Did anyone notice the "save our constables" editorial. It is a fine example of drama for money.

Per this article (in 77036 and 77044), in January 2009 alone there were

approx 2 murder/manslaughters per day)

10 stolen cars (3062) for the month. (This means there should be 18,000 less vehicles by now) - or more than 1/3 of the homes are now missing a vehicle. (not bad for the struggling car business I would hope)

Total crimes are 1200/day per these statistics (36,481)- at a mere cost of 328k/year (not 300k as stated). A more accurate depiction would have provided only the crime information as handled by our "super 5". It demonstrates how inaccurate and self serving some HOA's can be or ar perceived as.

Other gripes:

Political groups (you are or you would not be issuing policy) should accept anonymous requests for information and treat those the same as requests from known sources.

Also, stop with the paint color requirement - put out a color wheel - until you do some will not improve their properties because a recoat of the existing paint color should be allowed by default, without encumberance. 

Fences either get done without approval or people don't replace them. You can place standard requirements and then request owners to get approval for non-conforming changes. If you are looking for the fee, you are again self serving but not helping the homeowners. Ho about changing your fee structure for like replacement improvements to a nominal fee

Ask the community to provide their thoughts on things like businesses (even bars). While most may support you, it appears the HOA actions items for their very small special interest group. he inability to anonymously provide considered feedback restricts this wider view.

These types of things make it difficult for a community to support an HOA. Be representative ad you may get better support.