy all of them with the decisions the board makes.  You have to make the best decisions for the association.

However, as we continue to transition we cannot forget those who have been here the longest on fixed incomes as expenses rise and we can't forget the young folks, the teenagers.  We may have golf, tennis, basketball but the kids today are more into extreme sports, skateboarding, rollerblading, and we have to look at those sports for the younger generation.

One thing you often hear is we must be fiscally responsible.  That's a  toughie because it means something different to everyone.  So what I may consider fiscally responsible someone else may not.  However the key is to ensure that we are fiscally sound to maintain our current infrastructure and continue to improve upon it and not to get ahead of ourselves.  I believe I can bring to the board that type of perspective."

Q: What is your impression of some or all of the current board's actions?

A: I do not want to second guess their actions.  I do not think that is fair to the board.  I wasn't there.  I don't know all of the ramifications that were going on.  What I hear is second or third hand and I know it is not an easy task for what they have to do.

However I was concerned when the board voted unanimously for the community center and the reason I was concerned was not that we do not need a center or at minimum renovate the old community center, it was because it was such a controversial item. Who on the board was representing the percent that did not want it?  Where was the representation of the no vote?  That being said now that we are going out with a new referendum regardless of the outcome we must support the decision of the members. If the decision is to build, we must get behind it.  If it is not, we must look at other ways.

I know we are going to cover the pool and I think that is a great idea.  Many people like to swim indoors in the winter.  However, I believe it would have been prudent to have opened up the Yacht Club Pool to the families during this phase. I understand that the Yacht Club pool was supposed to be an adult pool only but the pool they are closing was heavily utilized by families and the cover will benefit all, I think we all should make a little sacrifice.

Q: What do you see in the future for Ocean Pines say 10 or 15 years from now?

A: I believe that the Pines will be a fantastic community then as it is now.  I believe you will see a lot more children in the Pines.  I would hope that we have a program that allows us to continue to improve the amenities that we offer and maintain the infrastructure so that we remain the place of choice for retirement and family living on the East Coast. I think this place has a lot to offer families.  Can we offer more?  I think we need to.

Q: How long have you lived here and why did you move here?

A: My wife and I have lived all over the world during my 25 years spent in the military. Of the many places to retire we chose here.  It wasn't a spur of the moment decision to retire here. We bought here in 1982 and built our home in 1990.  I came here in June 2006 and my wife a year before me."

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