We have been members of THCA for nine years, hosted an annual party and attended every annual business meeting since 2003.
Prior to the December meeting, we submitted a motion making a general statement to amend the bylaws to include democratic voting procedures and other changes that would reform THCA into an open association that welcomes all points of view. Chilcote refused.
At the meeting, 19 unidentified people voted once to elect a single slate of 23 members to the board by a count of raised hands. The bylaws say: "The number of directors shall be three (3)." The ballot that was mass-mailed to residents says there are 14 board members.
At the meeting, a single slate was moved for a vote — no debates, no voting for individual candidates, no discussion. A group of us tried to challenge this rigged election, but we were shut down.
Chilcote states in the ballot: "Consistent with the original bylaws, all residents are members of the association, but only dues-paying members are entitled to vote on association business."
Nowhere in the bylaws is this stated. Article 2.3 of the existing bylaws states, "Each member shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of the members."
Members are defined as residents of Temple Hills. Dues are voluntary. Chilcote's pro bono attorney has stated the bylaws are vague. A simple read says they are very clear.
Now Chilcote states, "... only dues-paying members are entitled to vote." Then in contradiction, he states, "Voting for approval of the updated bylaws is open to all residences within our geographical area, but there can be only one vote per residence."
