HOA Run Amok!

HOA - Home Owner's Association. Originally this was come up with to allow neighborhoods to have some control over what goes on in them, from a property perspective. There are things you don't want your neighbors to do in order to protect your own property's value, and your standard of living. However, as with all things that gain control over people, it tends to run wild when idiots with delusions of power in their heads start running them. Then ... look out ... The Homeowner's Nazis go on the rampage....

(Information from a column by James Ragland in today's Dallas Morning News.)

Frank Larison is a resident of the "Woodlands II on the Creek" condominium development in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas. Has been since 2001. By all accounts, he is a good neighbor, not causing any problems, keeping his property and his vehicle in great shape.

Frank is a 14 year veteran of the Marines and Coast Guard, and served in Vietnam. About 5 months ago he put a large USMC emblem decal on the rear window of his 2008 Chevy HHR. He also put on a 'Support our Troops' ribbon, and a 1st Marine Air Wing insignia.

The 'president' of the homeowner's association that rules the condos sent him a letter, stating he was in violation of Article 7.05 of the Bylaws and Item 3 of the Rules and Regulations - decal advertising not allowed on vehicles owned by condo owners.

He was threatened with having his vehicle towed, and having fines levied against him for $50.00 each time a member of the HOA Board of Directors saw his vehicle with the 'advertising' on it. Now, that can be serious - most HOA membership documents state that they have the right to place a lien on the property if they levy fines against the owner.

Now, by what definition can a USMC emblem be considered 'advertising'? What kind of A-hole threatens a law abiding veteran over bullshit like this?

With all the publicity this is receiving locally, I suspect that the HOA will release a 'one time exemption' to their rules. What ought to happen is tar and feathering of the 'president', and running her out of town.

I would lay money on her having an 'Obama/Biden 2008' sticker on her car - now that ought to get her thrown in jail!