March 20, 2009
Dear Governor Charlie Crist, Dear Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Dear Senators, Dear State Representatives, Friends and Members,
Florida's legislators may wonder why this State lost its attraction for retirees from the North? How about the fact that this State allows these seniors to be fleeced -- and nothing happens! They are losing their life savings and their homes and nobody seems to care. The existing laws for our community associations are more or less a joke -- and the enforcement -- what little there is -- is non-existent! Last year, for the first time in decades, more people moved out of Florida than moved back in. Add the huge death-rate of a state with the highest age-average in the nation -- and you have the exact reason why more than 300,000 homes and condo-units are empty.
Add the headlines in the media and you know why the State of Florida is having serious financial problems. Our elected officials seem to forget that a huge majority of retirees live in these community associations -- barely anything else is available! And while in other states legislators are clamping down on corruption and embezzlement, Florida's legislators are still playing political games on the backs of its citizens, debating bills that will do more harm than good!
Nevada, after a big FBI investigation into corruption, embezzlement and election fraud in homeowners' associations, discusses serious legislation stopping these abuses. One suggestion: Making election fraud in associations a felony third degree. Please read this report from Nevada (with News Video): Legislation Introduced to End HOA Corruption at: http://www.ccfj.net/CCFJ$1millionembezzlement.htm
By the way, the professionals investigated in the HOA corruption investigation in Nevada are members of the CAI, the same trade organization that is running the "community association show" here in Florida. Prosecuting election fraud in Florida is impossible, because HOA law doesn't even provide simple enforceable election guidelines. It's a free for all, depending on how the sitting board wants it done, with the best chances to be re-elected -- or not having to hold an election at all.
Here in Florida law enforcement doesn't even seem to care if senior citizens get fleeced for more than $1 million, courtesy of a licensed community association manager and the management firm that wasn't able to watch the funds under its supervision. Senior citizens trying to find out what's happening with their money are being told by attorneys not to talk about it! Instead of taking immediate action our government agencies seem to ignore the pleas for help by these desperate folks! Please read the latest update of the $1-million embezzlement in Port Charlotte: http://www.ccfj.net/CCFJ$1millionembezzlement.htm
It's just a shame! This is just one of the many stories of abuse of community association members we hear on a daily basis. It's no miracle that nobody wants to move to FRAUD FRIENDLY FLORIDA anymore. And since warm weather and sunny beaches are more or less Florida's only attraction, it's no miracle that nobody wants to move to Florida considering that their life savings are unprotected! Most likely you will see a lot of folks moving out of this state, if they can ever sell their homes for a halfway reasonable price! Many have had it!
Warm Regards,
Jan Bergemann, President
Cyber Citizens For Justice, Inc.
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