BPRA Annual Board Members Election - 2021 Candidates (4 positions, 4 candidates)

Ted Bechtol

1. Age (optional): Retired

2. Occupation:  Landscape management. I worked at a variety private, non-profit, local and federal government facilities.

3. Length of time living in the Strathmore Bel Pre neighborhood:  We have lived in the Strathmore Bel Pre community for 32 years and raised two girls here.

4. What are your most recent contributions for/to our community?Most recently I have served on the Board for two terms.  Previously, in the 1990’s I served for about 10 years.

5. What do you see as the most important function of the Recreational Association?  I see the function of the Recreational Association to be responsibly caring out all regulations and By-Laws of the community, including fiduciary responsibility, with transparency.

6. What is your vision for the Board of the Recreational Association?I see the Board made up of committed members working collaboratively in managing the organization and its physical assets.  My particular interest is improving the physical facilities and the landscape in order to provide a safe and pleasing environment for all activities, a community amenity.

7. How would you build community in Strathmore-Bel Pre?  I think that the Board can build a stronger sense of community by supporting as possible a wide variety of activities and events generated both internally and presented by other community individuals and organizations.

Steve Jennison

1. Age (optional): 66

2. Occupation: Automotive Management (Retired)

3. Length of time living in the Strathmore/Bel Pre neighborhood: 36 years

4. What are your most recent contributions for/to our community)?I am currently a member of the Board of Directors with my 3 year term expiring this year. This is currently my 4th term on the Board of Directors.

5. What do you see as the most important function of the Recreational Association? To maintain the Strathmore Bel Pre community pool, tennis court facility & grounds.

6. What is your vision for the Board of the Recreational Association? I believe that the Board of Directors should represent all Strathmore Bel Pre Rec. Association members and govern in the best interest of everyone.

7. How would you build community in Strathmore-Bel Pre? Offer a variety of activities & events for community members to join, if so desired.

Rodney Oo

1. Age (optional):  50

2. Occupation: Restauranteur

3. Length of time living in the Strathmore/Bel Pre neighborhood: 8 years

4. What are your most recent contributions for/to our community)?  Operated the snack bar at the pool for Summer 2021.

5. What do you see as the most important function of the Recreational Association?  Upkeep of the neighborhood and maintain all the good work established by the previous members.

6. What is your vision for the Board of the Recreational Association?  Establish new and creative ideas to build relations with our neighbors during these unprecedented times.

7. How would you build community in Strathmore-Bel Pre?  More community events, create a welcoming committee and volunteer opportunities for those interested.

Karen Purdy

1. Age (optional): 

2. Occupation:  I am currently a stay at home mom of 3 kids and an (almost) full time volunteer. I have a degree in Civil Engineering with experience in Construction Management (roads, bridges & buildings) and Construction Dispute Claims and Resolution.

3. Length of time living in the Strathmore/Bel Pre neighborhood: 20 years

4. What are your most recent contributions for/to our community? I have served on the BPRA Board and been the Chair of the BPRA Long Term Planning Committee since February 2018, and I have been BPRA President since December 2019.  In those positions I spearheaded the successful campaign to increase the Annual Assessment, securing the financial future of the association; developed the first Five Year Plan for BPRA facilities; with the BPRA Treasurer, led the implementation of the new online BPRA eSoft Planner portal for pool check in and online assessment payment; worked to streamline BPRA procedures; and successfully led the development and implementation of COVID era policies and procedures.I have been the Strathmore Bel Pre Dolphins Swim Team A Meet Manager since 2016.  In that time, I have worked to increase our parent volunteer participation, created a new team website, worked with the Dolphins Board and coaches to make important policy decisions for the team and with the Dolphins Board, successfully developed and implemented COVID era policies and procedures for practices, events and swim meets.  I am a past Bel Pre School PTA Book Fair Chair for two schools, a past PTA Treasurer and past Board Member of a co-op preschool (6 years on the Board, 5 years as Treasurer.)  In addition, I volunteer in my children' schools as needed, and as time permits.

5. What do you see as the most important function of the Recreational Association?  I believe the most important function of the BPRA Board is to maintain and upgrade our aging facilities in a fiscally responsible way.

6. What is your vision for the Board of the Recreational Association?I believe the Board should continue its focus on maintaining and upgrading our facilities and continue to automate and streamline our systems, outsourcing certain tasks to ease the burden on our volunteers and create a sustainable management system for our community.  The Board should encourage more member involvement in the Board and Committees to expand our volunteer base.

7. How would you build community in Strathmore-Bel Pre?  I would continue to offer community activities such as the BlocktoberFest, Spring Thing and Summer Entertainment Series and would continue to encourage all members of the community to use our pool, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball court and other amenities (and have their kids and grandkids join the swim team!)  In addition, I would encourage all community members to volunteer in the community in some way. We have many talented members with a wealth of knowledge and skill that could benefit the community. Working together to maintain our facilities, plan events, and welcome neighbors will help us get to know each other, facilitate friendships, and build a sense of community.