Robert Wassall

To the editor:I learned at an early age that when there is a dispute and one person resorts to name-calling, that person is usually the person who is wrong. In your recent articles about alleged problems at Hale's Location, the owner of the White Mountain Hotel, also a resident of Hale's Location, was quoted as referring to some of his neighbors as being cranks, trouble-makers, and members of a "gang of 12."My wife Norma and I were among the first residents of Hale's Location, moving there in 1996.We do not consider ourselves cranks, trouble-makers, or gang members, but from the onset we have raised questions about some of the management practices of our homeowners' association. We have not always been satisfied with the answers received, or, in some cases, the lack of response.When we see fit, we will continue to raise questions and, if warranted, challenge any actions we consider improper. For that, we do not expect to have a label attached!The protests at Hale's might have started with a core group of 12 or more people who felt compelled to ask the board of directors for information. But, if there is a so-called "gang" today, it consists of 40 or 50 concerned people (and growing in number) who are uncomfortable with what is happening. Many of those people had stints on the board of directors and/or on committees reporting to the board. They contributed valuable time and energy to make our community a better place in which to live.I applaud them.Yes, Hale's Location is a wonderful place in which to live, but that does not mean its residents should bury their heads in the sand and show indifference as to how their community is managed.Until now, I believe there has been too much focus on personalities and too little attention paid to the actual issues. All residents should expect open board meetings and complete financial disclosure as to how the association is being managed, and they should expect professionalism in the management of their association. After all, their personal investment in their homestead or lot is substantial.