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Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Community Association Institute's Code of Ethics - Sort of

By George K. Staropoli Citizens for Constitutional Local Government 


Arizona's Augustus Shaw IV, only recently joining CAI's College of Community Association Lawyers, was enjoined from running for state representative by a Maricopa superior court decision.  Shaw was found to live in District 20, but wanted to run in District 17, and having given a number of justifications for living in District 17 as opposed to District 20.   Now, it should be quite simple, even if you are not a lawyer, to know where one really lives, unless you are looking "to pull a fast one."  See the Minute Entry, http://www.courtmin utes.maricopa. gov/docs/ Civil/062010/ m4270712. pdf

His law firm (http://shawlines. com/) proudly  portrays Shaw as, "AUGUSTUS H. SHAW IV affectionately known as the "HOA GUY" by his clients and friends."



Is this the caliber of membership in CAI's self-proclaimed lawyer's "honor" association?    What will CAI do, since it has a code of ethics, supposedly both for  members and a CCAL members?  I have not seen any evidence or documentation in my 10 years of watching CAI that any action was brought against a member or a CCAL member for violations of the respective codes of ethics.  What will other CCAL members of high exposure and national recognition do?  Continue to be linked to such activities by a fellow member?  You know, people like Beth Grimm, Curtis Sproul, Ron Perl, Donna Berger, Steve Weil, Samuel McNulty, etc.


And what about those state legislatures and town councils that employ CAI as the official educator of HOA boards and property managers?  What will they do?  They should be watching for a strong indication that CAI  removes members not of good character and standing, and who display unethical conduct, especially if they are a lawyer. 


How CAI reacts to this event tells a lot about what CAI really stands for, its integrity, and moral and ethical character.


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