Before I sat down to compose this letter, Tina and I took a walk along Waterway drive. I wanted to set my mind for this task by enjoying the beauty of our Montclair signature Bradford Pears, looking like a bright white snake winding though our community. At the same time I settled on what will be the focus of my term as President, more below.

First, I would like to thank Doug Taggart for the leadership he provided as Board President. Having served a two-year term myself I can tell you that this position is like a second job. It requires significant sacrifices AND understanding from our families. Doug, supported by his wife Diane, took over at a critical juncture. He was faced with the acrimony, fears and lost confidence in our Board due in part by the mailbox stuffing's we all came to dread. Doug also successfully guided this community through the turnover in management agents and changes in management philosophy. Under his leadership we have shifted from "turn key" operations (one prime contractor does it all) to specialized-contracting. In addition to onsite Armstrong Management Services, Eagle Security and Community Landscaping will be contributing their expertise. Let me also acknowledge the service of our departing Treasurer, Dave Marr who responded to Doug's call to come forward and help restore confidence in Board operations. The overwhelming support by the Membership for the proposed budget is a testament to Dave's leadership and the hard work of the Budget Committee, led by former Board member Terry Tallent.

So, where do we go from here? First, we are fortunate to have a stable and experienced Board. Five of us have served as President. Our newest Board member, Geoffrey Winkworth, brings to the Board enthusiasm and a fresh perspective. Secondly, we have stability in the Armstrong contract. Our General Manager, Ted Wessel, has assembled experienced and dedicated staff members that are capable and ready for the challenges the Board has set before them. Finally, we have held one of the most successful annual meetings in the history of Montclair. The Election Committee, aptly lead by Mrs. Barbara Ball, and the staff worked with our professional election contractor to successfully introduce online voting which boosted our Membership participation by over 50%. The 800 plus votes in favor of the budget tells me we have your confidence, that we are on the right track, and that we should continue to improve our community. Making use of our new Communications Committee, chaired by Chris Casey, I intend to continue the good work Doug began in expanding our communication with the Membership. I am dedicated to providing greater details and insight into the challenges facing our aging community.

I mentioned above that my walk with Tina helped me to focus where I wanted to expend my leadership capitol and it is found the length of Waterway Drive. That beautiful and attractive boulevard is marred by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Comcast, and Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO) projects that have trashed work areas they have touched. The Montclair Country Club vehicles, bikes and mopeds continue to erode what grass is beginning on some of the common grounds that the MPOA maintains at our cost. Neighbors have fences in disrepair and "easement" areas that they fail to maintain. Dog owners who do not properly pick up after their pets further complicate the problem. I have my lance and I intend to tilt at this windmill to make a significant impact on Waterway Drive from Rt. 234 to Cardinal. If this community can pitch in and build Kids Dominion in a week, just think what we could do along that stretch that effects every single property if we really put ourselves to the task-more on this in future letters. For now, please think about how you could put in a few hours of volunteer work to help Montclair stay a desirable place to live and play. I ask that you please keep the Board, our community and me in your prayers.

On an unexpected note, Janet Gorn has resigned her position on the MPOA Board of Directors effective April 4, 2007. The Board will consider candidates to fill the remaining two years of her term at the May 9th Board of Directors meeting. Candidates who are in good standing and reside in Precinct two should submit their applications to the MPOA office by e-mailing forms to newsletter@montclairva.com, faxing forms to 703/670-9620, or submitting forms in-person by 5:00 p.m., Monday May 7, 2007.

God Bless,

James V. Cech
President, MPOA