(Sept. 8, 2016) The Ocean Pines Association announced this week that a special meeting will be held this Friday to replace departing Ocean Pines Associations Director Pat Renaud, who resigned on Aug. 29, citing both political frustration and health issues.
According to Ocean Pines bylaws, vacancies on the board of directors “shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Directors within thirty (30) days” and will serve until the next annual meeting, in August.
Renaud said last week the termination of Bob Thompson’s general manager contract was one of the main reasons for his resignation.
“Another reason is that I have had some health problems that I have to take care of,” he said. “I’ve had enough … I don’t think there’s anything I could accomplish in this year if I stayed on, except to be more frustrated.”
On Friday morning, the Gazette attempted to contact the six other members of the board by email, asking if a meeting had been scheduled to discuss replacing Renaud and whether there might be a short list of candidates.
Only one director had responded as of press time, Tuesday.
“Speaking for myself, the obvious, logical choice must be the next highest vote getter,” Cheryl Jacobs said. “What better representation of the community’s desire, this close to the election, could there be?”
Jacobs was referring to Frank Daly, who received 1,028 votes and finished fourth during the election. Steve Lind, who finished fifth and received 875 votes, is also believed to be in consideration, according to sources close to the board.
“It has always been President [Tom] Herrick’s stated objective to represent what the majority of the residents want and I can think of nothing more representative of the will of the people than to appoint the next person in line, by a wide margin, Mr. Daly,” Jacobs said.
The Gazette also attempted to contact interim General Manager Brett Hill on Friday morning. He has not responded to requests for an interview.