What are people saying
Popular Questions
As I’ve been out speaking with property owners, a few common questions keep coming up. I want to be open about where I stand and how I think about key issues. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please ask me directly—I’d love to hear from you.
Big Canoe’s roads are private, so traffic violations are handled under our POA Rules & Regulations—not Georgia traffic law. That means fines are simply community rule violations; they are not reported to the state, county, or insurance companies.
As a member of the Finance Committee, I can confirm that there is no budget line for speed camera revenue. Enforcement is about safety, not generating money. Public Safety is authorized to use radar and other devices (Rule A.3, Section 7.1), and fines are clearly defined (Rule A.3, Section 8.1). Property owners also have the right to appeal under Rule A.1.
I’ll admit—I’ve been caught going a little too fast myself and received a fine. It was a reminder that these measures are in place to protect all of us: residents, guests, kids, and pets.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to live here and want to give back. I recently retired after 40+ years in leadership roles—10 as an Army officer and 25 in industry. I want to bring that steady, service-based mindset to help protect what makes Big Canoe special and ensure we’re planning wisely for the future.
Finance & Audit Committee (Vice-Chair): Three years of service focused on sound financial oversight, long‑range planning, and clear reporting.
Public Safety Support: Worked with Big Canoe Public Safety and the radio contractor to design and implement remote receiver sites, improving fire department radio coverage community‑wide, including at medical evacuation landing zones.
Leadership Big Canoe: 2023 graduate, strengthening cross‑community understanding and collaboration.
Community Service with BCAR: I help Kimberly during her Big Canoe Animal Rescue kennel‑duty shifts.
I believe service builds a stronger community, and I’m committed to continuing that work on the POA Board.
The POA already has policies in place that require just that. Big Canoe’s Policies and Procedures mandate that professional services contracts—such as legal and accounting—be reviewed with the Finance and Audit Committee and rebid at least every five years. This rotation helps ensure independence, avoid complacency, and maintain sound governance practices.
As a current member of the Finance and Audit Committee, I support this requirement—and I would work to ensure it’s followed rigorously and transparently.
At the same time, transitions must be managed wisely. Longstanding service providers often carry valuable institutional knowledge. If rebidding a contract reveals that the current firm is still best qualified, continuity may be in the community’s best interest. What matters most is that the process remains open, documented, and in compliance with the POA’s formal policies.
📚 Supporting Policy Reference:
From Procedure 152.1 Operating Expenditures:
“Management will review with the Finance and Audit Committee all contracts for professional services such as, but not limited to, the services of attorneys, accountants, engineers and architects. These professional services agreements may be awarded for up to a five (5) year term. Contract terms for all other types of service agreements cannot exceed three (3) years.”
Big Canoe will evolve, but it must do so in a way that respects the scale, style, and infrastructure of our mountain community. I support engaging early with the developer to achieve outcomes that are beneficial to both the POA and property owners.
Absolutely—but I also understand that not everything can or should be public in real time. I’ll always explain the “why” behind decisions when I can. I believe in respectful debate, clear communication, and standing behind Board decisions once they’re made.
Listening. I want to hear what’s top of mind for our community today. Beyond that, I’ll focus on ensuring sound operations, smart planning, and strong alignment between the Board, General Manager, and staff.
No. I will resign from my current part-time role supervising vista pruning. It’s both required by the bylaws and, more importantly, the right thing to do to avoid any real or perceived conflict of interest.
My wife, Kimberly, is a Realtor in Big Canoe. If elected, I will voluntarily recuse myself from any POA Board discussions or decisions that involve the sale of POA-owned property. While the bylaws don’t require this, I believe it’s the right thing to do to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest. Transparency and trust matter—and I’ll always put the interests of the community first.
Yes. Our last survey was in 2021, and much has changed since then. I believe we need updated input from property owners in early 2026 to help guide Board priorities and budgeting.
The developer has certain rights under our governing documents. My focus is on collaborating constructively to ensure outcomes that benefit the POA, reflect the character of Big Canoe, and serve property owners well.
I believe in open, two-way communication. I’ll make myself accessible—by phone, email, or in person—and I’ll listen closely to property owners. Not everyone agrees on every issue, but every voice deserves respect. I support informal “coffee chats” and town hall-style conversations so we can connect beyond surveys and formal meetings.
Volunteers are the backbone of Big Canoe. I’ve seen firsthand how much value they bring—from committees to events to hands-on work in the community. I’ll work to ensure volunteers feel supported and that their time and talents are put to good use. We’re stronger when more voices are involved.
Our amenities are a core part of life in Big Canoe—but they need to be managed wisely. I support investing in maintenance and improvements that enhance quality of life, while also keeping an eye on cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability. Amenities should serve residents first and foremost.
I’ll bring a disciplined, data-driven approach grounded in both experience and accountability. For the past three years, I’ve served on Big Canoe’s Finance Committee, where I’ve worked closely with staff and fellow volunteers to review budgets, monitor spending, and ensure responsible use of POA resources.
My professional background includes managing multimillion-dollar budgets and delivering results in complex operational environments. On the Board, I’ll continue asking the hard questions, advocating for transparency, and aligning financial decisions with the long-term priorities of our community. Our members deserve clear reporting, solid planning, and confidence that their money is being used wisely.
Great question—and one I take seriously. If elected, I’ll advocate for more open, consistent, and practical ways to gather input and keep the community informed. That includes:
Monthly open sessions with the Board — informal meetings where owners can ask questions and share concerns
Plain-English post-meeting recaps — not just minutes, but real summaries of what was decided and why
Pre-vote explainers — short summaries of major decisions before they’re voted on, with space for community feedback
Community working groups — for major initiatives like Clubhouse projects
Regular capital project updates — short emails to keep everyone in the loop
Clear roadmaps — so owners understand how and when decisions are made
More visible Board presence — at community events, just as neighbors
These aren’t silver bullets—but they’re a start. I believe we can rebuild trust through clarity, honesty, and consistent communication.