Elections are a very important part of our quality of life. We vote for a President, Governor, Mayor, Congressmen and other officials because we want the person that we feel will do the best job for our nation, state, city and township.

      Why is it then that so few people return their ballots when it comes to voting for A Pocono Country Place Board of Directors? Last year, we received 761 valid ballots out of 2,967 mailed. In 2008, we received 730 valid ballots out of 2,878 mailed. That means only 25% of the members in good standing vote. Shouldn't you be just as interested in who will be making decisions for you in the community where you live or own property? Don't let 25% of the people speak for the other 75%. Speak for yourself!

      The Board of Directors is composed of nine (9) members in good standing whose responsibility it is to govern the Association and the Community. This year there are five (5) vacancies to fill. I can't impress enough how important it is for each and every one of us to vote for the candidates we feel will best serve us. We have no right to complain if we do not take an active part ourselves.

      The summaries on each candidate are in this issue. In addition, you will have an opportunity to meet the nine (9) candidates and ask questions at the two (2) "Meet the Candidates" meetings that will be held on May 17th at 7-9 pm and May 22nd at 6-9 pm at "E" clubhouse.

      This year, the mailing and counting of the ballots will be done by an outside Judge of Elections who will turn over all information to the Election Committee Chairperson at our annual meeting.

      I urge you to return the ballot when you receive it. Please don't discard it! You may not know the candidates personally, but I'm sure you didn't know the person you voted for President either.

VOTE!                   VOTE!                  VOTE!