LSA Better Together

Congratulations to the winners. It was a contentious election, but the community has spoken.
Thank you to the volunteers and Mary Walsh who worked hard this morning organizing, counting and tallying the ballots for the HOA election. It was a daunting task.
Thank you to everyone who supported our campaign and returned your ballot. This election had the most community participation in a long while.
We hope that the LSA community remains engaged and continues to have open, honest and transparent discussions about the budget and things that impact our community.
This election may not have turned out in our favor, however we hope that our campaign has cracked open the door to change.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Closing statements:

Doug DeSchepper's answer is below:
I am running for the Lake Summerset Board of Directors to bring balance, experience, and a collaborative approach to the table. With over 23 years of experience working with boards as a Building Administrator, I have gained deep insights into board operations, teamwork, and leadership. My focus on listening to the community and fostering transparent communication will help build a stronger, more unified Lake Summerset. I am excited about the opportunity to serve and look forward to earning your vote. Thank you.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #6
Serving as an LSA Board Director requires a large amount of time, commitment…. (etc.) Please share how you plan to utilize your unique talents and life experience to improve the quality of life here at Lake Summerset?

Doug DeSchepper's answer is below:
With effective communication skills and a commitment to transparency, I will ensure that the community’s input is heard and valued by the board. My experience as a public school administrator taught me the importance of fiscal responsibility and setting achievable long-term goals. Over 23 years, I have maintained an excellent board and committee attendance record, and I will bring that same dedication to serving the Lake Summerset community.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #5
In your opinion, should Lake Summerset set any boating, invasive species, or golf cart training classes to be mandatory? Why or why not?

Doug DeSchepper's answer is below:
While safety is a priority, we should be cautious about adding more rules to the already lengthy red book. If minimal guidelines can effectively ensure safety, then education—like optional training on boating, invasive species, or golf carts—could be a better solution. This approach helps protect the lake and its members without overregulating.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #4
Tell us about any prior history being on any committees, club, red or bluebook rule changes that you were a part of?

Doug DeSchepper's answer is below:
During my 23 years as a public school administrator, I gained extensive committee experience in finance, operations, strategic planning, and policy. I successfully led an $11 million building project at Orangeville CUSD without raising taxes and chaired a policy committee that made regular updates every two to three months. I maintained a strong record of attending and actively participating in board and committee meetings throughout my career.
Doug and his wife, Chris are members of the LSA Pickleball Club.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #3
Name the three highest priorities (goals) that you have as the main focus of your being on the board?

Doug DeSchepper's answer is below:
a. My top priorities are:
i. Ensuring fiscal responsibility through transparency and community input.
ii. Planning for the long-term maintenance of roads and buildings.
iii. Prioritizing safety, from road conditions to lake use, with clear communication and annual updates to the community.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #2
Some LSA members have expressed that they do not feel the dues process is fully transparent. Share your thoughts regarding LSA’s communication with the dues process and whether you think there should be any improvement-and if so, what would it be?

Doug DeSchepper's answer is below:
Transparency in the budget and dues process is crucial. We can improve communication by using multiple platforms—email, social media, and open forums—early in the budget process to gather community feedback. Listening to residents’ concerns will help ensure the dues reflect the needs of all, and we may even consider surveys to make this process more inclusive and efficient. I understand that LSA is an economically diverse community. As a new board member, it is essential to know that the price of everyday items and services has increased exponentially. Families, seniors, and businesses have had to tighten their belts and reduce expenses.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #1
What is your reason for running for the board and your vision for maintaining and improving Lake Summerset?

Doug DeSchepper's answer is below:
I want to ensure our community's voice is heard and that decisions are made transparently. With years of experience in leadership, strategic planning, and finance, I am committed to thoughtful, research-based decision-making that reflects residents' needs. I aim to foster respectful collaboration and a financially sound future for Lake Summerset.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night, Doug DeSchepper's introduction is below:

Introduce yourself:
I grew up in the small farming community of Toulon, IL, where community service was a core value instilled by my parents. That passion led me to a 33-year career in education, earning a Master's and Doctorate in Educational Administration and eventually becoming a School Superintendent in 2006. My wife and I have called Lake Summerset home for 18 years, raising our two daughters here. Now retired after serving as Superintendent of Orangeville CUSD, I am eager to bring my experience and dedication to the LSA Board of Directors

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Closing statements:

Kevin Shirley's answer is below:
The Board of Directors’ purpose is to represent the members of the community as a whole. The members of the Board do not necessarily have to agree on everything personally, but need to come together for the benefit of the membership. These goals should be what is best for the membership and not necessarily for the Board. In order to do this the Board must function as a single unit with a common set of goals and communicate fully amongst each other and not separately by excluding certain members due to differences of opinion. The Board can, has and will make mistakes. The key is to own up to them, communicate them to the membership and then move forward together and address them.
I look forward to your support and serving on YOUR Board of Directors!

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #6
Serving as an LSA Board Director requires a large amount of time, commitment,,,(etc,) Please share how you plan to utilize your unique talents and life experiences to improve the quality of life here at Lake Summerset?

Kevin Shirley's answer is below:
After 35 years of managing and being responsible for the success of numerous large organizations, including my own, I am confident that I can contribute to the betterment of the Lake Summerset community. I also will need to keep myself busy when I retire in the next few years.

For those who could not attend the CRC's Meet the Candidate Night.

Question #5
In your opinion should Lake Summerset set any boating, invasive species or golf cart training classes to be mandatory. Why or why not?

Kevin Shirley's answer is below:
I think that membership input is essential regarding determining if any boating, invasive species, or golf cart training classes be made to be mandatory. At this point I would keep them voluntary but also provide as much easily accessible information to the membership as possible as well as try to encourage them to take these courses via the LS website. It is a topic that needs to be presented to the membership via the surveys that can go out with the dues renewal. Perhaps a Survey and Information Committee should be started and implemented?