Commentary: Letters to the Editor

INCREASE MUST BE EQUITABLE

Let's see if I understand this. Bella Vista needs to increase revenue to maintain our beautiful community at the current level. But the proposal our Property Owners Association wants us to approve seems more than a little unrealistic.

The POA's current plan would increase the homeowner assessment for improved lots by a whopping 54 percent while increasing the assessment for unimproved lots by only 6.25 percent. That seems like a rather blatant attempt to influence the voting outcome. I also understand user fees for golf and some other amenities would be reduced or eliminated entirely. That seems like another attempt to influence the vote so that those of us who don't use all of these amenities would be forced to subsidize those who do. I have no problem paying my fair share, but expect others to contribute on an equal basis.

I agree with the need to raise revenue to maintain our community, but I would like the increases to be equitable. I will not vote for any proposal that does not increase assessments for improved and unimproved lots and user fees at the same rate.

John M. Swinney

Bella Vista

REJECT POA PROPOSAL

I do not know Don Stockdale of Bella Vista. He writes an interesting letter (Public Viewpoint, April 21) but also really lets us know what kind of a person he really is.

He says he wants to keep Bella Vista's privately owned amenities and continue to enjoy them. Good for him.

He points out that we are managed quite well with far lower rates than Hot Springs. He says since we became a city we have added and improved our amenities. That is great, too.

He wants our rates increased to match those of Hot Springs while admitting our management would be giving us more for our money than Hot Springs does.

If you read closer, what he is saying is that he wants us to pay more fees so he will have more free or lower-cost amenities for him to enjoy more. What he does not say is that he can afford them, but wants to be able to enjoy these amenities at less cost to him as long as the rest of us less fortunate people will agree to pay for them.

We must vote this proposal of added assessments down. Vote "no" to this proposal.

Gerald Kitrush

Bella Vista

Commentary on 05/01/2014

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