Just want to let all Association Boards know that according to what I have discovered recently, if you have a lawsuit or lien filed against your Association (does not apply to homeowners) by 1st Priority, MC enterprises, Ken Hecht, or anyone else, you can use the lawyers from your association's insurance carrier to fight for you. It's included in your policy. Just contact Plasteridge Agency and provide them with a copy of the lawsuit / lien paperwork. They will contact the insurance company of record at the time of the occurrence. Their lawyers will take the case and work on your behalf at no cost to the association.
Lee
Showing posts with label 1st Priority / Gladstone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1st Priority / Gladstone. Show all posts
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
1ST. Priority
Can anyone update us on the status of the First Priority fiasco?
Still seeing their trucks in the Village. Any news ?
Thanks for any info.
Still seeing their trucks in the Village. Any news ?
Thanks for any info.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Condo News Article - Part 2 -Postponed
I just wanted to thank the many callers and well wishers who have expressed their support and thanks for my efforts in writing the Condo News article. The feedback has been overwhemingly complimentary. I even heard from a volunteer at UCO that they have never seen such high demand for the Condo News before or seen the papers fly off of the rack as they have for this edition! Thanks again to all of you for your kind words...
For those of you who have called me asking where to find the 2nd part of the three part series of articles on Condo Assn Repair Scams, it was not published in the latest edition of the Condo News as planned. Reason: it's much too long. I wasn't able to shorten it as much as necessary to fit the paper. The editor had a deadline to meet and had to go to press, so this edition's article is a "no go". We'll have to rework it for the next edition, which may not even be possible. I don't think I can figure out a way to tell the whole story in two pages instead of four without destroying the essence of how we became victims and I won't compromise my story to satisfy any concerns for "Political Correctness".
I may just change it from it's current format, where I created a fictitious story of how our village was victimized, using fake names and companies, and drawing upon actual victim testimony, audio and video depositions, documentation, and personal eyewitness accounts, to a different format where I will describe signs and symptoms to look for when or if these scammers come knocking at your door. I may just incorporate it into the third part of the series titled "How to protect yourself" and skip part 2 altogether. Not sure yet. Let's see how it plays out.
For those of you who have called me asking where to find the 2nd part of the three part series of articles on Condo Assn Repair Scams, it was not published in the latest edition of the Condo News as planned. Reason: it's much too long. I wasn't able to shorten it as much as necessary to fit the paper. The editor had a deadline to meet and had to go to press, so this edition's article is a "no go". We'll have to rework it for the next edition, which may not even be possible. I don't think I can figure out a way to tell the whole story in two pages instead of four without destroying the essence of how we became victims and I won't compromise my story to satisfy any concerns for "Political Correctness".
I may just change it from it's current format, where I created a fictitious story of how our village was victimized, using fake names and companies, and drawing upon actual victim testimony, audio and video depositions, documentation, and personal eyewitness accounts, to a different format where I will describe signs and symptoms to look for when or if these scammers come knocking at your door. I may just incorporate it into the third part of the series titled "How to protect yourself" and skip part 2 altogether. Not sure yet. Let's see how it plays out.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
1st Priority Update
Does any one remember those wild exaggerated claims made by 1st Priority Restoration last February when, aided and abetted by the former UCO administration, homeless residents where promised they would be home in a matter of weeks?
Does anyone remember former UCO President George Loewenstein's rather tardy reaction after allowing 1st Priority to swing through the village like demented Tarzan's gutting allegedly mold infested apartments for months?
Unlike most of us with a conscious, he was seemingly unaware that his neighbours were being thrown out of their apartments at all times of the day and night in the name of insurance claims.
And who could forget one of the most famous Insurance Guru Gladstone's Gaff's “No out of pocket expenses”. Well I guess not if you expect displaced residents to sleep on park benches for months. But as those who have been subjected to this appalling scenario will tell you, hotels and short term leases cost money.
Last week, just over seven months after his apartment was gutted, one resident actually saw a glimmer of hope when an eight man 1st Priority crew turned up. Obviously, it had nothing to do with an ultimatum given by the attorney handling this residents pending lawsuit against the restoration company.
Knowing 1st Priority's attorney the lovely Rhonda Zimmerman's predilection for paperwork it would have been hoped that she would have advised her clients - lawsuit recipients 1st Priority, and Insurance adjuster Ken Hecht - former insurance chair Dan Gladstone being represented, on this occasion by a different law, firm,to get a move on earlier.
Alas there was a problem – mold!! New mold.
Well that's was the highly scientific conclusion reached by 1st Priority Restoration Mastermind, Salamon Teboul, who had 'tremors in his tehina' at the mere sight of the stuff. In actual fact it was more black mark than mold as Pro-Lab – the same company used by 1st Priority, confirmed to the buildings association .
