Letters to the Editor

Editor:

Ilona Denes letter in the March 13 issue shows a rational analysis of reality. Comparision to the preceding letter is unavoidable.

That writer departed from reality in his first sentence. He quoted a statement from me that I never made. That enabled him to avoid commenting on the historical facts I listed.

An actual quote of his, another departure from reality: “Democrats . . . looked like petulant children screaming at windmills. I won’t comment on the letter’s assertion that 76% of Americans liked what they heard in the State of the Union Address other than recall the political maxim, “ignore what they say, watch what they do.”

Reuters and CNN polls that week reported that between 56-70% of people, depending on the issue, disapprove of what they’re doing to the economy, the Department of Education, tariffs, NOAA, etc.

Trump, possibly, will replace NOAA’s hurricane tracking function with his Magic Marker, as he has done before.

Lee Hoyt Mutual 11 Editor:

I wonder if all the politicians who are afraid of being “primaried” have noticed the huge oppositional crowds against Trump policies and have considered that they might lose their seats to the voters in upcoming elections.

So in additional to losing their integrity and spines, they will lose their jobs anyway.

Pat Kruger Mutual 9 Editor:

I want to recommend the free tax preparation service provided in Leisure World every year by the Golden Age Foundation. The tax preparers are respectful, patient and professional.

This is the second year my husband and I have had our taxes prepared in Clubhouse 3 by GAF volunteers who have completed classes and passed a rigorous exam.

As part of the process every completed return is reviewed for accuracy by a retired employee of the IRS. After the review, you sign your return and they electronically file it.

Last year our 2023 taxes were paid, filed and accepted without question by the IRS. We were given quarterly tax coupons to pre-pay 2024 taxes to avoid a lump sum payment this April. When our taxes were completed, we learned that the quarterly payments were incredibly accurate. We overpaid both the state and federal governments a modest amount, not even enough for us to go out to dinner.

This is another reason I’m delighted I live in this community. Thank you for the wonderful service you provide us.

Deidra Lukoff Mutual 14 Editor:

I have serious concerns about the management of our community and the rising budget. Since the new executive director took over in 2022, GRF assessments have increased by 36%, and the GRF budget by 47%.

While inflation and insurance costs play a role, these large increases seem unjustifi ed. What else is driving these changes?

I would appreciate seeing alternative perspectives from shareholders, especially those addressing valid concerns and differing viewpoints, published in the paper—beyond what is typically featured. Shareholders are actively voicing their concerns at board meetings, submitting letters, and organizing protests and petitions. We believe it would be helpful to have these voices represented as well.

Critical issues, including lack of transparency, accountability and how our $27 million budget is being managed, is causing growing concerns about fund allocation. I worry about shareholders being priced out of our community and facing potential eviction at the most vulnerable times of their lives. This is a pressing issue that deserves attention. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors for agreeing to a Town Hall meeting on April 28 at 2 p.m. in Clubhouse 4.

Everyone, please attend.

Tina Rowe Mutual 11