February 2022
Recalling directors can be one of the most unpleasant situations for any condo community. Some become disillusioned with specific directors or an entire board and seek to terminate their terms prematurely. Others are in complete disagreement pitting neighbour against neighbour.
The process can be long, bloody and expensive. While some may feel justified in seeking to prematurely terminate the term for individual directors or the board, others may view this as an opportunity to pursue a personal vendetta or for personal gain.
Everyone can end up being a loser as the impact of a recall can be greater than anyone had anticipated.
The condominium community elects directors to serve on the board and manage affairs of the corporation. When owners are dissatisfied with a board or individual directors they replace them through orderly elections or have them recalled before their term expires.
Recalling directors is an extreme option that costs money, takes time and creates conflict. Owners are forced to take a position on supporting current directors, their neighbours and friends, or ousting them.
A recall is a personal rebuke to volunteer directors. Owners, neighbours and friends are making a public accusation against someone who has volunteered their time to the community. Individuals can be accused of activities for which they are not, and should not be, accountable. Trivial matters get blown out of proportion. Lies get circulated as truth. Personal agendas take precedence over community interests.
Finding better qualified individuals willing to give of their time, deal with the various distractions of condo management, and risk a similar fate as their predecessors can be a challenge.
Regardless of the outcome of a recall vote, it can create a situation where the current board is unwilling to continue in an environment that discourages good people from giving of their time. It can be a slippery slope where things get worse before any hope of improvement.
