Larry Mayer

Meet 

Larry Mayer

"Leadership is defined by honesty, integrity, kindness, and moral courage"

Professional Experience:
President of Multiple Pet Stores in Pennsylvania. 
47 Years of Successful Experience Developing business strategies to compete with large Chain Pet & Department Stores.
Member of the Pennsylvania "Dog Law Commission" in writing pet legislation reporting to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture...served as the only business owner on the Commission.
Coordinated and Sponsored charitable events for "Make a Wish" and "Children's Hospital" while self-employed in the Pittsburgh vicinity.
Military:

US Army National Guard (7 years)

Education:

 University of Miami...Marine Biology

Memberships:
Former officer and current member of Henderson Veterans Organization--Post 65
Sun City Anthem Computer Club
Sun City Anthem Mah Jong Club

What former fellow business associates have to say about Larry Mayer::
"I have known Larry Mayer as a business associate for 25 years. He owned a multi-location pet supply company in the greater Pittsburgh area for years developing strategies and initiatives to successfully compete with "Big Box" competitors what included Pet Smart & Petco.
He offered what they could not....a service oriented business.
He was the "David" vs. "Goliath" in the Pittsburgh area, earning the respect of his employees, peers, competitors, and his customers for years demonstrating his kind heart with a world of patience."
Gary M.Sterling
Retired Executive Vice President
Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc.

"His business was something of an institution among pet owners in and around Pittsburgh and was greatly loved by his customers because of the personal attention he provided them.  His business acumen was evident from the long and profitable enterprise he maintained in a highly competitive market."
John W. Brown
Attorney

Got a question for Larry Mayer?
Send it to:

scanewtraditions@gmail.com

________________________

Buddy Greenfield Compliance Question Response:

We had the perfect solution in place for dead shrubs, overgrown shrubs,etc. It’s called a blue card. It seemed to work fine for me. We don’t need compliance police. 

________________________

Mel Verly Compensation Question Response:

At this time we do not know any numbers on the compensation package of management.

If we are elected to the board, all SCA operational expenses will be reviewed. Thank You for the question, Mel. 

________________________

Dan Anderson Response to Foundation Assisting Seniors Question:

Dan, FAS has always been a "sacred" addition to SCA and its loss has had many people in the community upset.  That organization always has, and still continues, despite their eviction,  to provide medical equipment to anyone in need. 

To have spent association funds on equipment they provided all of us free of charge, has never made a great deal of sense.  If elected to the Sun City Anthem Board, I would strongly agree with Bill Oldelson's statement that a group be formed to reestablish a relationship with that organization. They are good people providing great service, and should be treated with the respect they have given our community.

________________________

John Response to Restaurant Question:

Thanks for your question John.

There is always give and take to any new business regarding a lease agreement.

In the G2G situation, It doesn’t sound like there was any realistic negotiating; it sounded more like we would do anything for a restaurant.

The fact that all of the details were publicly disclosed in a way that few realized, was more than disturbing. Just don't agree with that manner of communication to residents who are supposed to trust a Board with their funds.

________________________

Joyce Response to GM (COO) Contract

Thanks for the question Joyce. If the New Tradition team is elected to the board, we will look closely at all administrative costs and all expenses. Unfortunately at this time we are not privy to the information in the COO’s contract but if elected you can be sure we will take the appropriate action.Thank you Larry

____________________

 Sam Association Attorney Presence Question Response:

Yes, Sam, I could not agree more.

Having a high priced attorney present for over two hours was totally outrageous.

Any capable Board member could have read NRS 116 statues concerning HOA compliance issues without having an attorney present.

As for the "trash comment" issue, are we at a point in our lives when we must be home by 10pm or 11pm to retrieve and hide our garbage cans to avoid a noncompliance letter subjecting us to fines?

I certainly hope not !!

I promise that common sense will prevail if the New Tradition Team is elected.

Thank you for your question.

Larry

____________________

Lee Clarification of Utilizing Residence Expertise Response:

Lee,

Thank you for your question. Perhaps the phrase oversight committee  needs clarification and  should have read advisory committee.

I feel our residents have so much talent and expertise in so many areas such as I.T. , engineering,law,finance etc.

There are  many that have volunteered their ideas and services and have been completely ignored by this board.

If elected I will certainly be willing to listen carefully to help make sound decisions using the advice from those that have lifelong knowledge and experience.

Thank you.

Larry 

____________________

Susan Inquiry regarding $85,000 Removal Election Expense:

Susan, there was indeed a recall vote that took place approximately a year and a half ago.

There was not a New Tradition team at that time.

A petition was signed by over 800 concerned SCA residents who were very dissatisfied with the Board and management. 

Many bad decisions caused this petition to be taken, and it is the right of the people to express this when such a poor job is done. 

The $85,000 dollar price tag took place because the Board and management chose to have an outside party involved. 

