2014 Four Rivers Board Nominees
On this years ballot there are 3 position that have two members of the community that have volunteered to run. In order for you to make an informed decision in voting for one of your neighbors each, has been asked to provide a short blurb for you to review. Please take the time to be informed on the candidates.
(These are being posted as provided and un-edited.)
(These are being posted as provided and un-edited.)
For President
Barry Berhoff (Incumbent Board Member)
As a property owner in Four Rivers since 2005, my wife and I built our dream home here to raise our two young sons. Professionally, I am the owner of Shurhold Industries, a 40 year old Palm City manufacturer, employing dozens and supporting the local economy. I am also a real estate investor, involved in both local and nationwide transactions.
I have had the privilege of being an active and hands on board member on several boards. My background and expertise has made a positive impact on various corporate boards, one religious board and here at Four Rivers.
During 2012 and 2013 I held the position as Entrances Director at Four Rivers. In that role, I developed tree trimming guidelines together with our local fire department to ensure clear passage of their vehicles. I worked with a local sign shop to save and refurbish the entrance signs that had been rotted and infested, saving the community the cost of full replacement. In addition, I enhanced the common areas by fixing plantings around street signs and replacing aging roadway traffic signs with long life polymer signs.
As a volunteer, I have also built and maintained two websites for Four Rivers over the past several years.
The roadways and long term reserves budgets are serious large scale matters that need to be responsibly managed by looking at the long term big picture. Over the past two years, I have worked diligently with the county, independent engineers, the community and my fellow board members to asses and plan for the future of our roads. I assure you all that great care has been taken in reviewing all options and issues related to this project. The current board along with these consultants has put together a solid plan that is the most cost-effective and in the best interest of the community for today and tomorrow. I look to continue to help keep this community on a fiscally tight path while maintaining the community at the level it deserves.
I ask that you vote for me, Barry Berhoff, as the 2014 President of the Four Rivers Association.
Additionally, as a current board member and nominee for President I ask that you support Sharon Kazdin for Vice-President and Ken Hoffman for Roadways Director.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Barry Berhoff
As a property owner in Four Rivers since 2005, my wife and I built our dream home here to raise our two young sons. Professionally, I am the owner of Shurhold Industries, a 40 year old Palm City manufacturer, employing dozens and supporting the local economy. I am also a real estate investor, involved in both local and nationwide transactions.
I have had the privilege of being an active and hands on board member on several boards. My background and expertise has made a positive impact on various corporate boards, one religious board and here at Four Rivers.
During 2012 and 2013 I held the position as Entrances Director at Four Rivers. In that role, I developed tree trimming guidelines together with our local fire department to ensure clear passage of their vehicles. I worked with a local sign shop to save and refurbish the entrance signs that had been rotted and infested, saving the community the cost of full replacement. In addition, I enhanced the common areas by fixing plantings around street signs and replacing aging roadway traffic signs with long life polymer signs.
As a volunteer, I have also built and maintained two websites for Four Rivers over the past several years.
The roadways and long term reserves budgets are serious large scale matters that need to be responsibly managed by looking at the long term big picture. Over the past two years, I have worked diligently with the county, independent engineers, the community and my fellow board members to asses and plan for the future of our roads. I assure you all that great care has been taken in reviewing all options and issues related to this project. The current board along with these consultants has put together a solid plan that is the most cost-effective and in the best interest of the community for today and tomorrow. I look to continue to help keep this community on a fiscally tight path while maintaining the community at the level it deserves.
I ask that you vote for me, Barry Berhoff, as the 2014 President of the Four Rivers Association.
Additionally, as a current board member and nominee for President I ask that you support Sharon Kazdin for Vice-President and Ken Hoffman for Roadways Director.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Barry Berhoff
Eric Searle
I served on the FRPOA board in 2004? when Gerry Weisenstiel was president.
I have served on the boards of privately held corporations during my career, one of which was Elixir Technologies Corporation, a software company that I founded with one partner 1985. We took the company from zero to $6,000,000.00 turnover in five years. I was responsible for managing the budget and 60 employees. I was responsible for contract negotiations with major corporations and became very familiar with contract law and board members fiduciary responsibility to shareholders.
I am passionately interested in the rights of the members of the Association to have proper representation for the individual members of the Association. I was the author of many parts of the four rivers bylaws which provide or a 2/3 majority vote of all members when decisions are made regarding major expenditures.
My views regarding the roads project are ambivalent. We do not yet have sufficient information to make a decision. I would suggest the appointment of an independent committee to research thoroughly all aspects of the project hopefully reporting to the board a solution which could be presented to the membership for a vote by mid-summer 2014.
I would like to see a "Open" board which provides full communication with the membership of information discussed and decisions that it makes.