Incidentally should any resident wish to cut out the middle man, these Pro-Lab kits are available at Home Depot for just over $10. Laboratory Analysis costs and extra $45.
Possibly we could all be forgiven for thinking that the alleged re-appearance of mold in this apartment was just another in the long list of excuses by 1st Priority and their supporters.
But, it would appear that the imminent threat of liability by default certainly captured the attention of the rather reluctant restoration company despite the unforgettable co-defendant Gladstone's 'verbal mistake' in declaring this particular case dismissed.
Possibly all those affected by one of the most shameful episodes in Century Villages' history may now consider similar action. Whilst one resident, after seven months in exile may be able to return home , lets not forget the others who may not be as fortunate.
Does anyone remember former UCO President George Loewenstein's rather tardy reaction after allowing 1st Priority to swing through the village like demented Tarzan's gutting allegedly mold infested apartments for months?
Unlike most of us with a conscious, he was seemingly unaware that his neighbours were being thrown out of their apartments at all times of the day and night in the name of insurance claims.
And who could forget one of the most famous Insurance Guru Gladstone's Gaff's “No out of pocket expenses”. Well I guess not if you expect displaced residents to sleep on park benches for months. But as those who have been subjected to this appalling scenario will tell you, hotels and short term leases cost money.
Last week, just over seven months after his apartment was gutted, one resident actually saw a glimmer of hope when an eight man 1st Priority crew turned up. Obviously, it had nothing to do with an ultimatum given by the attorney handling this residents pending lawsuit against the restoration company.
Knowing 1st Priority's attorney the lovely Rhonda Zimmerman's predilection for paperwork it would have been hoped that she would have advised her clients - lawsuit recipients 1st Priority, and Insurance adjuster Ken Hecht - former insurance chair Dan Gladstone being represented, on this occasion by a different law, firm,to get a move on earlier.
Alas there was a problem – mold!! New mold.
Well that's was the highly scientific conclusion reached by 1st Priority Restoration Mastermind, Salamon Teboul, who had 'tremors in his tehina' at the mere sight of the stuff. In actual fact it was more black mark than mold as Pro-Lab – the same company used by 1st Priority, confirmed to the buildings association .
Incidentally should any resident wish to cut out the middle man, these Pro-Lab kits are available at Home Depot for just over $10. Laboratory Analysis costs and extra $45.
Possibly we could all be forgiven for thinking that the alleged re-appearance of mold in this apartment was just another in the long list of excuses by 1st Priority and their supporters.
But, it would appear that the imminent threat of liability by default certainly captured the attention of the rather reluctant restoration company despite the unforgettable co-defendant Gladstone's 'verbal mistake' in declaring this particular case dismissed.
Possibly all those affected by one of the most shameful episodes in Century Villages' history may now consider similar action. Whilst one resident, after seven months in exile may be able to return home , lets not forget the others who may not be as fortunate.
Monday, May 17, 2010
CONDO NEWS ARTICLES
LEE HUNT HAS WRITTEN AN ARTICLE ABOUT OUR CONDO DIFFICULTIES IN THE CONDO NEWS. HE PLANS TWO MORE. BE SURE AND READ THEM.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Update on Victims Rights Group (VRG) (Victims Rights Group) V.O.I.C.E.S. Campaign
(reposted with changes)
Now that I'm back on the blog, I want to update those of you who were adversely affected and displaced from their homes as a result of water damage casualties that occurred over the past year. I have been working toward goals that were outlined during our V.O.I.C.E.S. (Victims Of Insurance Casualties Expressing Self Determination) Campaign meeting on February 22nd, 2010. Although you haven't heard or seen much from the Victims Rights Group or V.O.I.C.E.S. publicly, a lot of activity and endless hours have been spent trying to accomplish the goals I laid out at our first meeting:
1. First and foremost was the goal to prevent any further contractor victimization in CV. It appears that the V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign, in concert with others in the village, has been very successful thus far, as the number of new victims at the hands of these unscrupulous contractors has been reduced dramatically! This was done through educating presidents and residents and making as many people aware of the consequences of doing business with companies of their type. However, there are still a few uninformed presidents and/or owners who have not yet heard or refuse to believe the information that has been distributed. As a result, we now have another similar issue at Windsor A. I have posted a separate blog entry on how to handle insurance casualty claims to give those who need help some ideas so they can avoid going down the same road that took so many other victims to calamity.
