ELECTION 2010: GreyHawk Landing CDD Seat 3

In the weeks leading up to the general election, which will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2, The East County Observer will profile contested races pertinent to East County residents.

Twelve GreyHawk Landing residents are lobbying for the opportunity to represent the community as it transitions from developer-controlled to resident-controlled. Julie Mekhail and Marcia Weaver are vying for Seat 3.

CDD Seat 3
Julie Mekhail
Age: 44
Family: Married to Col. Tarek Mekhail with twin sons, Brian and Christian
Hometown: Baldwinsville, N.Y.
Education: Associate’s degree in applied science; bachelor’s degree in business and finance; Defense Intelligence Agency Joint Military Attaché School Spouse Training Program, distinguished graduate
Career: Financial adviser with Edward Jones Investments 

Why are you running for a CDD seat? 
I am running for a seat on the CDD board because I am committed to being a good neighbor and improving our community.

What is your prior experience as a community leader?
I have served as treasurer of the Young Republicans group at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, as a Boy Scout leader in Stafford Va., and in Jordan, as president of my HOA in Valrico, and as a First Responder for the U.S. Embassy in Jordan.

What do you feel currently are the biggest challenges facing residents in your district and the CDD board?
Vacant residences, poorly kept homes and a lack of security. Our homes are our biggest investments, and these problems greatly affect the value of our houses and the quality of our lives.
 
What life or business experiences do you have that would have a positive influence on your service as a board member? 
I am fiscally conservative and a self-starter, and I believe everyone should be treated equally. I have worked in other communities to bring up housing values and to bring a more positive attitude to the residents.

As a supervisor, what would be your goals for the coming year?
To ensure that emergency funds are used for emergencies and if funds are left at the end of the year, (to make sure) they are given back to the residents or held for the following year, not have new items added. (I want to make sure) people are treated with respect and equally.

Marcia A. Weaver
Age: 62
Family: Married with two children and six grandchildren
Hometown: Sandusky, Ohio
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management
Career: More than 32 years with General Motors Corp. in various management positions

Why are you running for a CDD seat? 
Two seats are being vacated by the developer and turned over to the residents. I feel that it is important that knowledgeable and experienced residents fill these vacated seats.

What is your prior experience as a community leader?
I served as a volunteer on the Finance Committee for several years, which developed the annual budget for GreyHawk Landing CDD Board of Supervisors. I chaired this committee during one of those years. I have been a volunteer on the Homeowner’s Association Committee since its inception and currently volunteer as secretary of the HOA Committee.

What do you feel currently are the biggest challenges facing residents in your district and the CDD board?
There are a number of foreclosed homes in our community, and most residents are feeling the effects of the economy. It is incumbent upon the CDD board to examine each line item in our budget and ensure that each dollar is spent wisely.

What life or business experiences do you have that would have a positive influence on your service as a board member? 
While employed, I held a variety of job assignments, which involved having to successfully work with peer groups, corporate management and unions, as well as international companies.

As a supervisor, what would be your goals for the coming year?
One of my goals is to ensure we develop a budget that will provide for the “needs” of the community. Security has been an issue of most of our residents for many years. Another goal is to finally implement our camera and security system.