January 26, 2024

2024 Villa Monterey Election Information Note from the Board

What a year it has been. Your board has worked hard to serve you this past year and we are all looking forward to a simple and fair election. There are a number of things you should be aware of as you decide on who you would like to serve on the board next year.

First, there are three people on the ballot to run for two open seats. This is the first time in recent memory that we have a competitive election.

Recently a flyer was distributed to some homeowners that appeared to be from your board; it was not. It was not signed, was handed out to some people and it implied there were only two people on the ballot. While campaigning is permitted, it does not serve our community to try and confuse anyone. I hope this clarifies that issue. Three people, whose individual statements are included in this blast, are running for two open seats to serve on your board next year.

Secondly, the original ballot that was distributed at the end of December with your agenda for the annual meeting had four open seats and four individuals running. The fourth open seat was due to a last minute resignation of a board member and at that time an individual requested the board add their name to the ballot. After some good discussions the board decided to fill the two vacant seats by appointment. This would keep the board with a staggered membership and not elect four new people every three years. At the January 9th regular board meeting the board announced its appointment of Lynn Helferich to fill a vacant 1 year position and Wayne DeBus to fill a vacant 2 year position. These two individuals agreed to their appointments. During the annual meeting in February, the board will ask for a verbal ratification of these two appointments. This is why Wayne’s name was taken off the ballot.

This blast includes the three bios of the individuals who will be on the official ballot that you will receive on Saturday. If you are going to vote electronically, please do that as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, February 8th. You can also choose to vote on a paper ballot. The ballots will be available in the Cabana. Once you have filled out your ballot you can either deposit it in the locked mailbox by the pool or you can bring it to the annual meeting. A member of our community not associated with the board will be in charge of the mailbox for the two week voting period. We are looking forward to seeing everyone, February 10th at our annual meeting.

VM III Board of Directors

Michelle Bussiere

It has been my pleasure to serve on the board for the last three years. I was approached to be on the board when I first moved in and was happy to say yes. I am a once retired Mathematics teacher from Massachusetts, where I taught high school for 22 years. After traveling for three years I settled here in Villa Monterey and took a job teaching for the Scottsdale Unified School District.  I also enjoy the easy access to hiking, biking and kayaking that this location provides. I have one more year before I retire again!! As treasurer I have worked hard to manage our finances with transparency and accountability. I look forward to continuing to serve our community as a board member.

Karen Fleming

I worked in Corporate America for 25 years primarily as a Computer Programmer. For the past 15 years, I have built and maintained websites for small businesses. 

I served as an officer for three non-profit organizations – a Settlement House, a Methodist Church, and Beyond the Books (which raised & granted monies to Public Schools) – gaining extensive experience recruiting, training, and rewarding volunteers. In 2020, I built and launched our VM3 website. I continue to maintain the site, serve on various VM3 committees and actively support my family and neighbors. 

My priorities as a board member would be: 

1. Encourage community engagement and member involvement. 

2. Maintain the unique nature and beauty of our community. 

3. Improve our common areas to reflect our increasing home values. 

4. Promote communication transparency & provide full disclosure on board agenda. 

Ralph Whitney

My wife, Kimberly, and I have lived in Scottsdale for the past 23 years and have been Villa Monterey III (VMIII) residents for 4 1/2 years. Recently, I semi-retired from over 35 years in the education and training industry as an engineer for Motorola and an executive leader for General Dynamics. I graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1985 with a BSEE and a MSCS. Currently,I consult part-time.

Now that I have some free time I would like to give back to our fabulous community by volunteering on a committee and serving on the board.

My priorities as a board member would be:

1. Ensure the personal safety of VMIII residents through safe common areas and a strong neighborhood watch program.

2.     Ensure the financial security of the VMIII HOA by continuing to maintain a balanced budget with adequate reserve.

3.     Build the strength of our community through fellowship with adequately funded community and social events.

4.     Maintain the beauty of our community and resident property values through adherence to VMIII CC&R's and resident-approved renovation/improvement projects.

I look forward to helping where needed!