Is this Fair?
Context
This post is to show conversations between me and Election Committee Chair, Elizabeth Littleton. Before you read this, please understand that I respect Ms. Littleton. She has what I can only imagine as a difficult job. She has (mostly) been responsive to my requests, and I imagine, the requests of the other candidates.
Initial Candidate Orientation Split into Two Groups
Below is correspondence with Elizabeth Littleton regarding the initial candidate orientation meeting(s), which were split into two groups. This seems like an odd way to ensure fair treatment. In the spirit of equality, shouldn’t we all get the same information, delivered in the same format, from the same people, at the same time?
Ms. Littleton claims that splitting into two groups was necessary for “logistics”, which she later describes as not overwhelming the photographer. See the full email transcript here.
On Jul 7, 2025, at 18:00, Elizabeth Littleton wrote:
Hi Candidates! Mark your calendars to meet with the election committee on Monday July 14th at Village Station A to go over the Primary election timeline, Bio questions, and schedule your headshots with the Communication department. As noted earlier, tasks are accelerated for the month of July and August. Since there are 6 of you, we thought best to break into 2 groups for the review. Please note your group and time to arrive at the meeting:
Group One: 1:30 - 2:05pm Bob Kelley Bill Thurber Mike Volk
Group Two: 2:10 - 2:45pm J Cornelius Roger Hackler Lynette Howard
Best, Liz
On Wed, Jul 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM J Cornelius wrote:
Hi Liz,
Thank you again for leading the election committee and process.
In a separate email you said the committee wants the process to be fair to all candidates. That is a noble pursuit I agree with completely.
With equality and equity in mind, I’m curious why we’ve been split into two groups. In the spirit of equality, shouldn’t we all get the same information, delivered in the same format, from the same people, at the same time?
This is the first time I’ve been exposed to this process, so please help me understand the rationale behind this decision.
Best regards,
- J.
On Thu, Jul 10, 2025 at 9:25 AM Elizabeth Littleton wrote:
Hi J, It’s about logistics. Village Station A is not a big room for all of us to be comfortable. Second, if you wish after your meeting, you can go get your headshot with Elisa Long at the Canoe Lodge. Staggering you all so she is not bombarded. I will send out headshot tips tomorrow. Thanks for asking.
Best, Liz
On Thu, Jul 10, 2025, 10:31 AM J Cornelius wrote:
Thanks for the clarification and for coordinating all of this, Liz.
I understand the desire to keep things running smoothly. That said, respectfully—would it be impossible to hold the meeting in a larger space so all six candidates can be in the room at the same time? Is the Lodge or some other space not available?
It seems beneficial for everyone to receive the same information, in the same way, at the same time. Doing so would also help foster a greater sense of transparency and shared understanding among the candidates. It would also take less time for you and the other committee members, which I’m sure everyone would appreciate.
Thanks again for your efforts. I appreciate all the hard work the committee is putting in.
On Jul 10, 2025, 11:15 AM Elizabeth Littleton wrote:
We will stay to the plan, as I noted we are working within our logistics. The Election Committee works with many departments to make things work. See you Monday.
Best, Liz
When I arrived at Village Station A, I found the room to be large enough to easily accommodate a meeting with all 6 candidates. Any of you who’ve been there know the capacity of this room is well beyond 12 people.
There was also ample parking. The only ‘logistics’ that could potentially be a reasonable cause for splitting the candidates into two groups is timing of the headshots.
For what it’s worth, I was the only person from my group to go directly to The Lodge to have my headshot taken. Elisa was very pleasant and professional to work with, and while my photo has more grey hairs than I would like, she did good work, and quite quickly. I was done in less than 10 minutes.
What was the real concern with having all six candidates in the same room at the same time?
No accommodations made.
For context: My father has been in the hospital with Guillain-Barré syndrome for nearly 2 years. He’s undergone multiple treatments, months of physical therapy, and countless other procedures only so that he can sit in a wheelchair and occasionally walk again.
He will be at home and able to accept visitors for the first time in nealry a year on July 28th. My wife and I have planned to visit him for weeks preceding this election and its schedule.
The Candidate Forum is scheduled for July 29th, and obviously I will not be attending.
For whatever it’s worth, my family comes first and if I lose your vote for not being at this social event, so be it.
In the interest of having a Fair Election I requested that I still be able to participate in some way. I was denied.
On Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 7:50 AM J Cornelius wrote:
Thank you for this, Liz.
Looking forward to the session on Monday. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the Candidate Forum on the 29th as I will be out of town. My father is being released from 16 months in hospital and I need to be there for him. What do you suggest I do to compensate for my absence? Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for all you do.
On Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM Elizabeth Littleton wrote:
J, Sorry to hear about your dad, hope everything works out for the best. You have options: The headshot and bios have to be ready by 7/22 - you can use print and digital copies in your campaign. These same materials will be featured in the 7/25 BC Living edition, and up on the election website on 8/1. Many past candidates say that getting themselves out in the community via neighborhood engagements, invitations to club/organization meetings, and BC events boosts their grassroots awareness in the community. Best, Liz
On Sun, Jul 13, 2025 at 6:08 PM J Cornelius wrote:
Is it out of the question for me to join the meeting via Zoom?
On Sun, Jul 13, 6:22 PM Elizabeth Littleton wrote:
Hi, Let me check into that, I will get back to you soon.
Ms. Littleton never responded to this question.
There was some discussion among the candidates for alternative dates, but no decisions were ever made.
After not hearing from Ms. Littleton for several days, I asked again:
On Mon, Jul 21, 2025 at 12:20 PM J Cornelius wrote:
Hello Liz,
Since I am unable to attend the Candidate Forum in person, do you have any objections to playing a pre-recorded video statement so attendees can hear what I care about, and why I’m running?
I’ll be at a significant disadvantage to the other candidates by not being able to participate in any discussions. Hopefully a video would at least allow me to present myself to those who attend.
Thank you,
- J.
On Mon, Jul 21, 2025 at 3:15 PM Elizabeth Littleton wrote:
Hi J, No video. The Candidate Forum is an interactive event between candidates and property owners. The candidates speak about their campaign platform and answer property owner questions in real-time. Perhaps you can move your schedule around to attend the event in person.
Liz
If this is to be a fair election, why is the Election Committee throwing roadblocks at me?
Thank you for reading my platform. I hope you found it informative and helpful in understanding my vision for our community.
Have a question or something to say? Send me an email: jcfortheboard@gmail.comPrefer to talk? Book a time with me.
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J Cornelius — Candidate for the POA Board
jcornelius.com/poa
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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead