An Annual Meeting and election will be held on April 23, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. In establishing a 10 percent quorum for the holding of the Annual Meeting, if the number of members represented in person or by proxy is insufficient, another meeting may be called as authorized by Section 11B-111(6) of the Maryland Homeowners Association Act. By a majority vote, the members present, either in person or represented by proxy, may call an additional meeting which shall occur not less than fifteen days after the Annual Meeting by giving ten (10) days’ notice of the time, place, and purpose of the Continued Annual Meeting. Notice shall be by posting on the homepage of the Association’s website. Additionally, the Association shall provide notice by electronic mail to those who have signed up to receive electronic communications. At the Continued Annual Meeting, the members present either in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum and may approve the election of Board Members and Columbia Council Representative and may approve or authorize any action which could have been taken had a sufficient number of members been present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting. Pursuant to Section 11B-111(6)(v), any amendments to the Association’s Bylaws shall only be effective if the 10% quorum in person or by proxy is achieved.
Current two-year terms of office for two Harper’s Choice Village Board seats and the Columbia Council Representative seat expire on April 30, 2022. Two Columbia Council Representative nomination petitions were received from Ashley Vaughan and Alan A. Klein. Two Board of Director nomination petitions were received from Rebecca Beall and Rosalind P. Danner. Per the Harper’s Choice Community Association (HCCA) bylaws, if the number of nominations is less than or equal to the number of vacant director positions, the qualified nominees shall be deemed to be elected by the members and the Board of Directors will appoint the nominees to the director positions. As such, there will be an election for the Columbia Council Representative seat only.
The terms of office for the three seats will be May 1, 2022, through April 30, 2023.
WHO MAY VOTE
Owners or renters in good standing with property in Harper’s Choice may vote. Residents with an outstanding covenant violation are prohibited from voting. Check with the Covenant Advisor to make sure your property is in compliance with the Harper’s Choice Covenants. Only one vote is permitted for each property. In the case of a rental property, both owner and tenant may cast a ballot (tenants must have a lease on file with the Association in order to vote).
WAYS TO VOTE
ELECTRONIC ABSENTEE BALLOTS: See your copy of the Harper’s Choice Voice Newsletter for instructions on voting electronically. It’s easy and quick!
MAIL-IN ABSENTEE BALLOTS: Complete the absentee ballot and return it in the postage paid envelope, both of which will be found in your copy of the Harper’s Choice Voice Newsletter. Mail-in ballots are valid only if completely filled out, including all information on the envelope, and are delivered to Kahler Hall by 11:59 p.m. on April 22, 2022.
IN-PERSON: Vote at Kahler Hall between 9:00AM and 3:00PM on April 23, 2022. Bring your driver’s license, BG&E bill, or something else to verify your Harper’s Choice address, and then enjoy the Election Festival in Joseph Square.
BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
Rebecca Beall
I’ve lived in Columbia for most of my life, grew up in Harper’s Choice, and decided to raise my family in Harper’s Choice. I love this village and see it as a place that values people, embraces diversity, and holds community as important. I see our village as a place where multiple generations of people are well-served and where all residents grow and thrive.
I’ve had the honor of serving on the Harper’s Choice Village Board since 2017. I have been a fierce champion and advocate for the people of Harper’s Choice. During my tenure, I have learned so much – a lot goes into making a great village! From streets for all to growth concerns, from community recreational opportunities to community informational forums, and everything in between. I’ve been an informed advocate for Harper’s Choice; I’m eager to continue to have a part of stewarding our village into the future.
Rosalind Danner
My name is Rosalind Danner. I am a Certified Public Accountant with an MBA, and over 40 years of auditing, accounting, and finance experience. I’ve led numerous initiatives in business turnaround, expense reduction, restructuring, and cost containment. I currently reside in Harper’s Choice. My goal is to represent the residents of Harper’s Choice on the Village Board.
With an active commitment to service, I currently serve on the Board of a major not for profit organization, and previously served as a National Board Director and New York Chapter President for the National Association of Black Accountants, Inc.
I will bring my financial, accounting and audit experience to represent you on the Village Board. My plan is to provide fiscal oversight on village finances and identify opportunities to improve community engagement within Harper’s Choice.
COLUMBIA COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE CANDIDATES’ STATEMENTS
Ashley Vaughan
I’ve been serving as the Council Representative since October 2021 and want your vote to serve again. As Columbia Association makes decisions that impact our entire community, I’ll continue to prioritize outcomes that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Affordability and accessibility are key factors for Columbia to be truly inclusive. I’m working to expand our Minority Business Enterprise program, which establishes procurement goals with minority-owned, women-owned, and disabled-owned businesses. Sustainable, climate-conscious solutions are required as we replace and develop our amenities. I’m well-versed in the history and vision of Columbia as a 26-year resident and former employee of CA. As a founding member of CA’s Millennial Advisory Committee, I worked to improve CA’s community engagement, communication, and transparency and have continued to do so on the board. I’m passionate about contributing to our diverse, growing community and know that my unique experience and knowledge are ideal for this role.
Alan A. Klein
Jim Rouse created Columbia on principles of social and economic justice. CA is best positioned to provide leadership around those principles. First elected in 2014, I have been privileged to represent you on the CA Board. While much was accomplished, much remains to be done.
CA has placed too much emphasis on its own corporate interests rather than those of residents. I worked hard to increase transparency, be more responsible with your assessment dollars, and provide leadership in these challenging times.
Returning Symphony Woods to CA control – your control – is a top priority of mine.
My advocacy for you has sometimes been met with resistance from those in power. Changing the status quo is never easy. Please support me as your CA rep so we can continue to work together to protect our precious open space and recreational facilities and further our vision for a diverse and inclusive Columbia.