2. Secondly, I wanted to gather as much information as possible through video and audio interviews with victims who have been displaced for the purpose of assimilating this information to establish patterns and to gather statistics that will prove useful to both civil and criminal officials. We have also been very successful in this area, as a significant amount of information has been gathered. I have interviewed many victims who have provided a plethora of information however, if I have not interviewed you personally, and you would like to provide your own story or give information helpful to the case, please call me at 561-202-8460. For those of you who provided information to Jean Dowling, your information has not been forwarded to me. Therefore, you'll have to call me if you haven't already spoken to me personally.
Some very definite patterns of abuse, from not only contractors but others as well, have emerged. This information has proven to be very helpful to those who have an interest in pursuing justice for themselves or others, whether they are attorneys, law enforcement officials, victims, or association officials, etc.. This information has been passed to the appropriate resources for follow-up and are available to others if needed. However, understand that the wheels of justice turn very slowly, but I feel confident that once all the facts are known and distributed to all of the right people, you will begin to see those same wheels begin to turn much more quickly, so be patient...
3. The third goal was to provide a vehicle through which information can be shared with each and every resident and owner of Century Village. I am working on that issue right now. I hope to improve any existing forums we have in place presently and if necessary, start up a new group to exchange ideas that will be helpful to homeowners, residents, Boards of Administration, or anyone else who has the desire to make his home and association a better place to live. I hope to share information as a new member of the UCO insurance sub-committee.
To be sure, I have no hidden agendas, no political affiliations whatsoever, nor do I have any preference or bias towards persons, groups or anything else for that matter. I simply want to see that anyone who seeks the knowledge, desires to be proactive in preventing casualties, and wants the best for their home and Century Village, be given the opportunity to do so.
That's it for now. I'm planning to schedule another V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign meeting in the near future to provide further updates and to answer questions for you all. I will also have more on our information sharing initiative as we move forward in the coming weeks. We already have lots of good info to pass out!
Lee Hunt
Now that I'm back on the blog, I want to update those of you who were adversely affected and displaced from their homes as a result of water damage casualties that occurred over the past year. I have been working toward goals that were outlined during our V.O.I.C.E.S. (Victims Of Insurance Casualties Expressing Self Determination) Campaign meeting on February 22nd, 2010. Although you haven't heard or seen much from the Victims Rights Group or V.O.I.C.E.S. publicly, a lot of activity and endless hours have been spent trying to accomplish the goals I laid out at our first meeting:
1. First and foremost was the goal to prevent any further contractor victimization in CV. It appears that the V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign, in concert with others in the village, has been very successful thus far, as the number of new victims at the hands of these unscrupulous contractors has been reduced dramatically! This was done through educating presidents and residents and making as many people aware of the consequences of doing business with companies of their type. However, there are still a few uninformed presidents and/or owners who have not yet heard or refuse to believe the information that has been distributed. As a result, we now have another similar issue at Windsor A. I have posted a separate blog entry on how to handle insurance casualty claims to give those who need help some ideas so they can avoid going down the same road that took so many other victims to calamity.
2. Secondly, I wanted to gather as much information as possible through video and audio interviews with victims who have been displaced for the purpose of assimilating this information to establish patterns and to gather statistics that will prove useful to both civil and criminal officials. We have also been very successful in this area, as a significant amount of information has been gathered. I have interviewed many victims who have provided a plethora of information however, if I have not interviewed you personally, and you would like to provide your own story or give information helpful to the case, please call me at 561-202-8460. For those of you who provided information to Jean Dowling, your information has not been forwarded to me. Therefore, you'll have to call me if you haven't already spoken to me personally.
Some very definite patterns of abuse, from not only contractors but others as well, have emerged. This information has proven to be very helpful to those who have an interest in pursuing justice for themselves or others, whether they are attorneys, law enforcement officials, victims, or association officials, etc.. This information has been passed to the appropriate resources for follow-up and are available to others if needed. However, understand that the wheels of justice turn very slowly, but I feel confident that once all the facts are known and distributed to all of the right people, you will begin to see those same wheels begin to turn much more quickly, so be patient...
3. The third goal was to provide a vehicle through which information can be shared with each and every resident and owner of Century Village. I am working on that issue right now. I hope to improve any existing forums we have in place presently and if necessary, start up a new group to exchange ideas that will be helpful to homeowners, residents, Boards of Administration, or anyone else who has the desire to make his home and association a better place to live. I hope to share information as a new member of the UCO insurance sub-committee.
To be sure, I have no hidden agendas, no political affiliations whatsoever, nor do I have any preference or bias towards persons, groups or anything else for that matter. I simply want to see that anyone who seeks the knowledge, desires to be proactive in preventing casualties, and wants the best for their home and Century Village, be given the opportunity to do so.
