What's Working

Recognizing the Good in Big Canoe

It’s easy to focus on what’s not working. But progress starts by recognizing where things are working—and giving credit where credit is due.

Big Canoe is a unique and complex community, and managing it well takes more than just good intentions. It requires foresight, responsiveness, and the ability to adapt. Fortunately, we’re seeing signs that our current POA Board and leadership team understand that—and are working to make real improvements.

Here are a few things they deserve credit for:

✅ Acknowledging the Need for Better Communication

First and foremost, the Board has recognized that communication with residents hasn’t always met expectations—and they’ve said so publicly. That takes humility and self-awareness, especially in a community with strong opinions and high expectations.

More importantly, this acknowledgment is starting to show up in practice. Meeting summaries are more accessible. Updates are more frequent. And there’s a clearer effort to be transparent about challenges and decisions.

That’s a good sign—and a strong foundation to build on.

✅ Recognizing the Gaps in Planning

The Board has also been clear that long-term planning and institutional knowledge need to be improved. That’s a critical insight. Big Canoe can’t thrive on short-term fixes and ad-hoc decision-making. We need long-range thinking, consistent policies, and documented processes that outlast individual board terms.

By naming this as a priority, the Board is setting the stage for more stability and smarter growth.

✅ Most Amenities Are Running Smoothly

While some areas of community life get more attention than others, it’s worth celebrating what’s working well—especially when those departments often hear more complaints than compliments.

Residents have noted that the Marina, Wellness Center, Racquet Club, and Golf operations are performing reliably and consistently. That reflects strong leadership and hard work behind the scenes—often from staff members and volunteers who don’t get enough credit.

These amenities are part of what makes Big Canoe special, and their steady operation deserves recognition.

✅ Public Works: Unsung Heroes of the Mountain

Let’s not forget the incredible work of the Public Works team, especially when it comes to keeping our roads clear, safe, and functional—whether it’s during storms, freezing temperatures, or routine maintenance.

Their dedication directly impacts our safety and quality of life, and their work is often invisible unless something goes wrong. So let’s make it visible now: Thank you.

🎯 A Culture of Continuous Improvement

No community is perfect. And Big Canoe certainly faces its share of challenges.

But it’s important to acknowledge that the current Board and leadership team have shown a willingness to name problems, listen to feedback, and move in the right direction. That mindset—open, humble, and action-oriented—is exactly what a strong leadership culture requires.

If we support what’s working, we help reinforce it.

If we give credit for progress, we make more of it possible.

Let’s keep building on this momentum together.

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.com

Prefer 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