We could very well have handled the mailings and the counting of the votes locally, and certainly not for $85,000 dollars, and after researching the matter, nothing can be found that any recall advocate in any way supported that $85,000 expenditure in any way.
That cost was absurd, and for any person to blame the supporters of the recall election for a cost only a Board can authorize and finance, is simply an an attempt to shift the blame for any such decision. 
Have you ever been authorized to sign a check for an SCA expense? Neither have I or any of the supporters, and I find it ridiculous that others might be convinced otherwise, blaming innocent parties for their own actions.
As one of our Team members so aptly put it, "The Buck Stops Here" and  the ones who authorized it and signed the check to pay for it, are the current Board, management, and likely an expensive Association Attorney who recommended it.

Two of the incumbents, Rex Weddle and Forrest Quinn, who are running for reelection, voted to approve that $85,000 cost; something you might  wish to remember when you cast your ballot.

____________________

Brian Ehlers Response to Returning Administrative Operations of SCA Clubs to Their Members:

I moved to SCA thinking WOW what a beautiful, active over 55 community! And in the top 55 in the country!!!!

In the last two years we lost that distinction.

Since self management, Clubs were treated as if they have one foot in the grave as opposed to two feet out.

Clubs used to be able to make simple minor decisions.

Examples included raising the blinds in the gallery to allow light, or lowering them to avoid the heat of summer along with the ability to change temperature settings; changes that affected the comfort and enjoyment of senior citizens, but were of little concern to management.  

Management made Club schedules that were nonnegotiable, some of them with the same schedules for years, suddenly being shifted to hours that did not allow Club members to attend.

Decisions were made by a General Manager who rarely appeared in the gallery to hear the concerns of individuals, and quite often demonstrated an "I don't care" attitude.

Security guards and certain insurance coverages were suddenly required for various events.

Off hours made it impossible to contact management in any way.

These rules were put into place by the General Manager with the Board's blessings.

Then of course there was the absurd 10:00am to 2:00pm, and 2:00pm to 6:00pm Club hours without asking clubs or residents for their input.

Only the petition which my wife and I initiated with over 175 names got her attention.

Most senior citizens fill mornings for various appointments and exercise while from 2:00pm until 6:00pm, leaves others waiting half a day to enjoy their activity.

When do you have meals with such a rigid time frame?

The disaster was averted, but not but not before the change was proudly announced in the Spirit Magazine.

The article had already gone to print.

Remember Management works for us and a Board needs to remember that!!!

This is an example of returning administrative control of Club operations without undue interference from management.

My promise is to obtain input from the Clubs before any such rules are implemented that would adversely affect their members.

 ____________________

Joe Response to C.O.O. Monetary Authorization Limit

Joe, just as government has checks and balances, Sun city Anthem must as well.

It is certainly one of our goals to revisit any and all spending privileges our COO has.

Our goal is to cut wasteful and unnecessary costs.

Any one person should not have the ability to write large checks without Board approval.  

____________________

Jackie response to Board meetings:

Thank you for such an important question.

This has been brought up at each and every meet and greet.

We have discussed at length changes concerning future board meetings. We too have felt our opinions and suggestions have long been ignored.

A more resident friendly meeting is what we bring to the table.

Listening and discussing will be at the top of our agenda.

Residents comments and opinions are important and will be treated as such.

Our goal is to bring back the interest and enthusiasm we once had.

We would like to see more residents at the meetings.

More people taking an interest.

This can only happen with a board that works for the people.

That is our promise to you.

Thanks for the question, Jackie.

Larry

____________________

Michael Response to Board Addressing Issues of Resident Concerns

Michael,

Any small problems have the potential to become major problems if ignored.

If for instance numerous complaints are made concerning the conditions of our restrooms, the maintenance department would need to rectify the situation.

Or if too many of our treadmills or bicycles are out of service, the fitness department would need to be responsible to rectify that situation.

If however there is an abundance of blue cards or complaints made during any of our board meetings citing a particular issue, this should be addressed quickly,honestly and openly.

We need to look at problems that arise on AN INDIVIDUAL CASE BASIS!!

That is how the new board will operate.

____________________

James Response to Sun City Anthem Restaurant E-blast

Thanks for the question James.

I along with members of The New Traditions team have repeatedly been accused of not wanting a restaurant.

Nothing is further from the truth.

I would like to see a restaurant here; a restaurant  for which we do not pay rent for the life of the establishment; one which we do not pay ulitities forever; one that takes care of their own advertising and TVs and sports packages and advertising.

And especially one that is not granted exclusive catering rights sight or “taste “unseen and tested.

They must have some skin in the game and be properly vetted, unlike G2G was.

They need to prove they can be successful without a 100% giveaway.
That action would only lead to a potential special assessment, as well as, HOA dues increases.
Larry

                ____________________

Dixie Response to “Has Self-Management Made SCA a better place:

Dixie, I am not opposed to self management.

Our history of management companies has left a lot to be desired.

However, we need to make sure our self management team has residents as their best interests. 

Fiduciary responsibility to the homeowners is their number one job.

