Opinion

Democracy in Oakmont: The Roles of Membership Surveys and Votes

By Bruce Bon / February 23, 2024 /

In childhood, we all learned to believe in democracy, the fundamental principle that the right of a government to regulate our lives derives from the consent of the governed. A government is democratic only to the extent that decisions made by that government accurately reflect what decisions the voters as a whole would make if…

Freezing Out Dissent in a Community Election

By Deborah Quam / February 22, 2024 /

Political figures at the community level often frame criticism of their voting record and policies as “personal attacks” for important strategic reasons. This strategy can serve as a diversionary tactic. It shifts the focus from the objective and substantive issues that interest the community, such as a candidate’s on-the-record statements, voting record or policy positions,…

Bylaws: An Open Email to All OVA Board Members and Candidates

By Hugh Helm / February 20, 2024 /

Editor’s note: What follows is the body of an Email sent by Hugh Helm to OVA Board candidates and sitting Board members, on Feb 13, 2024. The Subject line read “Board Power or People Power”. Greetings Everyone: There is a recent article in the Oakmont Observer I wrote entitled ”Why OVA Bylaws Have Not Been…

Oakmont Village: Our Community at a Crossroads

By Deborah Quam / February 9, 2024 /

As residents of Oakmont Village, we find ourselves standing at a pivotal moment in the history of our community. Recent developments have illuminated a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention—the escalating Oakmont Village Association (OVA) dues and the potential for costly assessments that could irreparably change the fabric of our neighborhood. According to a…

Dues Inflation in Oakmont

By Bruce Bon / February 8, 2024 /

Much debate has taken place in Oakmont over the issue of rising dues over the years. This article will look at the objective history of Oakmont dues over the past 21 years and, in the final Commentary section, will offer my opinions on how this history should inform Oakmont Village Association (OVA) members and Board…

Health, Happiness and Good Luck in the Coming Year

By Oakmont Observer / December 29, 2020 /

What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from. T. S. Eliot If you feel that 2020 was drawn out, you are right. It was a leap year, giving us one more day (February 29). In addition to…