Lakeside Beach Candidate Bios
Karen Bruett
How long have you lived in the community?:
20 years
Why do you want to become a board member?:
To use my business and non-profit board experience to serve our community and to help Lakeside Beach preserve it's character, while navigating the many changes that come with growth.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.:
LSB Civic Association, Secretary (2012 - 2016), Secretary/Treasurer (2017-2020); Burnet County ESD#9 Commissioner & President (2018-2020), Commissioner & Treasurer (2017), Commissioner & Vice President (2016), Commissioner & President (2015); Friends of Central Texas Water Coalition, President (2015-2017); Partnership for 21st Century Skills, President (2006)
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.:
Burnet County ESD#9, Strategic Planning Committee, Budget & Finance Committee; Central Texas Water Coalition, Fundraising Committee, Outreach & Communications Committee
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?:
Long-term Financial Stability, Security & Safety, Road Repair & Maintenance, Fire Protection & Prevention, Community Engagement & Participation, Waterfront & Nature Preservation
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.:
Business education & training (MBA, and BBA); Business management experience (Area Director & VP, Dell Computer); Deep institutional knowledge of Lakeside Beach history, covenants, and finances; Familiarity with State and Local laws & regulations; Commissioner and President for Burnet County Emergency Services District #9,
Write a short bio for the online ballot.:
Although I am fairly quiet, and private, I care deeply about this community, our residents, and our future. Lakeside Beach was established 58 years ago and has a longstanding tradition of community engagement and volunteerism. Both Mike's family and I have been involved in the subdivision for over 25 years. Today the neighborhood is in transition from having just a handful of residents and weekend lake houses to becoming a much more populated subdivision with full-time families, retirees, renters, and weekenders. There are now some 130 homes in the neighborhood, and over 225 property owners. The challenge we all face is how to keep our laid-back character and charm while addressing the area's continued growth. This is no easy matter. Having navigated these types of changes before, I would be honored to continue serving as an officer on the Lakeside Beach Civic Association Board, and to be a thoughtful steward for this place so many of us call home.
Experience & Qualifications
MBA - University of Texas at Austin, BBA – University of Wisconsin, Madison
Former Director and Vice President, Dell Computer Corporation
Former Board President, Friends of Central Texas Water Coalition
Current Commissioner and Board President, Burnet County Emergency Services District #9
Current Board Secretary/Treasurer, Lakeside Beach Civic Association
Lakeside Beach History
Deep institutional knowledge of the history, finances and governing documents of Lakeside Beach
Family has owned property in Lakeside Beach for 35 years. Resident (both full and part time) for 20+ years
Currently serve on the Civic Association Board of Directors as Secretary & Treasurer
Brooke Bulow
How long have you lived in the community?: 13 years
Why do you want to become a board member?: I would like to continue serving because our special neighborhood has been built in the spirit of volunteer service, with community members giving thousands of hours of time to manage and improve the community. I know first-hand about the financial commitment, the complexities of local and state laws governing our civic association and land use, and what we legally can and cannot do. We have made great strides over the years, and I would like to continue my service, often up to 20+ hours per volunteering, to benefit our neighborhood.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: My volunteer and professional background benefit our neighborhood. I have served on the Lakeside Beach Civic Association Board since 2017. I have also served in leadership positions on the board of directors for several nonprofit associations including the American Heart Association, Region 12 Special Olympics and the Association of the United States Army.
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: I currently chair our social committee. Bringing the neighborhood together for the Christmas party (such great food from the community and lots of awesome dancers!) and other memorable celebrations (like the birthday bash for Sonny Castro, Harold Myers, Ronnie Bittle, Pascal Thorp and Linda Freitag) are so special. Having generous neighborhood musicians like BB and Cindy Jon Morse play at our parties are such a blessing as well. And all the volunteers who help decorate the community center, prep for parties, clean up after parties -- we have so many people who really care. Those are some of the many things I love about this community. COVID-19 has put a temporary halt on gatherings, and I look forward to the day we neighbors can all be together again. In my past, I have chaired or served on several association committees including the public relations/media relations chair for the American Heart Association, Region 12 Special Olympics and the Association of the United States Army.
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: Protecting our property values, remaining financially responsible and improving our community, while following health and safety rules and laws of our many governing jurisdictions (in addition to our covenants and restrictions) including (1) Burnet County, Lower Colorado River Authority, Pedernales Electric Coop, Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, State of Texas, etc., and (2) local and state orders. as well as federal guidance, during COVID-19.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: My professional background in communications is diverse, working for nonprofit organizations; start up, private and public-owned companies; state government; and as a television news anchor. Working in many diverse industries has helped me learn from and appreciate different types of people and work styles.
