Editor:

This letter is intended for the residents of Discovery Bay Property Owners Association (DBPOA).

I joined the DBPOA board this year along with four other new members. We are fully aware that there are major concerns about decisions past boards made and that there are those who question whether the DBPOA is a valid association. The goal of the new board has been to try to move forward and begin to work with the association members in a professional and respectful way.

The current board reached out to a group of vocal, concerned homeowners who have made some inappropriate accusations, and asked to meet with them to discuss our plans as a new board and listen to their concerns. The intent was to try to begin a process of working together to foster open communications to benefit the association members. This group flatly refused to meet with us!

The request for an increase in homeowner dues is largely because of expenses due to lawsuits, requests for documentation, court costs, insurance and man hours, etc., over the years, all required by law for the board to address. This has left us with a deficit in trying to manage the association at the bare minimum.

Also, with the increase in foreclosures, our income of available funds has dropped over 25 percent. The DBPOA dues of $25 per year have not increased for a number of years because of the bylaws. Therefore, we are requesting a bylaw change to give more flexibility in today's environment.

The intent of having a property owners association is to maintain a level of standards that protect the value of the homes within the association. Plain and simple, without a functioning association, there would be no recourse if a neighbor decides to paint his home purple or landscape with garish items. The items covered by the CC&Rs are not subject to county or state enforcement. With severely limited funds, the process to address these concerns would be seriously impacted.

We live in a beautiful and unique community and I am sure most residents, especially in today's environment, want to protect their home value.

Finally, our books are open to all homeowners in the association. I sincerely hope that before you vote, you take the time to find out the facts and get involved to make this association work to the benefit of all concerned.

Jack Parker

Discovery Bay