Kindest Regards,
Eric Searle
I served on the FRPOA board in 2004? when Gerry Weisenstiel was president.
I have served on the boards of privately held corporations during my career, one of which was Elixir Technologies Corporation, a software company that I founded with one partner 1985. We took the company from zero to $6,000,000.00 turnover in five years. I was responsible for managing the budget and 60 employees. I was responsible for contract negotiations with major corporations and became very familiar with contract law and board members fiduciary responsibility to shareholders.
I am passionately interested in the rights of the members of the Association to have proper representation for the individual members of the Association. I was the author of many parts of the four rivers bylaws which provide or a 2/3 majority vote of all members when decisions are made regarding major expenditures.
My views regarding the roads project are ambivalent. We do not yet have sufficient information to make a decision. I would suggest the appointment of an independent committee to research thoroughly all aspects of the project hopefully reporting to the board a solution which could be presented to the membership for a vote by mid-summer 2014.
I would like to see a "Open" board which provides full communication with the membership of information discussed and decisions that it makes.
Kindest Regards,
Eric Searle
For Vice-President
Sharon Kazdin
Hello. I am Sharon Kazdin and am seeking the position of VP on the Four Rivers Board. I was asked to put together a brief statement of my background and experience.
My family and I moved here over 9 years ago and love living in this neighborhood and Palm City. We look forward to many more years to come. I would like to see Four Rivers responsibly maintained in order to enhance the beauty and functionality of the community and retain the value of the neighborhood to both residents and potential residents.
I currently run, along with my husband Rick, our paper manufacturing business out at the Sands Commerce Center. We have been in business about 14 years. Though it keeps me increasingly busy, I do have a flexible enough schedule to accommodate the time needed to be on the board. I have an Accounting Degree and a Masters in Finance.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sharon Kazdin
Hello. I am Sharon Kazdin and am seeking the position of VP on the Four Rivers Board. I was asked to put together a brief statement of my background and experience.
My family and I moved here over 9 years ago and love living in this neighborhood and Palm City. We look forward to many more years to come. I would like to see Four Rivers responsibly maintained in order to enhance the beauty and functionality of the community and retain the value of the neighborhood to both residents and potential residents.
I currently run, along with my husband Rick, our paper manufacturing business out at the Sands Commerce Center. We have been in business about 14 years. Though it keeps me increasingly busy, I do have a flexible enough schedule to accommodate the time needed to be on the board. I have an Accounting Degree and a Masters in Finance.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sharon Kazdin
Patrick Dubois
I have been living in Four Rivers for 10 years now and call it home, despite my heavy French accent. My experience as a Director of a large group has taught me to seek innovation at the same time while aiming for common ground while utilizing common sense to find solutions that will work. It is in that spirit that I served on the board 3 years as the Director of Waterways and 2 years as Vice-president. I also strongly believe in adhering to the Association’s by-laws and refusing to compromise them in order to pass projects.
Regarding the current debate on the road re-paving project, I would like to bring the Community’s attention to the fact that studies are in progress in Martin County to speed up the installation of sewer and city water in waterfront communities. Every week, we read in the newspaper that “waterfront properties have their share of responsibility in the St Lucie River pollution issues”. This is an outside pressure that we cannot dismiss, and it is only reasonable to consider that a sewer system will have to be installed in our community in the next 5 years if this line of thinking continues. From the engineer’s presentation, it seems that 5 years is also the time frame that we have to make a move regarding the general repaving of our roads, if we do the urgent repairs, notably on Whippoorwill, now. We are a small community, less than 100 lots, and repaving the road will be an enormous expense. We need to do it only once, when everything is clear and comes into place and the whole community supports an adhere to the project.
I also would like to mention that roads are not our only issue. We have been very lucky not to have had any major hurricanes these last 8 years but it can happen, and, we can face other crisis and other issues. I have experienced hurricanes before and would be there to guide Four Rivers through any disaster. I also would like to help to bring more transparency to the work of the board and improve communication regarding issues discussed at Board Meetings and the decisions reached there. This is the sense of my engagement while serving on the Board.
I have been living in Four Rivers for 10 years now and call it home, despite my heavy French accent. My experience as a Director of a large group has taught me to seek innovation at the same time while aiming for common ground while utilizing common sense to find solutions that will work. It is in that spirit that I served on the board 3 years as the Director of Waterways and 2 years as Vice-president. I also strongly believe in adhering to the Association’s by-laws and refusing to compromise them in order to pass projects.
