By Greg Ellison

(Oct. 22, 2020) Director Steve Tuttle, before resigning his elected position at the close of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, stressed the importance of civic engagement and shed more light on his imminent departure from the area.

“I decided in the summer that I would not seek a second term on the board,” he said.

Tuttle, who was elected in 2018 and served as vice-president last year, would have been eligible for reelection in 2021.

Prior to the post-election OPA Board organizational meeting in late August, Tuttle had anticipated relocating from the Eastern Shore next summer.

After being nominated for board president by Director Tom Janasek, but subsequently losing to Larry Perrone by a 4-3 vote, Tuttle subsequently declined a potential nomination to return as vice president.

“One of the ways I’ve approached life … is to serve in places and ways that are life-giving and that bring me joy and satisfaction,” he said. “In September, I lost that sense of joy and the life giving aspect of serving on the board.”

Following the selection of board officer positions at the end of August, Tuttle said he was troubled by subsequent commentary from undisclosed board members.

“As a result, we adjusted our plans, placed our house on the market and in four days it was under contract,” he said. “We will be relocating to the western shore, St. Mary’s County, at the end of November.”

Tuttle deemed it an honor to have served on the board for the past two years and previously on the Elections Committee.

“The board for the last two years under the leadership of Doug Parks has accomplished a lot,” he said.

Tuttle said in addition to completing a number of capital projects, including building the new golf clubhouse, the police and administration building renovation and new craft building construction, the board was able to recruit a skillful candidate, John Viola, for general manager.

“The board has exhibited considerably unity, but not uniformity, which has resulted in decisions in the best interest of the community of Ocean Pines,” he said. “My board colleagues, I urge you to strive for the unity that we knew under the leadership of Doug.”

Tuttle said it was vital for board members to develop a rapport with OPA staff and have open lines of communication.

“It is very important not to engage in operations but it is equally important that the staff know they are supported by the board,” he said.

Tuttle also weighed in on succession planning for the general manager position.

“In completing an evaluation of the GM, it is critical that as a director you hear from the GM’s direct reports,” he said.

With Tuttle stepping down the, board is now tasked with finding a replacement to complete the balance of his term.

“Two people that have [previously] run for the board, Stuart Lakernick and Paula Gray, have expressed interest,” he said.

Tuttle said both former candidates received considerable support during their respective election bids and deserve serious consideration for the interim role.

Prior to Tuttle’s remarks on Saturday, Perrone announced the board had scheduled a special meeting for this Wednesday to discuss replacement candidates.

Characterizing it as a privilege to serve on the board, Tuttle highlighted the importance for “resident experts” in the community to share their talents by joining advisory committees.

“Seek to understand and question decisions of your board,” he said. “It’s easy to sit on the edges and complain but far more is accomplished when the community engages.”