Each candidate submitted answers to a questionnaire, designed to help the community make a more informed decision in the upcoming election. Expand each person’s section below to view their responses.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
My goal is to maintain high property values in Latham Park, by improving the quality of life for all neighbors. We have come a long way since turnover from Ashton Woods, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
My vision for the neighborhood is to have Latham Park be one of the most sought-after developments in Horizon West, due to its smaller size, well-kept amenities, and a caring Board that treats everyone with respect.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
Finishing the installation of the new playground is one of the most important. The process needs to be followed through to make sure it’s done correctly. Another project is to enhance the entrance of our neighborhood by getting a professional landscape design and installation. Finally, as we have focused on the playground in 2021 it’s now time to focus on improving the quality of life of community members with no kids at home. This may come in the form of enhancements for our four-legged community members, a water bottle filling station at the pool for our runners.
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
Our amenities are very important to the value of our neighborhood. As a smaller community, Latham does not have a large list of exotic amenities. We have a pool and playground. At this point, it’s all about the upkeep of these amenities. I am currently developing a schedule of maintenance tasks by month so future boards do not have to recreate the wheel every time. Adding amenities can be costly, however, I do believe Latham Park has all of the large amenities we will ever have. There is room for small upgrades like volleyball nets, benches around the ponds, water features, etc, but at no point do I plan to build a gym or a conference room area.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
12
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
The easiest answer is the budget. We have to stay on budget. There is always some flexibility to move items across budget categories, but at the end of the year, we should not be over budget unless there was an unforeseen explainable circumstance. The other side is true too. We had an excess of close to $80k at the end of 2020 where we had to determine the best course of action with these funds. We could have had that go into reserves, but still would have had to increase dues because of Ashton Woods lowball numbers. We also could have invested this money back into the community, which we did with the playground. Keeping our eyes on the finances we should not have substantial savings compared to the budget either as that comes at the cost of missing maintenance items for the community.
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
I love this neighborhood. The friends I have made here are amazing as are all the community members. As far as my background, I am a Manager of Corporate Finance of a billion-dollar organization that provides internet service in 27 states. My days are filled with analyzing corporate budgets compared to actual results and managing the firms’ financial systems many software applications.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
My personal goals have been and continue to be to help get this place better managed, help drive a fantastic communications committee that brings HOA communications and voting into the 21st century, help make a few important improvements to the rules thereby setting a precedent for making other rule improvements over time, and to help ensure the HOA and our management firm treats everyone in our diverse neighborhood fairly and with respect. I’m also interested in helping the HOA to become more intentional about regularly scheduled maintenance, to continue helping ensure we live within our means, and to continue helping to identify and act on improvements that have a high impact for every dollar spent. We’ve made good progress on most fronts in the past year, but there is still more to do.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
This is a neighborhood where diversity is valued and respected, a great place to raise a family and a great place to retire and enjoy life. It’s a place where kids are safe, where we help each other out whenever we can, where HOA rules are enforced fairly and evenly without fear or favor, and where we work together in a positive way to protect and improve the value of our homes and our neighborhood.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
Finish getting a regular maintenance schedule going in an effort to get things taken care of before folks have to complain about them (e.g. the community fences, etc.). Help ensure we get the playground expansion installed and completed this year. Work with the Facilities and Grounds committee to help stay on top of our landscaping firm’s performance so the firm doesn’t get complacent. Continue working with the Communications Committee to help bring all HOA communications into the 21st century and to help get as many neighbors as possible on electronic communications, which saves us all money. I also would like to evaluate the possibility of putting street trees along Shocklach and Aldford by the pond in front of the neighborhood, and along Bradleigh before by the other big entry pond before one gets to the existing sycamores to help that section integrate better with the rest of our neighborhood.
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
Current amenities are clearly important to the value of our neighborhood. They must be maintained in an attractive condition and improved where possible within the scope of what our HOA can afford to do while living within its means. I do not see us building any major new amenities – we will never be that community with an enclosed clubhouse, a gym, etc., and I have no interest in pushing us in that direction. However, I do want the pool and playground, the boardwalk, and our public spaces to be nice, appealing, pleasant, and safe, and will work to help ensure we achieve and maintain that.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
11
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
I am always influenced to try and do what our budget says we can afford without raising dues. We have to be mindful of maintaining what we have and ensuring we can afford that before we add or expand anything else. We can’t add anything new without considering what it will cost to maintain it over time. By the same token, we can’t remove anything we already have without first comparing the cost of removal to the cost of maintenance and any value it currently adds to the community.