Better communication and more transparency need to happen!

They need to realize we the people are the employers, not the other way around. 

When elected to the board our goal will be to listen to those in the community and advise the coo their needs.

 ____________________

Candidate Larry Mayer Addresses Sun City Anthem Property Owners as ballots for the Sun City Anthem Board election will be sent on Friday, March 29, 2019: 

My name is Larry Mayer and I am running for the board as part of “THE NEW TRADITION TEAM”.

I am honored to run with 4 fine individuals.

Barry brings his financial expertise to our group.

Karen has years of HOA experience as well as a knack for researching anything requested.

Rana has had many businesses and so much experience involving legalities that have helped all our seniors within the state of Nevada.

Bill lived the food industry for most of his adult life selling to every casino on the strip, as well as owning his own business for 17 yrs.

I owned and operated a chain of pet shops and successfully negotiated all of my own leases.

Also I was chosen to help write dog laws for the state of Pennsylvania.

We all feel we can return this community to the greatness it once was.

We were at one time in the top 5 of over 55 communities. No longer the case. We do not even appear in the top 50 now.

We agree we will work in a cohesive manner to  be part of a Board that is fair and friendly to the folks that live here.

We would like to see more homeowners that feel their voices will be listened to.

We have been told over and over again concerns, suggestions, opinions and advice are falling on deaf ears.

Our community is so divided right now.

The restaurant,the noncompliance letters as well as the resentments concerning the Foundation Assisting Seniors are troublesome.

We all agree we do want a restaurant. Not one that needs carte blanche freebies.

We do want to see beautiful homes that have attractive personal touches without upsetting homeowners.

And yes we do want a better relationship between Foundation Assisting Seniors and our community service group. 

We  may be new faces but to quote John F Kennedy Jr. “Change is the law of life. And those that look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

WE DO NEED POSITIVE CHANGE!!!!

Yours Truly,

Larry Mayer

_______________________________

Rhea answer to How New Traditions Team formed:

Rhea great question, I’ve known Barry Goldstein from card games.

While taking my daily walk with my dogs one day I started talking to Bill  Odelson.

I was introduced to Rana Goodman and Karen Hadrick at a meeting.

We seemed to hit it off immediately. 

I must tell you we do not agree on all community issues, we talk things out and come to conclusions that we feel are best for Sun City Anthem. Thanks Larry 

_______________________________

Victor Tolin answer to potential disagreements with fellow Board members:

Great question Victor.

Actually we frequently get asked that question at the meet and greats.

We are 5 individuals that certainly do not agree on all matters.

We will talk it out and make our decisions,always keeping in mind what our residents want.

We would like to have a town hall that residents would attend, hear their views before making our final decision.

Thanks,

Larry Mayer

_______________________________

Delph Hayne answers to various restaurant questions:

Delph, we all agree that the HOA will need to subsidize a restaurant.

The length and types of subsidies is up for for discussion. We do not agree with the current boards approval of freebies forever.

As far as gaming we must consult with a CPA to see if it affects our tax status.

Thanks.

Larry

_______________________________

John Gavlik Answer to publishing compensation of Administration employees:

John,

All employee compensation is available by going to the office at Anthem Center and filling out a document request form.

It will be available in approximately one week. 

If elected the New Tradition team will review all compensation and take appropriate action if needed.

Larry

 _______________________________

Jim answer to whether or not New Tradition Team will end self-management and return to a management company:

Jim,

There is absolutely NO truth to the rumor that the New Tradition team wants to go back to a management company!!!!!!

 At our coffees and meet and greets we never received a question about the subject.  

Our bullet points state we will review and evaluate administrative and operating expenses and take appropriate action to cut costs if needed. 

Larry

 _______________________________

 Wayne Davis answer to improving Board communications and managing spending:

Hello Wayne.

The New Tradition Team has had many discussions about the subject.

We have discussed many ways the community can ask questions directly to the board that include  Town Hall meetings and direct email communication.

As far as expenses the New Tradition Team is made up of individuals with business  backgrounds.

We will look at expenses line by line and take appropriate action to benefit the SCA community.

One of our pledges is to provide owners a financially responsible governing body that maintains a quality community.

Thanks for the question.

Larry

_______________________________

Answer to Austin Scheibel regarding architectural rules:

Allen,thanks for the question.

Tree height is a tough subject.

At our meet and greets people approached me with questions about neighbors trees growing over their property, blocking their strip views, the tree heights, the large expense of tree trimming.

If elected the New Tradition team would look closely at the rules and regulations and act accordingly.

The maintenance of the shared retaining walls should be shared equally, but a root problem causing damage should be the responsibility of the tree owner.

Larry

_______________________________

Allen response to AARP  "Homeowner Bill of Rights":

Allen,

Fantastic question.

A wise man told me that the best answer you could give is "Yes" or "No".

With that in mind, questions 1 thru 6 is "yes", questions 7 and 8 are "no", and question 10 is "yes".
Larry

_______________________________