Anyone have some extra spare time? Our condo, like many in our neighborhood, I suspect, is long on needs and short on volunteers. It's one thing that our building is overstocked with white-collar professionals and understocked with, say, people who know how to use a wrench (although if we get attacked by a bunch of marauders with writs, we'll be just fine). It's far more discouraging that the mention of serving on the condo board makes our neighbors break out in a rash and disappear. (E., I will add, served on the board for four years and I have been the sole member of the gardening committee since 2002, so we are doing our bit.)

Not much has been written about this problem, although a lawyer in New Jersey has this to say:

If, because of apathy, complete satisfaction or otherwise, only one owner volunteers to serve on a condominium's board, then that board becomes a board of one (1) and that one (1) trustee will, in effect, make all decisions. This is generally why even in small condominiums, more than one person is ready, willing and able to serve in this capacity.

Anyone interested in a power trip? Anyone? Anyone?

Related links:

List of resources for community associations.

Housing Counsel column in Washington Post.