What Makes a Friends of Ken Lake Candidate?

friendsofkenlake
Oct 22
2 min read

Defining a Friends of Ken Lake Candidate

A Friends of Ken Lake candidate embodies a collaborative, transparent, and stewardship-oriented approach to community leadership. These candidates view the HOA not as a platform for authority but as a tool for collective care — for both people and the environment.

Core Qualities

Collaborative and Respectful
- Values civil dialogue and inclusion over argument or division.
- Listens actively and seeks consensus where possible.
- Believes the board should model mutual respect and cooperation.
Transparent and Accountable
- Supports open board meetings, accessible documentation, and proactive communication.
- Prioritizes clear processes for decision-making and budgeting.
- Welcomes resident input and believes in explaining the “why” behind board actions.
Community-Oriented
- Sees governance as service, not control.
- Invests in events, education, and volunteerism that build relationships among neighbors.
- Values diversity of voices and encourages engagement from all residents, not just the most vocal.
Environmentally Responsible
- Champions sustainable practices, long-term planning, and care for natural resources like Ken Lake and Kaiser Woods.
- Understands that environmental stewardship and community well-being are inseparable.
Constructive and Solution-Focused
- Brings practical, positive ideas instead of blame or hostility.
- Approaches challenges as opportunities for improvement.
- Is comfortable working through process and policy rather than personality.
Ethical and Self-Aware
- Avoids conflicts of interest and personal agendas.
- Recognizes the role of the board as a fiduciary body serving all residents.
- Values training, professionalism, and continual learning in governance.

Who Makes a Great FoKL Candidate?

A Friends of Ken Lake endorsed candidate is someone who:

Listens before deciding.
Seeks collaboration over confrontation.
Values sustainability, fairness, and inclusion.
Understands that governance is about service, not control.
Communicates clearly and follows through on commitments.
Leads with curiosity, compassion, and a long-term vision.

They are residents who want to strengthen relationships, care for our shared spaces, and build a positive culture of trust and teamwork within the HOA.

Encouraging Future Leaders

We look for potential board and committee members who have shown dedication through:

Volunteering (e.g., Mower Posse, Urban Forest Angels, Events Committee)
Participating in community discussions with respect and thoughtfulness
Supporting sustainability and education initiatives
Modeling the neighborly spirit that makes Ken Lake exceptional

If this sounds like you — or someone you know — we’d love to connect. Let’s keep building a community where every voice matters, and every neighbor feels empowered to contribute.

Earning a Friends of Ken Lake Endorsement

Neighbors who are interested in a Friends of Ken Lake (FoKL) endorsement are encouraged to reach out early in the election season to learn more about the group’s shared principles and collaborative approach.

Endorsements are made collectively by current FoKL-aligned board members and prior endorsed candidates, based on a shared commitment to the group’s core values: respect, transparency, sustainability, and service.

The goal isn’t to gatekeep — it’s to ensure that the FoKL slate reflects a team of candidates who not only share these values, but who also demonstrate a genuine willingness to work together constructively for the good of the entire Ken Lake community.