Dear Mark,

Now that the Radburn Association by-laws are readily available on the Citizens’ Association website, all who take a few minutes to read them can see that the perceived complexity and expense of changing the election rules is not as onerous as you might believe. It would require a single vote with only five voting members (quorum) present at a regular or special meeting to replace the word “Member” with “Resident” and thus provide a truly inclusive election. Doing so would not change any power of the board to continue to control and maintain Radburn property in the same manner as it has over the past 76 years. It would not change the Declaration of Restrictions which provide for the Radburn Fund (dues) and architectural controls. It would not require any lengthy or contentious public hearings. It would not require State approval. It would not take untold amounts of money to implement. It would not even change the board’s power to prune anyone’s overgrown hedges. And it would most certainly not convert Radburn into a condominium.

By this action to include all Residents in nominations and elections, the board would demonstrate good faith towards achieving compliance with State laws (for example PREDFDA) as the Department of Community Affairs has demanded and might help avert financial sanctions. State law grants all owners the right to nominate and vote, but does not prohibit granting those right to tenants. You will find very few residents complain that they have been granted too many rights.

Sincerely,

Eric Schutz