Associations Help Homeowners

* As president of Community Associations Institute, Orange County regional chapter, I would like to respond to the April 6 Orange County Voices article, “Homeowners Should Be Careful With Whom They Associate,” by Melvin D. Thomas.

Thomas has failed to acknowledge that the community association industry has improved the quality of living for homeowners within Orange County and other areas of the country.

In Orange County alone, we have approximately 1.8 million homeowners living in community associations, which equates to two out of every five homes being within an association. In Irvine alone, over 80% of the homeowners are members of at least one community association.

The positive aspects of community association living are tremendous: preservation of property values and legislative protection for homeowners.

The board of directors for each association is elected by popular vote of its community members, in accordance with the California Corporations Code.

These directors volunteer their time and receive no compensation to serve their communities. They should be commended, not berated, for their efforts to assist their neighbors. Although apathy abounds in many communities, it can be overcome.

Many qualified professionals have been drawn to this industry to make a difference and uphold the standards that will preserve property values.

Most professionals in our industry also live in associations and are dedicated to the integrity of our industry.

Yes, there have been some “bad apples,” which fortunately have been weeded out.

The trade organizations in our industry have helped to develop higher standards and promote a greater sense of responsibility. Community Associations Institute is the only trade organization representing the interests of homeowners, community managers, attorneys, accountants and other service providers to community associations.

California Assn. of Community Managers is working diligently to certify community managers who possess practical industry experience, perform in accordance with a code of professional ethics and seek continuing education in community association management.

Most of the negative stories from our industry are related to industry professionals who are not actively involved or supportive of these two trade organizations.

ROSS FEINBERG

Mission Viejo