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
I joined the board last year, and am interested in continuing that work in the coming year. I have a long history of working successfully in high-tech at companies like Compaq, Microsoft and Amazon, as well as co-founding an Internet startup, and am now retired. We’ve been living here since we bought our new home in 2019.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
Latham Park is a great neighborhood. My goal is to have it continue to be a both a beautiful community and a place where owners are able to enjoy the use of their property without feeling overwhelmed by HOA restrictions. My aim is to find practical solutions to issues and concerns raised in our community.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
We are part of an awesome community. My vision for Latham Park is for it to continue to be a place where people feel welcome, where the common areas and amenities are well-maintained and functional for owners, and the community as a whole is seen as a desirable place to live with nice amenities but a lower HOA fee.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
Developing a maintenance cycle/plan for routine items to allow the community to proactively plan/schedule repairs in a proactive manner that aligns with the budget (example: developing an annual schedule for mulch, power washing fences and sidewalks, etc.)
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
The condition of our amenities play a big role in the value of the neighborhood. Our pool area, front lawn and playground are the first things people see when entering our neighborhood. Latham Park offers a nice balance of desirable amenities with a lower HOA fee.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
12
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
The budget is a critical consideration for any decision involving finances. I also consider whether there are other options that could be more cost effective, and/or impacts if the Board delayed or pushed off an expenditure. Input and feedback from HOA committees is also very valuable. Committee members dedicate substantial time researching options, vetting vendors, and are a crucial piece to Board decisions.
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
I live in Latham Park with my husband and five sons. This is one of the best communities we have lived in. The people are incredible and the neighborhood is beautiful.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
More diversity on the board, and to affect tangible and pragmatic changes in the Latham Park community.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
Move the neighborhood into realizing its actual increased value in Orlando, Florida. An indoor clubhouse with a gym would be one of my goals. Also, a gated community would be another goal.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
Establishing the value of the community now and in 3 years to project next steps to increase value in the community.
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
I particularly do not swim often and do not have children so the current amenities do not affect me. I would love an indoor gym.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
1
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
Knowing the range of salaries or prices of houses allows me to use that info to come to an informed decision. What would make sense for the demographic of the community as a whole. I will also consider the future goals/aims of the community.
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
I am a physician by trade but love to teach and do volunteer work. My experience with being a board member is with two non profits – PACE Orange and Let’s BeeHive. I am able to understand financial statements and incorporate real change. I am also involved in a national service sorority (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc) where I learned my leadership skills since 2003. I am happy to serve the community. I am resourceful, knowledgeable, and have a clear vision on what I want for the community.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
I’m motivated to run for the board because I believe the sense of community we’ve collectively built and fostered here at Latham Park is a rare and special thing. I’d like to do my part to ensure that continues. I recently volunteered to assist on the ad hoc committee to evaluate potential management company alternatives. I enjoyed getting to know everyone in the group and working toward this goal as a team. I hope to continue to volunteer my time and skills to advance the goals of the community and its members.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
My vision is for our current, beautiful neighborhood to continue to retain excellent property values and to be a place that is welcoming to all our new and existing neighbors.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
Important projects include the upcoming potential change to a new management company, installation of the member voted on and approved playground, annual and special events, and ongoing grounds maintenance and projects.
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
Current amenities are always going be evaluated and a part of the consideration for future homebuyers. It’s important we keep amenities well-maintained and attractive for this reason and so that current members can enjoy them fully.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
6
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
I would be influenced by data, including member votes and feedback.
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
I work from home full-time as a Contract Manager for RemedyOne. I was previously a Sr. Proposal Manager for Xerox and Conduent and worked for homebuilder Lennar in Land Acquisition and Due Diligence.
We have two boys, Javier and Julian. We love the sense of community and the many friendships we’ve established over our three years here at Latham Park.
In my spare time, you’ll find me running, baking, and enjoying wine and good conversation with friends.