That's it for now. I'm planning to schedule another V.O.I.C.E.S. campaign meeting in the near future to provide further updates and to answer questions for you all. I will also have more on our information sharing initiative as we move forward in the coming weeks. We already have lots of good info to pass out!
Lee Hunt
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Response to Removal of Update on the VRG (Victims Rights Group) VOICES Campaign Post
Dave,
I spent a lot of time putting together an update for all the folks who want to know what's happening that encompasses much more than the very small section of one or two sentences that you alluded to. Can you replace all but the section you disagreed with? I don't have a copy of what I wrote and don't want to go through the large amount of time it took to put the original post back together again from scratch.
I appreciate your concern to protect the truth. However, the next time you decide to censor my posts, if it is possible, a phone call would first be appreciated, if for no other reason than to give me the opportunity to save what was already on there, as I do not have a copy of the post and must start all over from scratch. If you must remove it immediately in the interest of time and saving my life, would you please save a copy of the text first?
I appreciate your concern for my life and safety, Dave. However, I respectfully disagree with your statement. There was no sensitive information on that post other than the generic statements regarding the fact that law enforcement is interested in the information regarding the victimization of our residents, a fact that is well known by those involved already. This very point was made to everyone as one of my goals during the VRG meeting held on February 22. They had reps at the meeting. This is not news to them. No one is that naive. No specific departments, divisions, officials, or other sensitive information was divulged as far as I can remember, since I can no longer see what I wrote. If you disagree, I'd like for you to call me and let me know. I'll be happy to correct the record. Others whom you know very well have already cited meetings with the State's Attorney several times both on the blog and at meetings. This is not news. I also believe, having been in law enforcement for a long time in positions where a top secret clearance is required to protect classified material, that I can easily determine what is considered sensitive and/or classified information.
Aside from the 1st amendment considerations which I won't go into at this point, if you want to pull my posts, I respectfully request a head's up ahead of time if possible so I can copy the text to rewrite it without starting again from scratch. There was a lot of other good info on there. I hope you understand. Put yourself in my shoes. I don't think you'd be too happy if someone censored information that you thought was of importance simply at their own discretion.
Maybe since this is the first time I've been censored, I may be overreacting. No biggie. I'll get over it. If you have a copy of the original post, can you email it to me? Again, thanks for looking after me... It's appreciated. :-)
PS There's no need to respond. Just call me instead if you want to chat. Thanks.
I spent a lot of time putting together an update for all the folks who want to know what's happening that encompasses much more than the very small section of one or two sentences that you alluded to. Can you replace all but the section you disagreed with? I don't have a copy of what I wrote and don't want to go through the large amount of time it took to put the original post back together again from scratch.
I appreciate your concern to protect the truth. However, the next time you decide to censor my posts, if it is possible, a phone call would first be appreciated, if for no other reason than to give me the opportunity to save what was already on there, as I do not have a copy of the post and must start all over from scratch. If you must remove it immediately in the interest of time and saving my life, would you please save a copy of the text first?
I appreciate your concern for my life and safety, Dave. However, I respectfully disagree with your statement. There was no sensitive information on that post other than the generic statements regarding the fact that law enforcement is interested in the information regarding the victimization of our residents, a fact that is well known by those involved already. This very point was made to everyone as one of my goals during the VRG meeting held on February 22. They had reps at the meeting. This is not news to them. No one is that naive. No specific departments, divisions, officials, or other sensitive information was divulged as far as I can remember, since I can no longer see what I wrote. If you disagree, I'd like for you to call me and let me know. I'll be happy to correct the record. Others whom you know very well have already cited meetings with the State's Attorney several times both on the blog and at meetings. This is not news. I also believe, having been in law enforcement for a long time in positions where a top secret clearance is required to protect classified material, that I can easily determine what is considered sensitive and/or classified information.
Aside from the 1st amendment considerations which I won't go into at this point, if you want to pull my posts, I respectfully request a head's up ahead of time if possible so I can copy the text to rewrite it without starting again from scratch. There was a lot of other good info on there. I hope you understand. Put yourself in my shoes. I don't think you'd be too happy if someone censored information that you thought was of importance simply at their own discretion.
Maybe since this is the first time I've been censored, I may be overreacting. No biggie. I'll get over it. If you have a copy of the original post, can you email it to me? Again, thanks for looking after me... It's appreciated. :-)
PS There's no need to respond. Just call me instead if you want to chat. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Information Sharing
Hi All,
For those few who wondered where that DGTLXRAY fellow went, I was unable to get on the blog for several weeks due to technical problems. If you're reading this, it means I made it back finally! WhooHooo!
On to the subject at hand - Information Sharing.
