Christine Hernandez, a local attorney and resident of Wynnfield, has taken to the Nextdoor app to advocate for change within the Wynnfield Homeowners Association (HOA). She announced her willingness to run for the board or even as HOA president to address longstanding concerns about the lack of transparency, communication, and effective governance in the neighborhood.
Hernandez’s post sheds light on several troubling issues, including the absence of HOA meetings since February 2016 and the apparent expiration of board members’ terms over seven years ago. In her detailed message, she outlines her concerns, proposes solutions, and calls on fellow residents to demand accountability.
Christine Hernandez’s Call to Action
In her post, Hernandez wrote:
“Dear Homeowners of Wynnfield,
I am Christine Hernandez, an attorney and a resident at 7170 Wynncliff Drive. It has come to my attention that there has not been a Homeowners Association meeting for Wynnfield since February 15, 2016. Board members are to serve for a term of one year, and annual elections are required. As the last meeting was held in 2016, it appears the HOA is now without a legal board.
Under the by-laws, members may request a meeting to elect new board members and address neighborhood issues. However, I have been informed that some former board members are attempting to collect proxy votes without notifying the membership of a meeting. I urge you to retain your vote and attend any meeting in person to ensure your voice is heard.
Do you want a dues increase? What neighborhood projects do you think are important? We deserve transparency on these issues. For example, what is happening with the signs claiming the neighborhood is being monitored by cameras? Who is managing this system, and how much is it costing the association? Why hasn’t the surplus in last year’s financial statement been used to repair the missing letters on the front wall or address maintenance in our common areas?
Additionally, damage from underground cable installation—done at the request of the board—has left many of us dealing with unresolved issues, such as improperly buried cable lines. It’s time we come together, hold a meeting, and elect new board members to bring accountability and clarity back to this association.
I would be honored to serve as your next Board President. Let’s work together to bring much-needed transparency and action to our neighborhood.”
Hernandez also pointed out that, according to the HOA by-laws, at least 25% of members must request a meeting to move forward with her proposed changes. She urged neighbors to sign a letter supporting this initiative.
Concerns About Proxy Voting and Transparency
A key part of Hernandez’s post focused on the issue of proxy voting. She warned residents that giving blanket proxy votes to the board could leave important decisions—such as dues increases and large expenditures—entirely in the hands of a few individuals, without input from the broader community.
She also questioned how association funds are being used, noting the lack of visible improvements despite the reported surplus. Among her concerns were:
• The missing letters on the neighborhood’s entrance wall.
• Maintenance of common areas.
• Costs and oversight of the neighborhood camera monitoring system.
• Damage to properties caused by cable installation projects initiated by the HOA.
Hernandez argued that these issues demonstrate a lack of communication and accountability from the current board, further justifying the need for new leadership and a return to regular meetings.
Response from HOA President Chris Orrell
Christine Hernandez’s post did not go unnoticed. Current HOA president Chris Orrell responded with a pointed critique:
“Besides threatening to sue the Board of Directors (BOD) and ALL of our neighbors and violating covenants, what have you done for the neighbors of Wynnfield?”
Orrell’s response, while direct, has sparked debate among residents. Some neighbors saw the response as unprofessional and dismissive, while others defended the board’s leadership.
One resident commented, “Christine is raising valid concerns about transparency and the board’s actions. Attacking her personally doesn’t address the issues she brought up.”
The Path Forward
Hernandez’s post has ignited an important conversation among Wynnfield residents about the direction of the HOA. With growing frustrations over a lack of communication, unresolved maintenance issues, and concerns about how funds are managed, many homeowners seem eager for change.
Whether Hernandez’s proposal to hold a general meeting and elect new board members will gain enough support remains to be seen. However, her willingness to take a stand and advocate for greater transparency has already begun to mobilize the community.
In her own words: “We NEED TO KNOW what is happening in our neighborhood. Let’s work together to fix these issues and ensure that every homeowner has a say in how our association is run.”
As the debate unfolds, Wynnfield residents will have to decide whether to rally behind Hernandez’s call for reform or continue with the current leadership. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: the neighborhood is ready for an honest conversation about its future.