SUN CITY – Right after the Sun City Elections Advisory Committee thought it had four 2017 board of directors members chosen by acclamation, it hit a bump in the road.
On August 10, just a few weeks after the 2017 candidates were elected by acclamation, one of them, James Lunn, resigned. He said he did so because of differences he had with the committee and some current board members over preparation of candidate publicity materials, and proposals for promoting volunteerism among Sun City residents. Lunn also said he was critical of the board’s current handling of the Prairie Lodge rear waterfall issue, and he said this created a negative situation when he prepared position statements as part of the election information process.
“I tried to put up with these issues, but finally, I concluded that we (the committee and board and myself) were not compatible,” he said. “I was going to be a useless peg on a wall.”
He added that many of these issues emerged earlier this year when he served on the committee, which administers the nomination and election process for board positions, and advises the board of directors on election matters.
Lunn is a skilled graphic artist and has experience in construction management. He has assisted a number of Sun City charter clubs with preparation of graphic arts and advertising materials and projects.
The Sun Day asked Sandra Frost, committee chairperson, for comment.
“Your message took me by surprise,” she responded. “I was unaware of Mr. Lunn’s resignation as a 2017 board member. It is unfortunate to hear of this resignation. I wish Mr. Lunn all the very best in all his future endeavors.”
In a subsequent conversation with the Sun Day, Lunn complimented Frost.
“At the breakfast orientation for candidates back in May, she made an outstanding presentation about a board member’s responsibilities,” he said. “She does a lot of important work regarding governance in Sun City that she doesn’t always get credit for.”
There was no immediate information on how this vacancy will be filled.
Frost said, “There will be no further action by the elections committee as that process was completed with the election by acclamation. As far as when the board will fill a vacancy, that is at the discretion of the board itself.”
Board President Dennis O’Leary said he would consult with other board members to determine a method and timetable to fill the vacancy.
The other three candidates – incumbent O’Leary (seeking re-election) and newcomers Bob McGouey and Marilynn Berendt – are scheduled to start their two-year terms in January 2017. Bill Bendick, Ken Andersen, and Bill Berendt will retire at the end of this year. Steve Bytnar, Bonnie Bayser, and Linda Davis are the holdover candidates for 2017.