I would like to get together with other presidents/ Board members / and other knowledgeable folks living in the village to establish an open forum to discuss ideas and share information about common problems that I'm sure many would like to know about "but were afraid to ask" to use the old expression.. :-)
Having attended the last Insurance Committee meeting and the Plastridge Insurance meeting this morning, I, along with many other interested CV'er's learned a lot about UCO's path forward and how our insurance co. reps like Plastridge can help us with insurance claims and the processes involved. A lot of folks at the Plastridge meeting had many good questions and I'm sure many more had additional questions that weren't answered due to time constraints. There are many presidents who have been proactive and have already taken some excellent steps to prepare and protect their associations from future liability and monetary catastrophe. By doing so, they are also placing themselves in the envious position of probably having their association's insurance policy premiums reduced next year. There are those who would like to do the same but just don't quite know where to start or need some help.
That is why I'd like to start a group that can meet regularly to throw out ideas, ask questions, and, if nothing else, just share with other inquisitive minds, things they have done, contractors they have hired, innovative ideas; all that have worked for their associations.
If there is already a group that is meeting on a regular basis, that has good attendance, and that accomplishes all of the above, please let me know. I would like to attend. If not, let's form a group for this purpose. I'll be happy to facilitate it if needed. I've spoken to some very smart people around here and I'd love to pick their brains.. I too have done some things to make our assn much more protected from future casualties and I'd like to share our model with others who would like the help. Thanks much to UCO's Insurance Committee Chair Toni for her leadership at the committee meeting yesterday and to Chuck Knudsen for facilitating the very informative meeting today. Way to go guys!!
Lee Hunt
For those few who wondered where that DGTLXRAY fellow went, I was unable to get on the blog for several weeks due to technical problems. If you're reading this, it means I made it back finally! WhooHooo!
On to the subject at hand - Information Sharing.
I would like to get together with other presidents/ Board members / and other knowledgeable folks living in the village to establish an open forum to discuss ideas and share information about common problems that I'm sure many would like to know about "but were afraid to ask" to use the old expression.. :-)
Having attended the last Insurance Committee meeting and the Plastridge Insurance meeting this morning, I, along with many other interested CV'er's learned a lot about UCO's path forward and how our insurance co. reps like Plastridge can help us with insurance claims and the processes involved. A lot of folks at the Plastridge meeting had many good questions and I'm sure many more had additional questions that weren't answered due to time constraints. There are many presidents who have been proactive and have already taken some excellent steps to prepare and protect their associations from future liability and monetary catastrophe. By doing so, they are also placing themselves in the envious position of probably having their association's insurance policy premiums reduced next year. There are those who would like to do the same but just don't quite know where to start or need some help.
That is why I'd like to start a group that can meet regularly to throw out ideas, ask questions, and, if nothing else, just share with other inquisitive minds, things they have done, contractors they have hired, innovative ideas; all that have worked for their associations.
If there is already a group that is meeting on a regular basis, that has good attendance, and that accomplishes all of the above, please let me know. I would like to attend. If not, let's form a group for this purpose. I'll be happy to facilitate it if needed. I've spoken to some very smart people around here and I'd love to pick their brains.. I too have done some things to make our assn much more protected from future casualties and I'd like to share our model with others who would like the help. Thanks much to UCO's Insurance Committee Chair Toni for her leadership at the committee meeting yesterday and to Chuck Knudsen for facilitating the very informative meeting today. Way to go guys!!
Lee Hunt
Monday, April 19, 2010
First Things First.
Isn’t it a pity that 1st Priority Restoration aren’t nearly as industrious as their attorney, the lovely Rhonda Zimmerman?
One day last week, Ms. Zimmerman, who has also represented former insurance chair, Dan Gladstone, managed to file a total of five liens against residents living within the same building here in Century Village.
Pretty impressive, Ms. Z and almost, but not quite, as impressive as the guesstimated total of over $69,000 allegedly owed. Now that’s a lot of mold removal and renovation on five units.
I wonder what prompted this hefty thwack on the wrist? Were these residents collectively and openly defiant in refusing to pay their bills? Could they, by any chance, have just got fed up waiting for 1st Priority to finish their apartments? After all, Home Depot shopping one $59 vanity unit a pop takes time, and refused to meekly hand over their entire insurance checks as stipulated?
Not that I’m suggesting for one moment that the lien placed on a recently deceased residents home or these five a day filings, should be construed as intimidation but there does appears to be a consistency to the Rhonda Zimmerman’s handiwork. The letters N/A, which I take to mean Not Applicable, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong Rhonda, appears each time on her paperwork and always on the line that verifies certified mail has been received by the tardy bill payer. I have a vague notion that this to ensure that the lien recipient knows that the lien actually exist but I could be mistaken.
