Dorie Miller Housing 2023 Election
Board of Directors Candidate Wolfgang Busch
[email protected] - 718-623-2926
Board of Directors Candidate Wolfgang Busch
[email protected] - 718-623-2926
Wolfgang Busch
2023 Dorie Miller Housing Board of Directors Candidate Information
Dear Shareholders,
I want to thank the board for providing this Meet the Candidate meeting and for providing the candidates with the opportunity
to share information about their candidacy.
My name is Wolfgang Busch, and I want to thank you for your interest in my candidacy for the Dorie Miller board of directors in 2023. In May 2018, when my partner and I joined Dorie Miller, we were fully aware of the financial challenges and the historical significance of Dorie Miller for Black families since the 1950s.
Because of our investment and interest in the Dorie Miller community, I devoted a lot of time to examine and evaluate the Dorie Miller board of directors and the management policies and their track record, to learn more about the financial and operation crisis.
I have been actively involved as a dedicated volunteer in the Dorie Miller shareholders movement since 2018. I listened to many shareholders' stories and concerns, and they educated me on the Dorie Miller operation, policies, bylaw violations, abuse of power, lack of transparency, the rise and fall of Dorie Miller and why they wanted a change in leadership.
Since 2019, I had the privilege of serving as the founder, administrator and co-chair of the Team Legacy shareholders committee
and our apartment served as a safe place to meet. Our common goal was to bring change in leadership and our mission was to educate the shareholders on the Dorie Miller operation and policies. We all made many sacrifices and we had to operate on the down low to protect ourselves from potential abuse to reach our goal.
Under my leadership, Team Legacy played an instrumental role in electing six new board members, educated the shareholders through our flyer campaign, published a Shareholders Survey and removed three officers from the board by using our bylaws.
Team Legacy's contribution was vital in saving Dorie Miller from falling into foreclosure and is a testament to what shareholders
can achieve when they come together collectively and work on common interests.
The reasons why I am running for a board position is to build on the many contributions I already made since I joint the Dorie Miller shareholders movement since 2018 and I believe I can offer additional services from an independent and unbiased perspective.
You may wonder, what can a person from Germany offer to our community? In fact, I can bring quite a bit to the table.
Thanks to my German background, I provide an outsider's viewpoint, free from internal influences, pressure and manipulation.
My unique perspective can contribute more transparency with fair and honest decision-making, which I believe
will be valuable for our community.
My objective is to provide you with insightful information and will hopefully help shareholders to get a better understanding on the Dorie Miller overall operation, enabling them to make well-informed and educated decisions in upcoming elections.
As a board member, I will advocate for policy changes to enhance transparency and accountability, addressing critical issues
such as holding those board members accountable who are responsible for the Dorie Miller foreclosure crisis and our high monthly maintenance for the next 30 years and the abuse of power by-law violations.
To empower the shareholders and to guarantee your voices are heard and accounted for to make changes in our policies,
I already developed an online Survey/Petition for the shareholders to participate in, regardless if I am elected to the board or not.
The beauty of an online Survey/Petition for example is, if a majority of the shareholders votes for a particular issue, it becomes law.
If you find my contributions as a board member to be valuable and beneficial to our community, I kindly ask for your vote.
Here is some of my Dorie Miller Background Information
My involvement in the Dorie Miller shareholders' movement began August 1st. 2018. While I was attending a shareholders meeting in Unit 2's basement, which was attended by about 60 shareholders, I had the opportunity to learn about the many concerns by the shareholders, who all requested change in leadership but didn't know how to go about it.
After I spoke at the meeting, Zohar Farkash, one of the meeting organizers recognized my potential asked me to join him and Carol Horry in the shareholders movement. Right away I went to work and I suggested to collect the contact information from the shareholders in attendance who are interested in forming a committee. Two weeks later I had 20 shareholders in our living room bringing their own chairs and were sitting on the floor.
The rest is Team Legacy and the Shareholders Movement History.
My Community Leadership & Lecturer Background
Since 1985, I've been actively involved as a community organizer and activist in New York City. I focused on empowering disenfranchised, underserved and underfunded artistic communities, such as the NYC Rock Live Music scene and the LGBT Harlem Ballroom community you may know from Madonna's music video "Vogue". As a member of the Ballroom community since 1990 and as a member of the Dorie Miller Housing community since 2018, I continue to advocate for justice within the Black LGBT Ballroom community as well as the Dorie Miller community.
Over the years, I lectured on artistic empowerment and HIV and AIDS at prestigious universities in the United States such as Yale, Penn State and NYU and in Europe such as London, Amsterdam, Berlin and Paris.
My community leadership has earned me the induction into the Hall of Fame and recognition through two Humanitarian Awards, including the Martin Luther King Jr. "Keep The Dream Alive" award. I was featured in the New York Times two times, had a full page in the New York Post and appeared on NBC TV and Commercial & University Radio.
Throughout the years my work reached through social media over 1.5 million people and I continue to inspire and educate people around the world from all walks of life, including comedian Mo'Nique from the Parkers and fashion designer Marc Jacobs.
Some issues and policies we, the shareholders should take a close look at.
Board of Directors:
Our current board members are dedicated volunteers and professionals in their field and shareholders trust them to represent their best interest and protect the Corporation to the best of their ability. It is the shareholders responsibility to assess whether their experience is sufficient for managing a multi-million-dollar corporation effectively. Board members with little or no prior board experience often deal with power struggles and are in non-compliance with corporate bylaws. At Dorie Miller, it may be worthwhile to assess the board and to consider diversifying the board by voting for individuals with board and community leadership expertise. Additionally, ongoing training for board members can help them make informed decisions and maintain compliance
with corporate governance.