Oh, and I’m VERY excited that we’ll soon have a gas station nearby.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
Last year we saw an attempt by 2 members of the Board to hijack due process and impose their personal beliefs above the decision of the majority. It was a scary moment for my family and I couldn’t just complain and expect others to step up and prevent this from happening again. I believe we all have the responsibility to actively participate and ensure we have a thriving community that respects diversity and engages in positive discourse to improve our rules and processes.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
I truly believe that we can continue to improve our neighborhood into being the most coveted community in Horizon West. This means investing on “profitable” enhancements, maintain costs as low as possible, and providing the tools necessary for a healthy culture of diversity and inclusion.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
I believe the single most important task at hand for the HOA is to amend the rule that requires 2/3 of the entire neighborhood population to vote for any changes to our rules and by-laws. We do not frequently see such levels of participation and this would mean we will never be able to keep our neighborhood current. We have a large amount of rules that we have collectively decided to ignore, which makes it difficult to enforce any rule at all.We will do this by actively increasing participation on the matters of the neighborhood by means of transparency and awareness.
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
I believe there are amenities that add value, and amenities that increase appeal. We currently only have one amenity that touches both areas: The pool. The deck in the south side, which was not finished, is mainly consuming funds without truly yielding value. The play ground is too simple to be an attractive spot for the community. The 2 parks in the north side are under-utilized. While they are definitely nice to have, they do not drive value drivers or increase appeal in the neighborhood. We should focus on those amenities that would be truly used by the community, while keeping our lost costs.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
4
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
I am a data-driven individual and would appreciate understanding: Problem we are trying to solve, value that we’re getting from proceeding with these, sentiment of the community on the subject, benchmarking information from neighboring communities that have gone through similar situations, the options we have to address the situation, and the impacts and trade-offs of each option.
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
Hello neighbors!
My name is Fernando, and I have lived in Latham Park since October 2019 with my husband Heath and our daughter Ana Sofia. We love Orlando and everything that central Florida has to offer. I was born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering. In 2009 I moved to Orlando to pursue a Masters in Interactive Entertainment at UCF (Go Knights!), one thing led to another, and here I am married, with a child, and working for Disney… and couldn’t be happier!
My hobbies include theater (plays and musicals), Disney, reading (fiction novel are my favorite), Video Games, Music Festivals, Wine, and Coffee. If you do too, I would love to catch up.
My father was in public service ever since I was 7 years old. I believe in democracy and the responsibility that comes from representing a group of people. I grew up seeing him relentlessly trying to improve the community he lived in, and celebrated with him every achievement that brought us closer together as people.
Last year we lived a scary situation in the neighborhood which made me feel my family was not welcome in the area. I was astounded to have been targeted by a campaign of hate, and was worried it was a sentiment shared more broadly among our neighbors. It was sad to not feel safe at home. However, the outpour of support from the neighbors, the immediate actions of the board to address the issue, and the eventual satisfactory resolution of the issue reinstated that sense of safety. It also awakened me to the reality that this would not have happened if more of us had been more active during the previous election, and the only way to ensure it doesn’t happen again is to be engaged, and increase participation.
I currently am serving as the president for Disney PRIDE Florida, which is a Business Enterprise Resource Group aimed at bridging the gap between the Cast Members and Employees, and The Walt Disney Company. My current vision for our team is to create a council of ambassadors in charge of collecting feedback from our members across the organization, leverage this information to develop programs to train and educate key leaders that can elevate our message of inclusion across the company, and relentlessly ensuring we are doing better to satisfy the needs of our community.
Financially, I believe that spending responsibly is the only way to increase value, and every dollar spent needs to bring that value higher. It can be cost reduction, risk mitigation, increased property value, enhancement of services or amenities, appeal. We need to make sure our community is well maintained and does not display signs of decay or damage; invest in amenities that are popular and do not require illogical investment to maintain; ensure neighbors are current in their dues; constantly find better and cost-efficient contracts.
