1st Priority Update

The alleged uncontained strong-armed tactics of 1^st Priority Restoration continues. Debt collection Attorney, Ms. Rhonda Zimmerman – who has also represented, Dan Gladstone, has begun to issue, liens and lawsuits on behalf of her clients, 1^st Priority.

For the record, one particular property, on Ms Zimmerman’s list, had permit complete issued months ago, yet still remains uninhabitable. The only thing that’s changed since last year, is the bill, estimated at a staggering $58,000.

Despite Gladstone’s assurances, that came from the all too familiar slick soothing words, “Don’t worry about it, I will take care of you”, some residents are finding, to their cost, that signing a 1^st Priority contract may ultimately lead to the loss of their homes. Or what’s now left of them!

There are cases were Gladstone and the man he dubbed  ‘our friend’ - self proclaimed, Century Village Public Adjuster, Ken Hecht, obviously, didn’t take into account that a percentage of homeowner’s insurance carriers would refute some claims. Unfortunately, the discovery came after the ‘heads I win, tails you lose’, contracts had been signed and hammer happy 1^st Priority had gutted the apartments.

In my opinion, outgoing President Loewenstein, with exquisite lack of sensitivity, gave a highly economical version of the truth at last Friday’s Delegate Assembly.He did little if, anything, to clarify the current situation, apart from laying the entire blame, like Gladstone, unfairly, against the county. He appeared to believe that the problem was solved now that, the suddenly magnanimous, 1^st Priority had begun to ‘fix’ certain problems.Whilst this, like some of his statement, is partially true, he appeared oblivious that this sudden act of generosity from 1^st Priority was being conducted whilst the company’s debt attorney attempted to collect money from, now,  destitute residents. 

At the moment three law firms are working on separate cases. Two victims now face the very serious possibility of losing their homes.I was informed late last week that one lawsuit has been filed against 1^st Priority and class action status will be sought as soon as possible.

Without exception, the attorneys involved remain completely aghast at how this situation has ever been allowed to develop, let alone  reach this stage. Consequently, a lawsuit against UCO for negligence is under review.

 We are all now aware that the sanctimonious six - having been successful in disassociating UCO from the blog, will not demean themselves by reading this.Unless, of course, they may be tempted to subversively glance at the new blog for the protection of the sudden serge of new owners expected to deluge our community any day!

Should, which I doubt, this is the real reason, would it not have been wiser for them to leave this UCO communication door open to assist those who already live here? Isn’t charity supposed to start at home?What greater recommendation for any community than that of one with the humanity to own up to its mistakes, deal with them and show consideration and compassion to their neighbors?

Perhaps, once installed, the new administration, will ensure that once 1^st Priority complete their outstanding contracts they are never allowed to work in this village again.

Perhaps too, the new administration should seriously consider calling an independent inquiry as to exactly how this situation was so blatantly allowed to arise, expose all those who were involved and report on what safeguards need to be put in place to ensure such a wretched situation is never allowed to happen again.

As for Dan Gladstone he now has the perfect opportunity to prove what he has always maintained, having the best interests of our community at heart. He needs to accept his defeat gracefully, accept his responsibility in this matter and finally, once and for all, get his priority’s right.