Tuesday, August 4 provided the opportunity for all six candidates competing for the five open seats on the Sun City Community Association of Huntley (SCCAH) board of directors, to mingle amongst each other as they prepare their campaigns for the upcoming elections.
With the October 14 deadline for residents to cast their votes quickly approaching, this election poses some unique obstacles for the candidates having to navigate around the restrictions placed upon them by the current pandemic.
Instead of delivering their opening and closing statements in front of residents in a live setting, this election will see the candidates make a short video, presenting their stances on various topics of interest pertaining to Sun City.
The board of director candidates are as follows: Bob McGouey, Marilynn Berendt, Vito Benigno, Fred Jordan, Arthur “Art” Ryden, and Dottie Harrison.
Each candidate gave the Sun Day a statement regarding what challenges they hope to tackle in Sun City that they foresee plaguing residents in the next two years. Their responses include the following:
McGouey
Currently serving on the board of directors as the treasurer, McGouey stated, “the main challenge is dealing with COVID-19 and managing opening amenities. It’s up to the board of directors to get that task done safely for the residents. Basically, the role of the director is that we maintain the lifestyle of the community. We hold a responsibility to the residents of Sun City, to have their best interests at heart while ensuring we follow current state guidelines. Really, the key thing we want to do is preserve the wonderful community that is Sun City.”
Berendt
Also returning for re-election, if Berendt returns to the board, this will be her final two-year term. “The climate we are living in has changed. What the biggest issue is, is getting through the COVID pandemic safely and getting back to what the new normal will be. My priority for the residents, is to get them through this and support the community. I come from a nursing background so being caring is in my nature and I know how hard these times can be for everyone,” she said.
Benigno
Currently serving as the vice president of the board of directors, Benigno stated in an email correspondence, “Sun City continues to be in the transitional phase challenging us to fulfill the varying needs, social, physical and financial, of long-term, new, and future residents as well. Additionally, we must continue to work closely with local government entities to ensure the highest quality of services and fiscal responsibility which impact our ability to do the same.”
Jordan
As one of the newcomers, Jordan was a board president at his previous residence in Florida. “I have a background in dealing with pandemics and planning for them from working at a major corporation in the past. My short-term goal is to provide assistance with facilities especially during the pandemic. My long-term goal is to provide the best maintenance and planning to make the most out of the residents’ experiences. We want to maintain Sun City as fresh, crisp, and looking sharp as possible,” Jordan stated.
Ryden
Being another newcomer, Ryden explains, “As a member of the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC), I’d like to see more involvement from them. I feel I can do the most good for the most people. I will make data driven decisions, so don’t bring me opinions. I worked in education and had to run meetings so I know how to cut to the chase. I will put the people’s needs first. If you want your proposal heard however, bring data. The current board does an excellent job at what they do, during these difficult and uncertain times.”
Harrison
Coming in as the sixth candidate, Harrison is determined to make a difference for the residents of Sun City, “I decided what I can offer is governing by a common sense approach to achieve very found decisions. I believe in focusing on finances, revenue, and expenses. The biggest obstacle residents face right now is COVID-19. I will focus on the safety and security of all of our residents above all else. All in all, the topics I will tackle are volunteerism, finances and the budget to ensure the best outcomes for residents as they adjust to the changes happening throughout the community,” she said.
Residents can expect to receive more information about each candidate in the next coming weeks with ballots being mailed to all households by October 1.