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: Dear Lakeside Beach Neighbors, My husband and I have been enthusiastic boaters from more than 30 years, and made a decision in 2007 to turn our dreams into reality by buying a lot to build a lake house. After intense research, we chose the Lakeside Beach subdivision. The lakefront park and ramp amenities were the main attraction, as well as the covenants and restrictions to protect property values. We also appreciated that the neighborhood has been built in the spirit of volunteer service, with community members giving thousands of hours of time to manage and improve the community. We would not have the lakefront property (37 acres), the community center or the gates without the thoughtful leadership of Harold and Nell Myers and board members throughout the years. While I admired their leadership, I had no idea how complex it was to run a subdivision until I joined the board in 2017. I have learned first-hand about the financial commitment, the complexities of local and state laws governing our civic association and land use, and what we legally can and cannot do. We have made great strides over the years, and I would like to continue my service, often up to 20+ hours per week volunteering, to benefit our neighborhood. The Boards activities and accomplishments this past year included the following: • Oversaw record construction growth by implementing an architectural control process to ensure property owners followed covenants and restrictions • Installed speed bumps for traffic control, including new volunteer process that will save 70% of what we would have paid to hire a contractor • Rebuilt front gate entrance bulletin board at a significant savings, due to volunteer labor and materials, saving 80% of what a contractor would charge • Hired security and fire department professionals during busy holiday weekends to maintain neighborhood safety • Moved of burn pile to a safer location and to better serve residents • Instituted pool, boat ramp and fishing dock rules and guidelines for neighborhood safety • Hired a management company to consolidate functions to run the association with minimal cost to residents ($12+ per month) • Managed neighborhood events with largest historical community turnout • Improved website and electronic newsletter • With health and safety of community in the forefront, made governing decisions regarding COVID-19 epidemic to follow local and state orders • Helped instituted covenant committee and road committee for future planning (on hold due to COVID-19) My volunteer and professional background benefit our neighborhood. I have served in leadership positions on the board of directors for several nonprofit associations including the American Heart Association, Region 12 Special Olympics and the Association of the United States Army. My professional background in communications is diverse, working for nonprofit organizations; start up, private and public-owned companies; state government; and as a television news anchor. Working in many diverse industries has helped me learn from and appreciate different types of people and work styles. I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming election as we work together to protect our property values, remain financially responsible and improve our community. Sincerely, Brooke Bulow
Why do you want to become a board member?: I would like to continue serving because our special neighborhood has been built in the spirit of volunteer service, with community members giving thousands of hours of time to manage and improve the community. I know first-hand about the financial commitment, the complexities of local and state laws governing our civic association and land use, and what we legally can and cannot do. We have made great strides over the years, and I would like to continue my service, often up to 20+ hours per volunteering, to benefit our neighborhood.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: My volunteer and professional background benefit our neighborhood. I have served on the Lakeside Beach Civic Association Board since 2017. I have also served in leadership positions on the board of directors for several nonprofit associations including the American Heart Association, Region 12 Special Olympics and the Association of the United States Army.
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: I currently chair our social committee. Bringing the neighborhood together for the Christmas party (such great food from the community and lots of awesome dancers!) and other memorable celebrations (like the birthday bash for Sonny Castro, Harold Myers, Ronnie Bittle, Pascal Thorp and Linda Freitag) are so special. Having generous neighborhood musicians like BB and Cindy Jon Morse play at our parties are such a blessing as well. And all the volunteers who help decorate the community center, prep for parties, clean up after parties -- we have so many people who really care. Those are some of the many things I love about this community. COVID-19 has put a temporary halt on gatherings, and I look forward to the day we neighbors can all be together again. In my past, I have chaired or served on several association committees including the public relations/media relations chair for the American Heart Association, Region 12 Special Olympics and the Association of the United States Army.
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: Protecting our property values, remaining financially responsible and improving our community, while following health and safety rules and laws of our many governing jurisdictions (in addition to our covenants and restrictions) including (1) Burnet County, Lower Colorado River Authority, Pedernales Electric Coop, Central Texas Groundwater Conservation District, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, State of Texas, etc., and (2) local and state orders. as well as federal guidance, during COVID-19.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: My professional background in communications is diverse, working for nonprofit organizations; start up, private and public-owned companies; state government; and as a television news anchor. Working in many diverse industries has helped me learn from and appreciate different types of people and work styles.
