Phil Robbins
I don't know how many Altamont residents saw the article reprinted in last Sunday's Oregonian entitled “Homeowners could be on hook and in a civil case over teen’s killing” (April 1, p. A8), but it is certainly worth reading. The article was written by Mary Shanklin of The Orlando Sentinel and is available at Trayvon Martin: homeowners could pay in Trayvon Martin case ... in case you missed it.
Although one wouldn't normally think of it, the legal aspects of the Trayvon Martin shooting case have a lot in common with the current Altamont HOA legal problem and indeed similar problems in most other homeowner associations. First, both cases take place in the context of a homeowner association. Management companies are also involved. Personal finances of association members may be at risk. In a legal environment no one wants to talk so information is hard to come by. The effect of having liability insurance such as D & O (Directors & Officers) insurance needs to be understood as to whom it protects and its provisions. And understanding laws; having well-written records, guidelines and resolutions; and using good judgment in making decisions is key to having trouble free governance.
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