As mistaken as the exaggerated claim made by former UCO insurance chair Dan Gladstone and 1st Priority Restoration in stating – almost three months ago that displaced residents would be home in three weeks.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Another Mistake?
It was with some astonishment I noted Dan Gladstone’s announcement at last Friday’s Delegate Assembly that his recently acquired lawsuit had been dismissed. This incidentally came as an even bigger surprise to the attorney who filled it.
Perhaps the co-defendant should have checked with 1st Priority attorney, the lovely ,Rhonda Zimmerman first before waving a letter from his insurance company in the air.
Possibly this insurance carrier, would have warned him of the recklessness of making unsubstantiated statements on Camera. After all, he can hardly deny he said “The lawsuit has been thrown out “ and later “the lawsuit has been dismissed “. Now can he?
Perhaps he just forgot, because I believe attorneys and courts don’t look too favorably on blatant lying. Not only were his statements unethical they were untrue and there are many conditions that must be meet before this lawsuit is dismissed.
As yet they haven’t been and as the former insurance chair is fully aware, this 'holding of further fillings' is dependent, in part, on the actions of 1st Priority Restoration.
So for the misinformed, it was a mistake.
The lawsuit stands.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
To Sue or Not to Sue
A belated welcome to the blog Dan Gladstone.
I’m sure I’m not alone in finding your recent postings a little ambiguous but at least you now have an outlet to vent your spleen, which is remarkably informative and,at the very least,entertaining.
In fact your posts, with constant references to allegations of lies and lawsuits have me positively enthralled. Could you tell us all please just what those lies were and how many lawsuits you have ‘actually’ filed?
I haven’t had one.
In fact, my attorney laughed so hard at 'the letter’ sent January 28; I thought he was going to fall off his chair. Especially since I wasn’t even in the country when I was allegedly distributing offensive material in an attempt to ‘besmirch’ you. The letter demanded a written apology within ten days.
Have you forgotten you never received one? Nor, although you may care to have others believe differently, have I ever received the threatened lawsuit.
If you really want to play with the grown ups Mr. G you really are going to have start acting like one. On your own admission you now have more time on your hands. Wouldn’t it be better spent helping us to help those who have been out of their homes for months?
Meanwhile, before you nip down to the snake store for the anti-venom serum you need before posting on the blog again, may I suggest that you pick up any remaining remnants of your credibility and what is left of your dignity!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Rhonda Reads The Blog
For those of you who are interested I can confirm that 1st Priority attorney Ms. Rhonda Zimmerman is not a bloke.
Rhonda’s suspected gender change was dispelled beyond reasonable doubt – no man has such good taste in clothes, when she confirmed yesterday, that her slip into masculinity was nothing more than a document typo. I would like to congratulate attorney Rhonda on her choice of reading material too and can report without the mere hint of a lawsuit that: Rhonda Reads The Blog.
She also asked me to tell you how pretty she is. She is, very, and… modest!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Yesterday Came Too Soon.
Yesterday came too soon for Dan Gladstone. In his farewell column (UCO Reporter March) he forced us to relive, yet again, his past achievements. In fact he devoted the majority of his final epistle to his 'Helping Hands'.
Isn’t it a shame these hands didn’t extend to assisting residents, homeless due, at the very least, to his benign neglect of the 1st Priority Scandal.
What happened to the self-flagellating drama queen antics Gladstone displayed when this scandal was first exposed - filed away in his shoebox of ‘good deeds’ awaiting judgment day?
There is no doubt that in the past, where arrogant people have a tendency to dwell, Gladstone was an able volunteer and, quite rightly, he should be commended for his efforts.
Obviously I wouldn’t dare accuse him of double standards, even though I seem to recall our former insurance altruist was more than a bit miffed when reference was made to earlier events in his life. Why was his past, where he obviously derives so much pleasure from so irrelevant then?
Thankfully, Dave Israel and New UCO have not screamed foul and threat at the mere mention of investigative journalist. Nor have they attacked those who have had the temerity to pursue when all other avenues of redress had failed.
Without interference, New UCO, through it’s immediate co-operation has allowed the 1st Priority situation to come under closer scrutiny - working with us rather than against within the law. Whilst the process must seem painfully slow it is moving and as this story unfolds the future holds more than hope for our unintentionally homeless.
As Dan Gladstone clutches his shoebox of thanks in his hot “astronomical helping hands” I wonder if he realizes how downright insulting his final column was. Not so much as a sorry to those who would also like to live in the past and for whom, ‘Yesterday’ can’t come soon enough!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Scandalum Magnatum
March continues to be a busy month for 1st Priority Attorney, Ms. Rhonda Zimmerman. Whilst it’s not known if Ms. Zimmerman will be defending Dan Gladstone, she would appear to be representing her favorite company – 1st Priority Restoration in a recently filed lawsuit. The irrepressible Ms. Zimmerman has also, it would appear, found a new job.