I hope this brief bio can shed a little light in regards to what I find important and how I would approach my participation with the Board.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
I am one of the earliest homeowners in the south section so I have seen this community grow and develop. I was recently a member of the task force who assisted with the selection process of our new management company.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
Family friendly neighbors who welcome everyone without shaming our fellow neighbors.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
Transitioning our new management company as smoothly as possible
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
The pool area is a welcome for new visitors to our community.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
6
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
Value add vs cost of service is key to the decision process and how it will affect everyone in the community
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
I am the vice president of sales for a software company based out of St. Petersburg Florida. I work from home most of the time so it gives me the flexibility and freedom to be an active member of the community while spending my spare time with my wife and son. I am one of the original homeowners in the southern part of our community and absolutely love where we live. I am passionate about Latham Park and feel that I could be of great service to our community as a member of our Board. Thank you for your consideration.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
As a resident of Latham Park since 2018, I have seen the neighborhood grow and evolve significantly. Our neighborhood is amazing and I want to do my part to help however I can. As a business owner and leader in my professional life, as well as being active within Latham Park, I feel a lot of my experience would work well in the capacity of a board member for our HOA.
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
My vision for Latham Park is that the HOA operates efficiently and represents the entire community. I believe the HOA should provide oversight for the continued investment in the neighborhood amenities and maintenance. The HOA should review existing guidelines and update any outdated or poorly structured rules that are currently not followed (3 external ornaments, rain chains, etc). The guidelines should be such that they are consistently applied and not selectively enforced.
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
The most important projects to me are simple maintenance of the existing infrastructure (pool area, amenities, landscaping, curbs, sidewalks, etc) to keep it as close to like new as possible. For the projects or amenities to add, I feel this should be a community decision that the HOA oversees once decided.
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
The pool and common areas are a major selling point for our community. Adding or expanding the amenities should be decided by the community and led by the HOA, with focus on doing things for the majority and not a select few.
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
2
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
The financial factors for me depend on a wide range of things. For example, purchasing pool furnishings… what is the life span, quality, multi-purpose, ease of maintenance, and other factors of the furnishings? If we were to repaint the pool, is there an option to use a higher quality product that may be easier to maintain or last longer? Or is it better to use a less expensive option and do it more frequently? If adding a new amenity, is it something for the greater good or community home values, or is it something to appease a vocal minority? These are the types of questions I would ask.
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
About me… My wife Keisha and I will celebrate our 15th anniversary this month and we have 2 kids, Makena (13) and Bob (11). We are a close knit family that is active in our area of the neighborhood and we love to spend time at the pool. I grew up in a military USAF family with 5 brothers and sisters. My parents retired in Florida and I went to college at UCF which first brought me to Florida. In my professional life what started as a college job as a Lifeguard for Blizzard Beach at Walt Disney World turned into my full time career. I have held senior level positions at many waterparks and major resorts throughout the US and beyond such as Atlantis the Palm in Dubai (where both of our children were born). Since 2014 I have worked for a company called StarGuard ELITE where I am the President and part owner. SGE is one of 4 nationally recognized lifeguard certification agencies (such as American Red Cross) and we provide services to over 300 organizations including Royal Caribbean/Carnival cruise lines, Island H2O waterpark, and many more. I mostly work from home when I am not traveling. For fun we love to “camp” with our RV, I am an avid fan of Georgia sports teams, love playing golf, and exploring local breweries and new restaurants.
What is your motivation for running for the board?
I currently serve on the ARB and I love serving the community and ensuring it is an enjoyable place to live
What is your vision for the neighborhood?
A safe and enjoyable place for all lifestyles and families to live and make friends
What projects do you feel are important for the upcoming year?
Landscaping, community events, budgeting
How important do you feel the current amenities are to the value of the neighborhood?
Amenities are important to all communities, especially ensuring the ability to budget for the upkeep of them to continue to keep the community property values up
How many HOA meetings have you been to in the past year?
all ARB meetings and about 5 board meetings
If elected, when voting on an issue involving neighborhood finances, what details would influence you towards (or away from) a given option?
Data and facts only – part of my day job is reviewing and preparing RFP’s and other vendor contract proposals – if something is important for the community to purchase and/or upkeep we must as a board stay neutral and keep personal preferences aside and serve the community by finding the best quality service / products for our community
If desired, include a brief bio about yourself.
I currently serve on the ARB now for about 2 years and love it. I am also an HR Talent and Compliance professional during the day – keeping neutral and making decisions that best serve the needs of an entire group / community comes second nature to me. Oddly enough I also find budgeting and vendor fun 🙂