Mr. O'Neill should to get the real facts, not his own.

May 23, 2013

Statement of Robert Hydorn, President

Montgomery Village Foundation Board of Directors

I think it is important to set the record straight on a number of the points that Don has just raised tonight. 

First, Elena was a member in good standing when she put her application in, was interviewed by the Nominating Committee and ran for election. Article VII, Section 1 of the MVF Bylaws states:

The business and affairs of the Foundation shall be managed by a Board of nine (9) directors, who shall be residents of the Village or Members of the Foundation. The Members shall elect annually three (3) directors, each for a term of three (3) years.

Yes, some of us including staff members, were aware that Elena was trying to sell her house, but none of us, knew when it would sell, nor did we know if she was in fact set on moving. Given Elena’s love of the Village and her involvement with Foundation committees for so many years, coupled with her service to South Village Homes Corporation, her candidacy was unquestioned. The Nominating Committee acted based on the information it had at the time and deemed her a qualified candidate for the MVF election.

Recognizing the situation, I think it is important for the Nominating Committee to consider whether the application and interview process should be changed to require   potential candidates to disclose plans to change their residency in the near term.

The Nominating Committee can then evaluate this information as part of their process.

Certainly, there is always a possibility that a candidate or recently elected Board member, due to personal or business reasons, may not be able to continue either as a candidate or as a Board member. Given the current situation, I think it is appropriate for the Nominating Committee to consider this.

 I’m sure there will be a lot of discussion about his matter, but I am very proud of our election process.