By Greg Ellison

(July 22, 2021) Ocean Pines Board candidate David Hardy, who joined join incumbent Frank Daly at last Tuesday’s election forum, offered his working background and ground-level perspectives during the hour-long question session.

In answer to an inquiry from Daly about gaining institutional knowledge as a board newcomer, Hardy referred to his professional background.

“I’ve been in positions where I’ve been tasked assignments which I had no clue how to do,” he said. “My background is one where I have demonstrated … the ability to be versatile.”

After enlisting with the U.S. Army in 1974 and spending six-plus years on active duty, Hardy is now approaching a half-century of combined military, private industry and federal civilian service.

Currently employed at Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Harford County as a systems engineer managing contracts and acquisitions, Hardy highlighted his technical competencies, along with documentation expertise, as qualifiers.

After beginning as a civilian employee with the Department of the Army, Hardy later worked for the Department of Defense, followed by an eight-year stint at the Department of Energy.

“As most of us do, I still have my memory [and] I can retain information, although my wife may say different sometimes,” he said.

Asked for thoughts about positive aspects of Ocean Pines residency, Hardy said the bulk of properties appear to be well-maintained, with most residents exhibiting pride in ownership.

Hardy also mentioned the association’s strong fiscal management.

“I would say, ‘thank you,’ to whoever’s been managing our money up to this point,” he said.

Addressing the question of separation of duties between the board and association staff, Hardy said comparable challenges are seen within private industry or government sectors.

“In my current professional role, I have lots of contactors working with me,” he said.

Hardy stressed the need to clearly delineate roles and respect separation of duties.

Questioned about methods for the association to improve enforcement of property regulations, Hardy said residents are largely in compliance.

“I feel in general people are maintaining their properties,” he said.

In terms of answering resident complaints about short-term rentals, Hardy pointed to the existing county regulations.

“The county laws are there and should be complied with,” he said.

At the same time, Hardy noted the importance for adequate response procedures when residents report violations.

“You have to be aware of the situation first,” he said. “It’s a matter of safety for the community.”

In terms of forward visions, Hardy noted the necessity of performing regular maintenance on facilities and structures.

“You don’t put off maintenance because … all you end up creating is more work in the long run,” he said.

Hardy extended that thought to the Beach Club building.

In response to recent considerations regarding replacement, Hardy suggested that renovating the structure would be more cost effective than replacing it.

“You don’t just replace a building because you want to replace a building,” he said.

Hardy suggested the current structure could be rehabbed to obtain another 20 years of useful life.

Though lacking in association governance experience, Hardy said he recognize what’s needed.

“I may not be the know-all-see-all [but] I know that there are others … to help me find the answers,” he said. “That’s always important when you’re managing.”