By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

For residents who want to throw their hats into the ring for the summer Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors election, the candidate filing date has been extended to mid-June, giving the applicant pool more time to grow.

As of May 16, this year’s election has yielded only four candidates, said John Latham, OPA board secretary and election committee liaison. The neighborhood’s governing bylaws dictate that a file deadline postponement must be granted if there are not at least two more applicants than open board seats. This year, there are three open seats and currently four candidates.

Residents considering involvement in OPA politics now have until Friday, June 20, to submit a candidate application. This deadline was pushed back from the original filing date of Monday, May 12. The idea is that initiating the extension may increase the number of board hopefuls and strengthen neighborhood involvement. The third Friday in June is the required amended cutoff.

“We are required to extend the candidate timeline until the third Friday in June if we are unsuccessful in soliciting two more candidates than open positions,” Latham said. “…The general idea is to have more homeowners step up to help drive the strategic direction of our community.”

Current candidates include the incumbents to the three open board seats: Stuart Lakernick, board president; Monica Rakowski, treasurer; Steve Jacobs, director; and an additional homeowner. Latham declined to disclose the name of the challenger at this point.

The board secretary recommends that those considering entering the race research the community’s governing documents on OPA’s website. Latham adds that understanding the demands of the position is also important. Each board member is assigned at least two advisory committees as liaisons and miscellaneous responsibilities.

“The required time commitment can vary drastically,” Latham noted.

The OPA Board of Directors is a seven-person body made up of community homeowners. According to the neighborhood’s website, the team is responsible for policy setting and appointing a general manager to oversee the “executive management of the operations of the association. “ The elected representatives serve three-year terms.

Homeowner involvement is a cornerstone of Ocean Pines’ success. Volunteerism permeates every aspect of the neighborhood, including the committees that aid departments like golf, racquet sports, aquatics, and the area’s natural environment. Board membership is another way residents can help the community thrive.

“Making sure Ocean Pines remains vibrant, safe, financially sound, and has increasing property values truly takes a village,” Latham said.  “Our general manager, OPA staff, Board of Directors, and all of the many committee volunteers are focused on making that happen.”

Latham encourages all those interested in submitting their name for board consideration but adds that the role yields great responsibility.

“Serving on the OPA Board of Directors is a rewarding role, but many times you have to make hard decisions,” he said. “Decisions should always be in the best interest of the entire community.”

Candidates have until June 20 to add themselves to the pool of board hopefuls. Voting is set to take place later this summer.

The required forms for prospective candidates can be found on the OPA website. Forms can also be picked up at the Ocean Pines Administration Building at 239 Ocean Parkway. Questions or concerns can be directed to the OPA office via email at info@oceanpines.org or phone at 410-641-7717.