Dear Florida Governor, Dear Lt. Governor, Dear Florida Legislators: These are exactly the headlines in the media that scare away retirees. Who in his/her right mind wants to come to Florida and risk the family's life-savings after reading such a headline? We can twist and turn it any way we want: What's totally lacking in community associations is CONSUMER PROTECTION. Marlene Kirtland, attorney from the law firm of Becker & Poliakoff, wanted to foreclose on a condo owner because of a $4.70 late fee -- a fee that ballooned to more than $3,000. In my opinion this is plainly disgusting and any attorney who is willing to go to court over such a measly sum should be ashamed. Donna Berger's attempted excuse is no excuse -- it makes it sound even worse. "The old rules of engagements have changed," said Donna Berger of Katzman Garfinkel & Berger. What is this? A war over our homes? These are the law firms claiming to lobby for associations -- and they have the ears of our legislators. If board members who support these law firms still haven't figured out that it's all about billing hours -- nothing else -- I can only feel sorry for them. Personally, I'm disgusted reading such a horrendous story. Don't we have enough foreclosures in Florida? These are the stories that make national headlines. And we wonder why even the sun and warm winters can't attract any more retirees to Florida. And that is an important factor that would help to revive our sagging economy. Isn't that what we desperately need? Regards, Jan Bergemann, President Cyber Citizens For Justice, Inc. |
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