That recollection was concerning but not independently verified.
Patrice had no recording of the exchange, and Cecily treated it as a lead rather than a proven statement.
The association’s new data-handling policy later restricted access to individual account information and required written justification for any disclosure.
Naomi said the change might protect more families than any public confrontation with Bettina.
I agreed because a single bad leader could leave, while a weak system could invite another one.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: THE SPECIAL ELECTION
Residents submitted the signatures required to call a special election for board positions.
Bettina challenged the petition, claiming that several signatures were invalid and that the meeting notice did not satisfy the association’s rules.
The board’s independent counsel reviewed the objections and recommended corrections to the notice rather than abandoning the election.
A revised notice went to every owner with clear instructions for participation and proxy voting.
I declined several requests to stand for the board.
My municipal responsibilities already demanded too much time, and I did not want a private governance dispute to become an extension of my office.
Instead, Naomi encouraged residents to support candidates who understood accounting, maintenance, and conflict resolution.
Meredith agreed to stand for election despite her reluctance to become a public target.
Luis volunteered because he wanted the board to address practical safety problems without unnecessary punishment.
Grace nominated a retired nurse named Evelyn Brooks, who had experience managing a neighborhood charity’s finances.
The campaign was quieter than residents expected.
Candidates attended a forum where they discussed reserve funds, appeal rights, vendor selection, and the difference between private preference and enforceable rules.
Bettina did not attend the forum.
Instead, she circulated a message claiming that the candidates planned to eliminate all property standards and reduce home values.
Meredith answered by publishing specific proposals rather than attacking Bettina personally.
She supported clear maintenance requirements, prompt repairs, documented enforcement, and an accessible appeals process.
Luis proposed a public maintenance calendar and competitive bids for major expenses.
Evelyn Brooks wanted monthly financial statements that residents could read without accounting training.
Their proposals drew attention because they were specific enough to be evaluated later.
On election day, homeowners filled the clubhouse and waited while ballots were counted under the supervision of an independent facilitator.
The challengers won enough seats to form a new board majority.
Bettina retained one seat under the association’s staggered terms, but she lost the presidency when the new board selected Meredith as chair.