According to documents filed in Palm Beach County Court on March 4th, Ms. Rhonda D Zimmerman Esq., is now the President of 1st Priority Restoration. She hasn’t had to move far to take up this alleged new post – just down the hall at 3389 Sheridan Street from Suite #479, which she shares with mold testing company, Florida Sciences Inc., to 1st Priority headquarters in suite #127.
Unless the debt-collecting attorney would care to confirm otherwise, Ms. Zimmerman Esq. has undergone a gender transformation. "She" now claims to be a "he", which is clearly visible in this Court document. Was it a mere slip of the pen caused by indecent haste to file this lien, or has new 1st Priority President, Ms. Rhonda Zimmerman, plans to 'expand' their 'reconstruction’ efforts?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Chuck and Take Cover
Adam 79, has moved 11 times, relying on sympathetic friends. Some unit owners still obligated to pay mortgages and maintenance fees face foreclosure. Some have moved away. Family has taken others in. One is in indigent care.“There was long stretch of avoidance of responsibility by institutions that were supposed to protect us”. claimed a unit owner.
Should you have assumed that the above paragraph refers to the victims of 1st Priority you would be wrong. It is taken from an Internet report published four years after a fire gutted Ventor B Century Village Deerfield Beach in 2005.
The building was underinsured, despite being part of a bulk insurance contract negotiated by the CV Deerfield Beach equivalent of UCO. Unfortunately, the stark similarities don’t end there. The insurance agent charged with the responsibility of the Deerfield insurance contracts, now part of the Ventor B class action suit is Plastridge.
West Palm Beach CV, Plastridge Insurance agent Charles E Knudsen, known to his friends as ‘Chuck’, has had a sudden and potentially expensive reminder of who exactly his clients are. As Dave Israel, reported on the blog in February, ‘Chuck’, sent a somewhat obtuse letter to policy-paying associations reminding them that he was at their service.
Sadly as 1st Priority victims can testify it’s too little too late and the damage has been done. Knudsen now claims to have put his trust in UCO and Dan Gladstone."He thought”, when he expressed his concerns regarding 1st Priority in the late summer of 2009 - not to us his clients, but to the Insurance Committee ‘someone’ would take notice - he failed to put it in writing. Knudsen’s severe case of writer's block occurred again toward the end of last year when he wrongly assumed that his policy- paying associations would be informed that building insurance carrier, Philadelphia, appeared ready to drop coverage because of the huge increase in water damage claims.
It wasn’t until three months later, at the Delegate Assembly on March 5th that Knudsen deemed fit to inform us that a more expensive insurance carrier 'Max Security' had replaced Philadelphia.Yet at the same meeting, ‘Chuck’ remained mute as former president George Loewienstein reiterated the argument Gladstone used in a T.V. news report; "The 1st Priority problem was down to the permit department."
Speaking with me recently, Knudson finally admitted that a major hold up was the inability of 1st Priority to provide adequate factual documentation to Philadelphia's insurance adjuster, Engle Martin,
dubbed by Gladstone as "not your friend". Engle Martin is making an enormous effort together with the belated involvement of ‘Chuck’, to ensure that these claims are settled quickly by our former insurance carrier Philadelphia. With funds finally at their disposal, 1st Priority Victims may be able to rebuild their homes and more importantly their lives.
Incidentally, ‘Chuck’s’ conscience was pricked again a few days ago.To his credit, he gave the alert that 1st Priority had found a new set of clients here in the Village.
It would have been hoped that lawsuit defendant Gladstone would had enough intelligence to stay out of this new equation. Alas, not so! When asked by an uninformed resident if 1st Priority was reliable, I can but hope he'd kept a straight face when he answered – “As good as any other”.
As the victims of Ventor B in Deerfield Beach have discovered, a class action law suit provides no quick fix, but it does serve to remind those responsible that the problem is not going away and that ALL those involved will be held accountable.
Monday, March 15, 2010
From The Desk Of Peter Amato
science says "The sun will go dark in half -a-million years"
That means 1st Priority, will have to finish
it's work, here in Century Village, in the dark,
That means 1st Priority, will have to finish
it's work, here in Century Village, in the dark,
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Peter Amato
From the Desk of Peter Amato
Everybody’s heard of
AESOPs fables…now comes Peter’s fables.
Once upon a time, a long, long time, ago (1970s) in a far, far away land. (California) lived a high school teacher who smoked marijuana with some of his students.
They told him how once a week they would go to Tijuana, where they would buy several pounds of marijuana and swim from Tijuana about a mile north with the marijuana strapped to their backs.