Regarding the current debate on the road re-paving project, I would like to bring the Community’s attention to the fact that studies are in progress in Martin County to speed up the installation of sewer and city water in waterfront communities. Every week, we read in the newspaper that “waterfront properties have their share of responsibility in the St Lucie River pollution issues”. This is an outside pressure that we cannot dismiss, and it is only reasonable to consider that a sewer system will have to be installed in our community in the next 5 years if this line of thinking continues. From the engineer’s presentation, it seems that 5 years is also the time frame that we have to make a move regarding the general repaving of our roads, if we do the urgent repairs, notably on Whippoorwill, now. We are a small community, less than 100 lots, and repaving the road will be an enormous expense. We need to do it only once, when everything is clear and comes into place and the whole community supports an adhere to the project.
I also would like to mention that roads are not our only issue. We have been very lucky not to have had any major hurricanes these last 8 years but it can happen, and, we can face other crisis and other issues. I have experienced hurricanes before and would be there to guide Four Rivers through any disaster. I also would like to help to bring more transparency to the work of the board and improve communication regarding issues discussed at Board Meetings and the decisions reached there. This is the sense of my engagement while serving on the Board.
For Roadways Director
Ken Hoffman (Incumbent Roadways Director)
My name is Ken Hoffman and I am running for the position of Director of Roadways. I have been in this position for one year and have been working with the Board and Independent Engineer to develop options for maintaining and improving our current roadways. My wife , Janet, and I have lived in Palm City for over 18 years and have lived in Four Rivers for the past 11 years. I retired as the COO of Caithness Energy Company in NY in 2010. My position in this company was to manage and operate over 30 wind , solar, and geothermal energy projects throughout the country. I am currently employed as the CEO of B4C Technologies in Palm City. I have a Batchelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. I look forward to working with the new Board to better maintain and improve the quality of our community, as it is one of the best in Martin County.
Thank you,
Ken Hoffman
My name is Ken Hoffman and I am running for the position of Director of Roadways. I have been in this position for one year and have been working with the Board and Independent Engineer to develop options for maintaining and improving our current roadways. My wife , Janet, and I have lived in Palm City for over 18 years and have lived in Four Rivers for the past 11 years. I retired as the COO of Caithness Energy Company in NY in 2010. My position in this company was to manage and operate over 30 wind , solar, and geothermal energy projects throughout the country. I am currently employed as the CEO of B4C Technologies in Palm City. I have a Batchelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA. I look forward to working with the new Board to better maintain and improve the quality of our community, as it is one of the best in Martin County.
Thank you,
Ken Hoffman
Ron Hutchinson
1. I have enjoyed sharing our wonderful Four Rivers Community since April 1993. We used to, and some still do, refer to Four Rivers as “The Best Kept Secret in Martin County”. It must be said that over the years the camaraderie we shared has sometimes been presented with small disagreements, but as neighbors and friends we have always solved these issues to the satisfaction of the members.
2. I have served on the board as follows:
a. 1994 Vice President serving with Owen Fleischhacker..
b. 2001 Waterways Director. Negotiated Contract and completed deep dredging of all canals.
c. 2004 Waterways. Completed end of year vacancy.
d. 2005 President. Completed publication and acceptance of existing By-Laws.
e. 2008 Vice President serving with Robert Matheson.
3. As we all know there is much discussion regarding the repair of the roads and a professional survey has been completed. During my career as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Managing the Marine Operations for the University of Miami Oceanographic School for 14 years, I had the opportunity to write detailed specifications, evaluate, negotiate, award and oversee many complicated and diverse projects. I believe my experience will be valuable to our community in assisting in the satisfactory repair and continued maintenance of our roads at minimum cost. I will seek professional and member assistance with this project and attempt, to the best of my abilities, to provide Our Community with a successful project. I will appreciate your assistance in helping me complete this job.
Respectfully,
Ron Hutchinson
1. I have enjoyed sharing our wonderful Four Rivers Community since April 1993. We used to, and some still do, refer to Four Rivers as “The Best Kept Secret in Martin County”. It must be said that over the years the camaraderie we shared has sometimes been presented with small disagreements, but as neighbors and friends we have always solved these issues to the satisfaction of the members.
2. I have served on the board as follows:
a. 1994 Vice President serving with Owen Fleischhacker..
b. 2001 Waterways Director. Negotiated Contract and completed deep dredging of all canals.
c. 2004 Waterways. Completed end of year vacancy.
d. 2005 President. Completed publication and acceptance of existing By-Laws.
e. 2008 Vice President serving with Robert Matheson.
3. As we all know there is much discussion regarding the repair of the roads and a professional survey has been completed. During my career as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer, Managing the Marine Operations for the University of Miami Oceanographic School for 14 years, I had the opportunity to write detailed specifications, evaluate, negotiate, award and oversee many complicated and diverse projects. I believe my experience will be valuable to our community in assisting in the satisfactory repair and continued maintenance of our roads at minimum cost. I will seek professional and member assistance with this project and attempt, to the best of my abilities, to provide Our Community with a successful project. I will appreciate your assistance in helping me complete this job.
Respectfully,
Ron Hutchinson
