Florida politicians shouldn't rush to vilify HOAs

Resident praises Meadows HOA

“Lawmakers vow to push accountability for HOAs”: After reading the HOA article on Nov. 6, I feel it necessary to say that there are two sides to every story.

I live in the Meadows, in the Huntingwood HOA, and have only praise for how our association functions. The board does due diligence on any major projects and works with our property manager to make sure all condos are up to code.

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The board completed all roof upgrades and managed to cover the cost of removing trees after the hurricane a year ago, working carefully to stay within the budget.

And the members managed not to raise the quarterly fees. Board members make use of their own expertise but call on others when necessary. They walk the property, making repairs as necessary.

It is a great pleasure to live here with such competent volunteers.

Marilyn Nunan, Sarasota

Voters send Democrats good omens for 2024

Election victories by Democrats last week reflect an electorate supporting candidates committed to freedom and willing to improve the lives of average people.

In Ohio, a statewide initiative in support of a woman’s right to choose won easily. Democrats in Virginia won both the state House and Senate.

Kentucky Democrat Andy Beshear, in a state Donald Trump won by 25 points in 2020, beat his MAGA-backed opponent handily in the governor’s race. Beshear ran, in part, on his record of helping his state get through the pandemic.

Despite MAGA efforts to demonize Beshear’s effective relationship with President Joe Biden, Kentucky’s governor touted economic development projects initiated during his term. Voters were paying attention.

Recently released polling might have suggested Biden’s tepid ratings would have a negative impact on the recent elections. Nothing could be further from the truth.

As Republicans, such as our own Gov. Ron DeSantis, work to limit our freedoms by making reproductive care decisions for women or telling us what we can’t read, Democrats focus on rebuilding our infrastructure and improving the economy.

They sound like winners to me.

Lorraine Moneypenny, Port Charlotte

Republican Party no longer pro-military

U.S. senators, including Florida's Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, are using antiquated Senate rules that allow one senator to hold up nearly 300 military promotions at a time when global threats are everywhere.

While the public face on this military promotion stunt is Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Alabama, there is little doubt that Tuberville is responding to the wishes of his mentor, Donald Trump. While some Republican senators have begun to speak out against Tuberville, Scott and Rubio remain silent.

In the past, the party was known for its patriotic, pro-military views. That is no longer the case.

Tuberville’s actions, and the unwillingness of his colleagues to stop him, provide clear evidence that reasonable citizens of either party should vote for Democrats up and down the ballot. Disruptive Republican lawmakers must not be allowed to destroy our country.

Donna Linette, Punta Gorda

Study presidential candidates before voting

Choosing a president may be a citizen’s most important task. Checking a candidate’s bio is necessary homework.

Security is No. 1 so military experience is essential. The economy is No. 2 so business leadership is necessary.

Appropriate age and good health are No. 3 since the job entails a lot of stress. Common sense is No. 4, backed by experience in national and international affairs.

Third presidential debate: DeSantis, Haley battle for second place

Mike Pompeo, former secretary of state and CIA director, is probably the best qualified, but he’s not running. Of those seeking the job, Gov. Ron DeSantis appears to be first, followed by Nikki Haley.

Note that glib rhetoric is not on this list.

Each citizen should make his or her own thorough study. Otherwise, we’ll end up with another Biden administration.

Jim Schmitendorf, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida lawmakers shouldn't treat HOAs as corrupt villians