And turned this into several thousand dollars each week.
Being an enterprising person, within a month this high school teacher converted half the swimming team to nighttime drug runners.
Five years later this group was bribing the customs personal at the Tecate, Mexico border crossing.
But all good things must come to an end.
When one of the customs inspectors was arrested, this high school teacher knew there would be an investigation.
Everybody within his organization was on pins and needles but being the great savior he convinced them to keep quiet… this would blow over.
But at the same time he hired a lawyer to negotiate with the prosecutors for full immunity if he ratted everyone out.
Several months later he was the States star witness, and the only one that did not go to jail.
Moral of this story…
He that talks first walks free.
It makes no difference how guilty he is.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Camden H Proactive Anti-Water Leak Program
Anti-Water Leak Program
by E. Brown & Prez Pat Cobus
Camden H began their own proactive effort to prevent water leaks this week.
With the help of the Construction Guys every condo (except three which have been completely renovated) in their building was checked for potential problems. All unit owners were receptive to the inspection.
It took about 10-15 minutes per unit for Mr. Amato to pull the stove, check age and condition of water heater, inspect condition of toilet tank mechanisms and fittings, and dive into several cabinets to check the condition of all the water turn-off valves. Mr. Amato also uses a camera snake to look into inaccessible corners. (RIDGID SeeSnake micro camera).
As he worked he called out information to his co-worker who operated a computer. The info for each condo was entered in detail on the computer to produce an overall report for the association president, and individual reports for the unit owners.
This service cost Camden H $5 per unit. It is now up to the unit owners to fix any problems as they choose, with whatever service provider they choose. However, Mr. Amato will negotiate with Camden H, Mar 12 2010 with a condo price predicated on the number of unit owners who wish to participate.
Electrical Flood Stop Water Heater Auto Shut Off Valves are also being installed by owners who wish to have them.
Elaine sez - 'All it takes is a president and helpers who are very involved, give freely of their time, who supervise all processes with common sense and kindness, especially for frail residents some of whom have already been fleeced by unscrupulous businesses.'
by E. Brown & Prez Pat Cobus
Camden H began their own proactive effort to prevent water leaks this week.
With the help of the Construction Guys every condo (except three which have been completely renovated) in their building was checked for potential problems. All unit owners were receptive to the inspection.
It took about 10-15 minutes per unit for Mr. Amato to pull the stove, check age and condition of water heater, inspect condition of toilet tank mechanisms and fittings, and dive into several cabinets to check the condition of all the water turn-off valves. Mr. Amato also uses a camera snake to look into inaccessible corners. (RIDGID SeeSnake micro camera).
As he worked he called out information to his co-worker who operated a computer. The info for each condo was entered in detail on the computer to produce an overall report for the association president, and individual reports for the unit owners.
This service cost Camden H $5 per unit. It is now up to the unit owners to fix any problems as they choose, with whatever service provider they choose. However, Mr. Amato will negotiate with Camden H, Mar 12 2010 with a condo price predicated on the number of unit owners who wish to participate.
Electrical Flood Stop Water Heater Auto Shut Off Valves are also being installed by owners who wish to have them.
Elaine sez - 'All it takes is a president and helpers who are very involved, give freely of their time, who supervise all processes with common sense and kindness, especially for frail residents some of whom have already been fleeced by unscrupulous businesses.'
Monday, March 8, 2010
Nothing Out of Pocket !!!
In a Gladstone meeting he said the 1st Priority customers got a renovated condo "for nothing out of pocket".
What kind of economics is that? The association gave their building deductible, usually $5,000 from their reserve, that is $250 per unit in a 20-unit building that must be replaced.
Buildings with a second water leak, had to find $5,000 again.
There were often costs to personal insurance plus that deductible.
There were health costs to many of the displaced 1st Priority customers.
Philadelphia Insurance declined to continue the water damage insurance for village buildings. The whole village now has a questionable record and will be out of pocket.
Now 1st Priority adds liens and lawsuits to their charges.
What kind of economics is that? The association gave their building deductible, usually $5,000 from their reserve, that is $250 per unit in a 20-unit building that must be replaced.
Buildings with a second water leak, had to find $5,000 again.
There were often costs to personal insurance plus that deductible.
There were health costs to many of the displaced 1st Priority customers.
Philadelphia Insurance declined to continue the water damage insurance for village buildings. The whole village now has a questionable record and will be out of pocket.
Now 1st Priority adds liens and lawsuits to their charges.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
1st Priority Update
The alleged uncontained strong-armed tactics of 1st 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, 1st 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 1st 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 1st 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, 1st 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 1st 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 1st 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 1st 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.
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