Getting to Know Rich Henderson

 

 

We have to focus on the unique selling proposition that is the Coles Crossing way of life. Institutionally, those are Sampson Elementary, our trees and trails. But I also think of the events and atmosphere of Coles – the Christmas lights displays, the 4th of July parade, the Turkey Trot, and many others – that reinforce the idea that we are a community – not unlike a small town – instead of just another neighborhood in Northwest Harris County. 

 

As President of the Coles Crossing Dads Club we worked to strengthen these institutions – donating $10,000 from our fundraising to the Sampson PTO this year. We also institutionalized some of these events that exemplify the Coles way of life - like the annual Christmas lights contest – and created new events – like the annual BBQ Cook Off – that provide that small town atmosphere where you can gather together with your neighbors in a family-friendly environment to enjoy one another’s company and raise money for the community – in this case for Sampson Elementary’s playground and for the tens of thousands of dollars of scholarships we have given away over the past 7 years to deserving Coles Crossing youth. 

 

2. What do you believe is the most important function of the HOA, and how do you intend to fulfill that function effectively?   

The most important function of the HOA is to represent the interests of our neighbors while planning for future needs. I think we need more open communication and community involvement to understand community desires and build consensus on planning, and support audio and/or video live streaming of our HOA meetings so those that cannot attend in person can be made aware of HOA business. I also support increasing the number of non-HOA meetings on community business, such as open forums or town halls with subject matter experts that can give advice on how to maintain a nearly 30-year old neighborhood competing against much newer neighborhoods for new residents to keep property values high. 

 

I’d repeat my comments above – we need to represent our neighbors’ interests and plan for future needs. I’m in favor of adding amenities that have a wide base of neighborhood support and for crowd-sourcing those interests from our community. Frankly, every amenity I need in a neighborhood is already available in Coles Crossing, but as a leader I have to think beyond my own desires and represent what the neighborhood wants and where its future needs lie. Improved communication and community involvement solves for these challenges. 

I believe five biggest issues facing Coles Crossing are: 

a. How do we build consensus among neighbors about what our future community looks like?

b. How do we best increase participation in the governance of our neighborhood?

c. How do we better communicate not only from the homeowners to the HOA board – but from the HOA board to the homeowners and among the homeowners? 

d. How do we balance the necessary spending needs of an aging neighborhood against our moderate dues in an inflationary environment? 

e. How do we keep an aging neighborhood competitive among those seeking to move to our area?

 

5. In your opinion, what are the three overarching goals of the HOA that should guide annual objective and day-to-day decision making?