Many challenges have arisen in our cooperative’s election process, and now that The Eastmore Owners Corp proxy forms have been distributed, it is crucial to highlight the red flags that warrant our attention and collective action.
Tampering with Proxy Documents
One of the most significant red flags is the potential for proxy manipulation. While there is no current proof, the possibility exists and should be addressed proactively. Proxy manipulation can compromise the integrity of our election process and undermine the democratic principles governing our cooperative.
Tampering might involve altering proxy forms to sway outcomes in favor of specific candidates or agendas. Clear guidelines and instructions on securely and confidentially designating proxies are lacking.
Comparing recent proxies, last year’s version was altered to allow the Board or a designated individual to represent and vote a shareholder’s shares. There needs to be clarity on how “Board” designated proxies are allocated and who makes those decisions. Previously, Lynda Wertheim and Adrienne Alicea were default designees, a clear conflict of interest. Proxies should be voted in the best interests of all shareholders, but the current President and Allied’s Managing Agent have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
There are no controls or verification safeguards throughout the proxy collection and handling process. Proxies, often left with the Doorman, are not secured, allowing anyone with access the opportunity to manipulate them.
By empowering shareholders to protect their voting rights, we can prevent tampering and uphold the fairness and integrity of our cooperative’s democratic processes.
Election monitors, selected at the end of the Annual Meeting if requested, do not provide oversight until it is too late to prevent potential tampering.
Censorship of Communications
A continuing red flag in our cooperative’s election process is the censorship of communications among shareholders. All BuildingLink communications, particularly those addressing election-related matters or critical issues, are held for approval without transparency or accountability. For more information, read: You Are Being Censored: Unveiling Changes to BuildingLink.
By limiting our ability to communicate openly and freely, the current board undermines the democratic principles that should guide our cooperative’s governance. As shareholders, we deserve full transparency and unrestricted access to information affecting our collective interests.
Conflict of Interest: Allied Partners and Board Relationship
Another critical red flag is the potential conflict of interest in the election process due to the close, decades-long relationship between Allied Partners and a majority of the current board. As the management entity, Allied Partners holds significant influence over the election outcome, raising concerns about impartiality and fairness. Allied has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo to ensure their continued management of the building.
We must address this conflict of interest and ensure the election process is transparent and unbiased, prioritizing shareholders’ interests over those of external entities. Many cooperatives mitigate this concern by using independent third parties to run their elections.
Conclusion
By highlighting these critical red flags—tampering with proxy documents, censorship of communications, and the conflict of interest between Allied Partners and the current board—we aim to bring attention to the urgent need for reform in our cooperative’s election process. It is imperative that we, as shareholders, take collective action to safeguard the integrity of our governance.
We call for immediate implementation of transparent procedures, independent oversight, and robust safeguards to ensure that our elections are fair, impartial, and truly reflective of the will of the shareholders. By addressing these issues head-on, we can restore trust in our cooperative’s democratic processes and ensure that our collective interests are prioritized.
Together, we can create a cooperative that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of all its members. Let us stand united in demanding the changes necessary to uphold the democratic principles that should guide our governance.