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: Dear Lakeside Beach Neighbors, My husband and I have been enthusiastic boaters from more than 30 years, and made a decision in 2007 to turn our dreams into reality by buying a lot to build a lake house. After intense research, we chose the Lakeside Beach subdivision. The lakefront park and ramp amenities were the main attraction, as well as the covenants and restrictions to protect property values. We also appreciated that the neighborhood has been built in the spirit of volunteer service, with community members giving thousands of hours of time to manage and improve the community. We would not have the lakefront property (37 acres), the community center or the gates without the thoughtful leadership of Harold and Nell Myers and board members throughout the years. While I admired their leadership, I had no idea how complex it was to run a subdivision until I joined the board in 2017. I have learned first-hand about the financial commitment, the complexities of local and state laws governing our civic association and land use, and what we legally can and cannot do. We have made great strides over the years, and I would like to continue my service, often up to 20+ hours per week volunteering, to benefit our neighborhood. The Boards activities and accomplishments this past year included the following: • Oversaw record construction growth by implementing an architectural control process to ensure property owners followed covenants and restrictions • Installed speed bumps for traffic control, including new volunteer process that will save 70% of what we would have paid to hire a contractor • Rebuilt front gate entrance bulletin board at a significant savings, due to volunteer labor and materials, saving 80% of what a contractor would charge • Hired security and fire department professionals during busy holiday weekends to maintain neighborhood safety • Moved of burn pile to a safer location and to better serve residents • Instituted pool, boat ramp and fishing dock rules and guidelines for neighborhood safety • Hired a management company to consolidate functions to run the association with minimal cost to residents ($12+ per month) • Managed neighborhood events with largest historical community turnout • Improved website and electronic newsletter • With health and safety of community in the forefront, made governing decisions regarding COVID-19 epidemic to follow local and state orders • Helped instituted covenant committee and road committee for future planning (on hold due to COVID-19) My volunteer and professional background benefit our neighborhood. I have served in leadership positions on the board of directors for several nonprofit associations including the American Heart Association, Region 12 Special Olympics and the Association of the United States Army. My professional background in communications is diverse, working for nonprofit organizations; start up, private and public-owned companies; state government; and as a television news anchor. Working in many diverse industries has helped me learn from and appreciate different types of people and work styles. I would appreciate your vote in the upcoming election as we work together to protect our property values, remain financially responsible and improve our community. Sincerely, Brooke Bulow
Norma Burke
How long have you lived in the community?: One year+
Why do you want to become a board member?: I want to continue to utilize my 40 plus years of management, customer service skills and crisis management into a successful board position. My goal is to bring my attributes to our community and assist board members to solve problems and create positive outcomes.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: TAHU-Texas Association of Health Underwriters
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: TAHU-Texas Association of Health Underwriters Lakeside Beach-Covenant Revision Committee
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: The need for improved communication and transparency of processes. Lack of participation in monthly meetings due to the lack of technology for our older residents. Past history has breed a disconnect in the community. Outdated covenants and bi-laws. Duty of Loyalty. Stop the gossip. Clearly defined penalties for yearly dues. Access to prior board meeting minutes.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: I am a full time, retired resident. HEB Grocery Company manager-12 years Travel Agency manager-6 years Senior Account Executive-American Airlines -13 years
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: I am a full time retired resident who will give my commitment to my community. I will make sound decisions and provide transparency. I follow HOA rules and are current in my dues. We need a serious change for our community. I need your votes to make it happen!!
Why do you want to become a board member?: I want to continue to utilize my 40 plus years of management, customer service skills and crisis management into a successful board position. My goal is to bring my attributes to our community and assist board members to solve problems and create positive outcomes.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: TAHU-Texas Association of Health Underwriters
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: TAHU-Texas Association of Health Underwriters Lakeside Beach-Covenant Revision Committee
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: The need for improved communication and transparency of processes. Lack of participation in monthly meetings due to the lack of technology for our older residents. Past history has breed a disconnect in the community. Outdated covenants and bi-laws. Duty of Loyalty. Stop the gossip. Clearly defined penalties for yearly dues. Access to prior board meeting minutes.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: I am a full time, retired resident. HEB Grocery Company manager-12 years Travel Agency manager-6 years Senior Account Executive-American Airlines -13 years
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: I am a full time retired resident who will give my commitment to my community. I will make sound decisions and provide transparency. I follow HOA rules and are current in my dues. We need a serious change for our community. I need your votes to make it happen!!
