Chicago Media Spotlight Builds Awareness
An article written by Steven Dahlman published in the 12/17/2024 edition of Loop North News highlights the problems with our recent board election and helps generate awareness about the need for transparency and reform: Election chaos at Hancock Center HOA has unit owners concerned.
Brought to you by Drew McManus, your neighbor in 7908.
Despite growing concerns about election integrity that have attracted media attention, HOA Board President Scott Timmerman responded to a detailed proposal I submitted for creating an ad hoc election process committee with a brief statement that “The Board is already handling this issue directly.”
The proposal emerged after research identified multiple qualified vendors capable of providing exactly what many on the current board believes is not possible: an integrated digital, electronic, and paper ballot solutions that could modernize and secure the voting process.
Rather than embrace the idea of establishing a collaborative process , Timmerman rejected the proposed formation of an impartial ad hoc committee to evaluate these solutions.
Instead, he insists that the evaluation process should remain solely in the hands of current board members, the same individuals who benefited from the recent election’s documented irregularities. When asked about specific steps to restore homeowner confidence, Timmerman provided no details about how this closed-door process would work or when homeowners might expect results.
Full Email Exchange
Drew, 12/18/2024
Dear Scott,
I wanted to follow up on my presentation at the last board meeting regarding the potential for improving our current voting process. As you know, I presented several vendors who offer digital, electronic, and paper ballot solutions. I’m glad to see you’re interested in this option.
To fully investigate these possibilities and ensure a transparent process, I propose forming an ad hoc committee. This committee should be composed of board and non-board members with no less than half of the members, including a co-chair, being non-board members. This diverse representation will provide valuable insights and ensure that the interests of all homeowners are considered.
I am happy to contribute my research and expertise as part of this committee. By working together, we can implement a more efficient, secure, and inclusive voting process for our community. To foster transparency and accountability, committee meetings, agendas, and minutes must be open to all homeowners.
This initiative not only addresses a practical need but also demonstrates a commitment to community engagement and ethical governance. By involving a broader range of voices, the Association can rebuild trust in the system among owners and prospective buyers.
In the immediate future, it sends a clear message to owners in light of the most recent election that the board takes the issue seriously by bringing together collaborative perspectives in a transparent process.
Please let me know when you plan to form this committee and who will be appointed as co-chairs.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Blue skies,
Drew McManus
Scott, 12/19/2024
Thanks Drew – The Board is already handling this issue directly, so it won’t be through a committee. I hope you would still be willing to share your suggestions regarding vendors, which I will distribute to the Board.
Thanks,
Scott
Drew, 12/19/2024
Dear Scott,
Thank you for your response. While I appreciate your desire to have the board handle this matter, the complexity of modernizing our voting process, combined with the critical issues stemming from last year’s election updates, makes it clear this cannot be effectively managed by a board this size.
The outcome of the most recent election not only leaves the Association at risk of litigation, but highlights how rushed and poorly vetted changes can lead to serious challenges. Attempting to address these issues without a focused committee that injects missing expertise risks repeating the same mistakes and further eroding trust among homeowners.
A smaller ad hoc committee, with a balanced representation of board and non-board members, is the most practical, efficient, and transparent way to address this matter. Such a group can dedicate the time, expertise, and detailed attention necessary to thoroughly evaluate vendor options, test systems, and design safeguards that ensure a fair and efficient voting process.
I understand you may not want to introduce transparency, but let me ask: What specific steps is the board planning to take to ensure that the concerns about election integrity are fully addressed and homeowners’ confidence in the process is restored?
I strongly urge you to reconsider forming a committee to ensure this critical process is handled correctly. I remain available to contribute my research and expertise to assist in making this effort successful as a member of an ad hoc committee.
Blue skies,
Drew McManus
A Problematic Approach
Timmerman’s response raises troubling questions about the board’s approach: while expressing interest in the vendor research, Timmerman indicated he would only “distribute” these findings to the board, excluding from the evaluation process the very professionals who uncovered these solutions.
This structure overlooks the technical complexity of voting systems, which require careful testing, evaluation, and implementation of specific safeguards, tasks that require dedicated time and expertise.
The Loop North News coverage of these issues comes at a crucial time, as more residents question the board’s capability to handle this critical reform. Timmerman’s response left several key questions unanswered:
- How the board will thoroughly evaluate multiple vendor solutions without technical expertise?
- What specific measures will be implemented to prevent future ballot processing errors?
- How homeowner input will be incorporated into the decision-making process?
- When and how the results of their evaluation will be shared with residents?
If you share these concerns about election integrity and qualified oversight, I encourage you to read and share the full article. Only through continued public attention can we hope to achieve the reforms needed to ensure fair and transparent elections in our community.
What You Can Do To Help
Your voice matters. The ongoing concerns about our HOA election process won’t be addressed without the active involvement of homeowners like you. By using the form below, you can share your thoughts directly and express why you believe an impartial ad hoc committee is essential to evaluating and improving our voting process.
This is a critical opportunity to show the board that the community is paying attention and demands transparency, accountability, and effective reform. Let’s work together to ensure that our elections are fair, secure, and trustworthy.
Be respectful, concise, and clear in articulating the negative impact it has had on you and your fellow homeowners. You are welcome to use the example language as-is, but feel free to personalize the example message before you send.