Letters to the Editor

What A 'No' Vote On Fee Doesn't Mean

I enjoy living in Bella Vista for a number of reasons. Before anyone casts a vote (on Property Owners Association fee increase), they should look carefully at what the POA says are the reasons to vote yes and why others choose to vote against the increase. Also consider these facts.

In the 2010 Census, the population 65 years and over was 31.5 percent. Since I moved here in 2010, I've seen many homes purchased by younger people, often with children. Not my vision of a retirement community.

Many complain about the salary paid to the POA leader. The POA published a base salary of $130,716. With benefits and allowances, the POA numbers top out at around $162,000 (all posted on the POA web page). Compare that to the village mayor, $66,000, or even Gov. Beebe, $86,889. Is the head of the POA really responsible for that much more?

I have not cast my vote yet. I plan to consider all sides up to the last minute. Should I vote "no," it doesn't mean I am against providing for the benefits the POA provides. If I should vote "no," it is to cast a vote of no confidence in the way the POA currently conducts it business. A vote of "no" is a vote directed at the culture of not listening to voices that disagree with the powers at be. A vote of "no" is a vote against the back-to-back ramrodding of assessment increases just to see when the opponents will give in rather than effecting real progress for the village. A vote of "no" is a vote in favor of changing the way the POA and the city government work against each other instead of working together for the common good of all.

Bella Vista was started with good intentions and a good plan. The problem is times have changed. Demographics have changed. Needs have changed. How long will Cooper Communities want to stay so closely involved in a community that has changed far beyond the original vision. They are a business and businesses make changes based on the bottom line. The village is moving quickly from a retirement community with subsidized amenities to just another family community of metro Northwest Arkansas. It has it's own special look and feel that should be embraced and protected. It can still be a great place to retire to, but others have discovered its appeal as well. A vote of "no" at this time is simply a vote to tell the POA to stop and work with all of the village to make and keep Bella Vista a great place to live for now and into the future. A vote that is less than a quorum is not a vote of the people. I encourage all to carefully consider the facts along with your needs and cast the vote you feel is the right choice for the future of this special community.

Encourage your friends and neighbors vote, too!

William Clark

Bella Vista

A Nasty Choice Of Words

I was reading the article about Jo Lynn Jackson (woman charged three times this summer with DWI) in the Aug. 26 edition. And I agree wholeheartedly with the City Prosecutor Casey Jones that she is not to be trusted to abide by the terms of her release. Given the fact that she killed someone in 2011, and has had her third DUI since June, I am amazed she was not dealt with sooner. But that is a topic for another day.

My subject for today was the comment by Casey Jones on the presumption of innocence. To hear someone who is charged with following the letter of the law use the word "nasty" in regard to an inherent right we all have was very disturbing.

While I can certainly understand Mr. Jones' frustration with this particular case, his choice of words could have been better.

Janet Lynch

Fayetteville

Commentary on 09/01/2014

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