Rocky Grimes
Lakeside Beach Background
22 Year Resident
Served 6 years on the Civic Association Board
Currently Vice President of Maintenance
Work/Professional Experience
Vietnam Era Veteran (Airforce Sargent)
12 Years Work Experience in the Electrical Field
28 Years Work Experience at Texas Dept of Transportation
Personal Information
Married with 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren
Hobbies include boating and hunting
Tava Holmes
How long have you lived in the community?: 4 years
Why do you want to become a board member?: In the time I have lived here, I have come to love Lakeside Beach and the unique nature of our community. As our community enters a new era of growth I want to preserve that uniqueness and help ensure new members of our community are able to see the values that make our community special.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: No.
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: Previously served as backup administrator for Apache shores POA.
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: Transparency in the decisions made by the board. Communication between POA members and the board. Streamlining and clarity of information presented to POA members.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.:
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: In my professional life I have served in administrative positions, finance related positions, as well as public facing roles. Based on my professional experience I understand how things work behind the scenes as well as the importance of understanding how decisions made affect individuals. I am a mother of 2 children that I am excited to bring up in Lakeside Beach, I am a native Texas that understands the importance of community. I come from rural roots so I understand the importance of personal connections however I have lived in the Austin area for 14 years and appreciate how positive growth can benefit a community.
Why do you want to become a board member?: In the time I have lived here, I have come to love Lakeside Beach and the unique nature of our community. As our community enters a new era of growth I want to preserve that uniqueness and help ensure new members of our community are able to see the values that make our community special.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: No.
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: Previously served as backup administrator for Apache shores POA.
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: Transparency in the decisions made by the board. Communication between POA members and the board. Streamlining and clarity of information presented to POA members.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.:
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: In my professional life I have served in administrative positions, finance related positions, as well as public facing roles. Based on my professional experience I understand how things work behind the scenes as well as the importance of understanding how decisions made affect individuals. I am a mother of 2 children that I am excited to bring up in Lakeside Beach, I am a native Texas that understands the importance of community. I come from rural roots so I understand the importance of personal connections however I have lived in the Austin area for 14 years and appreciate how positive growth can benefit a community.
What I Bring to The Board
I’ve been described as easy-going, trustworthy & low key
I like to look at both sides of every situation
When thinking about the future of the subdivision, I think our biggest challenges are our roads roads, and neighborhood security
I would greatly appreciate your vote
Jessie Islet
My name is Jessie Iselt and I am running for reelection to the Board Of Directors of LBCA. We have lived here for over 35 years so we have a vested interest in this community and all it has to offer, and my heart for the people here.
My years of serving on the board has been spent establishing a good rapport with fellow board members. And doing what we feel is best for the community.
I retired from the dental field after 41 yrs. I started as a dental assistant and worked my way up to office manager.
Then I worked a short time here in Spicewood for a world champion speed shooter with 1911 pistols. Which enabled me to work with FBI agents at Quantico, numerous law enforcement agencies, military, and the general public.
I am active in our church here in Spicewood. I usually facilitate two bible studies a year. Also work with Kid’s Club on Wednesday during the school year with children from Spicewood Elementary. I recently headed up a special project last year with the church to show appreciation for Spicewood Elementary teachers. I was involved with the design on one of the gifts. Then I worked with local businesses to obtain donations.
My hobbies are gardening and RVing.
I personally don’t want to see old divisions renewed. We are a diverse community and need to keep in mind that we are all neighbors whether we live here full time, part time, or just lot owners.
I would appreciate your vote in the coming election.
Jody Karr
How long have you lived in the community?: 3 years
Why do you want to become a board member?: I'd like to become a board member to help create space for open and respectful community dialogue.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: I have served on the Lakeside Beach Civic Association as an interim member in 2020, and I have also served on the board of directors for a college and a non-profit organization.
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: I have served on the Covenant Review Committee for the Lakeside Beach Civic Association.
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: The issues that concern me the most are identifying effective strategies for educating the community about the neighborhood covenants; consistent implementation of the covenants; strengthening respectful community dialogue; and continuing to find ways to build community connection and pride.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: Other relevant qualifications: I work for a non-profit and have fiscal responsibility for the program budget, and I'm a certified mediator.
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: With over 20 years experience in the non-profit sector, I've both served on boards, and worked as a liaison with board committees. I have experience collaborating with teams to build consensus around challenging issues, and would like to help support open and respectful dialogue in our community.
Why do you want to become a board member?: I'd like to become a board member to help create space for open and respectful community dialogue.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: I have served on the Lakeside Beach Civic Association as an interim member in 2020, and I have also served on the board of directors for a college and a non-profit organization.
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: I have served on the Covenant Review Committee for the Lakeside Beach Civic Association.
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: The issues that concern me the most are identifying effective strategies for educating the community about the neighborhood covenants; consistent implementation of the covenants; strengthening respectful community dialogue; and continuing to find ways to build community connection and pride.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: Other relevant qualifications: I work for a non-profit and have fiscal responsibility for the program budget, and I'm a certified mediator.
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: With over 20 years experience in the non-profit sector, I've both served on boards, and worked as a liaison with board committees. I have experience collaborating with teams to build consensus around challenging issues, and would like to help support open and respectful dialogue in our community.
David Wells
How long have you lived in the community?: We purchased our home at LSB in 2005, 15yrs.
Why do you want to become a board member?: Change is needed, some of the current board members have been in office over 5 years. Term limits should be voted on by the LSB as a whole. Also we have board members that do not live here full time. Board members should reside in LSB at least 70% of the time, and this also should be brought to a vote by LSB as a whole. Banishment of any member needs the full vote of the entire LSB community. Does the current board serve the community or does the community serve the Board? If I am elected I will serve this community with Honesty Integrity and Compassion.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: no
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: LSBCA covenants review committee
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: One major concern is communication. It has gotten somewhat better. But I believe this will diminish after the election. If elected to serve, I will permanently post my contact information on the usual outlets, bulletin board, Facebook, and in emails. I will encourage my fellow board members to do the same. This will be done so my fellow residents will have a constant chain of communication. In addition, a monthly Newsletter, so our residents have an understanding of what is happening in the neighborhood. Along with the newsletter will be the previous monthly meetings attached. The residents of LSB should have more of a voice in matters concerning expenditures exceeding $5000 annually. For instance, the hiring of the outside management company. I am not against having an outside management company, but much more discussions and questions answered before hand, with a vote from the full members of LSB. Because of the major expenditure and the concern of the community, we as a whole should have had the opportunity to vote on this matter. The punishments of residents of LSB for any infractions except nonpayment of dues should be strictly adhered to by the original covenants until they can be revised.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: According to the Texas State statue 209, the only qualifications for being a member of the board is you must own property at said POA/HOA and do not have a felony record. No other qualifications are required. I will serve with LSB as a whole at the fore front of every vote or discussion.
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: I am a college educated individual with expertise as a computer analyst, since retired. I would like to use my retirement to better help my community and support all my neighbors. I will bring a sense of compassion and understanding and listen to everyone’s ideas.
Why do you want to become a board member?: Change is needed, some of the current board members have been in office over 5 years. Term limits should be voted on by the LSB as a whole. Also we have board members that do not live here full time. Board members should reside in LSB at least 70% of the time, and this also should be brought to a vote by LSB as a whole. Banishment of any member needs the full vote of the entire LSB community. Does the current board serve the community or does the community serve the Board? If I am elected I will serve this community with Honesty Integrity and Compassion.
Have you served on this association or any other association board of directors in the past? Please list all experiences.: no
Have your served on any association committees in the past? Include all previous associations.: LSBCA covenants review committee
What issues are you most concerned about in the community?: One major concern is communication. It has gotten somewhat better. But I believe this will diminish after the election. If elected to serve, I will permanently post my contact information on the usual outlets, bulletin board, Facebook, and in emails. I will encourage my fellow board members to do the same. This will be done so my fellow residents will have a constant chain of communication. In addition, a monthly Newsletter, so our residents have an understanding of what is happening in the neighborhood. Along with the newsletter will be the previous monthly meetings attached. The residents of LSB should have more of a voice in matters concerning expenditures exceeding $5000 annually. For instance, the hiring of the outside management company. I am not against having an outside management company, but much more discussions and questions answered before hand, with a vote from the full members of LSB. Because of the major expenditure and the concern of the community, we as a whole should have had the opportunity to vote on this matter. The punishments of residents of LSB for any infractions except nonpayment of dues should be strictly adhered to by the original covenants until they can be revised.
Please share any other information that you would like to share with the community regarding your qualifications.: According to the Texas State statue 209, the only qualifications for being a member of the board is you must own property at said POA/HOA and do not have a felony record. No other qualifications are required. I will serve with LSB as a whole at the fore front of every vote or discussion.
Write a short bio for the online ballot.: I am a college educated individual with expertise as a computer analyst, since retired. I would like to use my retirement to better help my community and support all my neighbors. I will bring a sense of compassion and understanding and listen to everyone’s ideas.