Accountability:
Close relationships among board members and shareholders can make it challenging to hold each other accountable and make fair and objective decisions, because many have grown up together and are also family members, neighbors and friends at Dorie Miller. It's essential to address the lack of accountability in our community, from past foreclosure proceedings to instances of abuse of power. Shareholders need to feel comfortable asking tough questions and demanding transparency without fear, even when it involves their friends, family members, and neighbors who serve on the board.
To encourage accountability, it might be beneficial to consider forming a shareholders' union that meets on a regular basis. Such a union would serve as a platform for open dialogue and collective oversight, ensuring that decisions prioritize the
community's welfare over personal attachments and favoritism.
Addressing Sensitive Issues:
Addressing sensitive concerns such as non compliance of our bylaws can be very challenging, especially when there's a reluctance by the board and their council to discuss them openly. To address foreclosure proceedings and the abuse of power constructively,
we need to encourage open dialogue in a safe environment, where shareholders can speak without fear.
Notice to Tenants of Buildings in Foreclosure:
Our community has suffered greatly due to foreclosure proceedings, resulting in significantly higher monthly maintenance costs for shareholders for the next 30 years. It is long overdue that we investigate how and why we ended up in this financial and operation crisis and why three board members responsible for the foreclosure proceedings remained their positions on the board. This lack of accountability is a persistent issue that requires our immediate attention. We need answers to questions like, will the majority on the board consider to vote off those board members and hold them accountable for being responsible for the foreclosure proceedings and high maintenance cost for 30 years and for abusing the trust of the shareholders.
Also why is this lack of accountability so deeply rooted in our community's culture? These issues demand transparency and answers.
The Role of the Board's Council during the Foreclosure Proceedings:
The board's council has made it very clear that they represent the board, which has not been aligned with the best interests of the community and the corporation when we look at the results how the Foreclosure proceedings played out. This disconnect had devastating financial consequences on our community, as shareholders are reminded of every month when paying for the high monthly maintenance fees for the next 30 years. Can any shareholders recall that the boards council mentioned to us at any of the meetings that the Foreclosure papers were filed at the Queens Court?
Deeply Rooted Bylaw Violations:
Dorie Miller Housing has a history of board members abusing their power, leading to harassment and intimidation of shareholders, resulting in fear of shareholders to speak up for what they believe in. I can speak on this abuse from my very own many experiences which I documented thoroughly. I have been a target by the board ever since I became the "Face" of the Team Legacy committee in 2019 and continues to this day. As a result I was making many sacrifices on behalf of all the shareholders for my leadership role in the shareholders movement. Such behavior should not be tolerated as it creates an unhealthy and unsafe environment. We must address this long overdue and sensitive issue in the open and demand that the board stops its abusive practices. Shareholders should feel comfortable speaking out without fear and the board's council should encourage to have open conversations to address this matter that is deeply rooted in the Dorie Miller culture.
This behavior is undeniably alarming, and it underscores the urgent need to reevaluate the policies at Dorie Miller Housing.
2024 Proactive Measure and Online Survey / Petition:
One proactive measure shareholders can take to avoid by-law violations and potential future crises is to ask the board to hire a second law firm dedicated exclusively to representing the shareholders and the corporation's best interests.
Our current law firm was hired by the board to represent the board, by the way which we all pay for, and we all know how that policy played out for the shareholders when looking back at our foreclosure proceedings and the devastating financial results for the next 30 years.
Hiring a second law firm to exclusively represent shareholders and their interests seems mandatory. Had shareholders been represented by their own legal counsel prior to the foreclosure proceedings, it is likely that this crisis could have been avoided.
Additionally, my contribution as a shareholder is a forthcoming Online Survey/Petition, set to launch in 2024. It's purpose is to provide a simple and highly efficient method for ensuring that your voices are not only heard but also accounted for. By achieving a quorum of 151 votes on any issue you endorse, the board will be required to enact those decisions as new policies. This convenient process allows you to influence changes to our policies from the comfort of your home, by participating in the Online Survey/Petition that takes you only 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
I urge all shareholders to contribute by submitting any questions you may have for inclusion in the first online survey/petition set to launch in 2024. Your participation is vital in shaping the changes based on your valuable suggestions.
Shareholders Moving Out in Droves:
A concerning trend of shareholders moving out has been in part due to dissatisfaction with the quality of life, the lack of transparency and by high maintenance costs. To reverse this trend and ensure that we remain a welcoming and inclusive community, we need to revisit our policies, integrating the new shareholders from various backgrounds and cultures. Fostering a diverse environment can enhance our public reputation, and also respects the values of all the shareholders regardless of their beliefs, religion, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds.
Decreased Transparency since 2019:
Since 2019, we have experienced a noticeable decline in transparency, as the board stopped distributing hard copies of Annual meeting minutes. This change has made it more time consuming for shareholders to stay informed, as they now have to visit the office to review these minutes. We should demand that hard copies of all Annual AND all Open board meeting minutes from 2019 onwards will be distributed to shareholders, ensuring that everyone can access this information easily and stay informed
about the boards and communities decisions and activities.
It is strongly encouraged that the board facilitates regular shareholder meetings at Roy Curtis Hall free of charge, allowing for efficent conduct Dorie Miller business.
Free shareholder meetings at Dorie Miller Memorial aka Roy Curtis Hall ensure inclusivity, transparency, community engagement, and efficient communication within the Dorie Miller community, while upholding democratic principles and potentially meeting legal requirements.
Safety Concerns:
The safety and security of our community is most important. A significant incident, a gunpoint robbery at our property took place in 2023, raising concerns about safety guidelines and communication. We must ensure that all shareholders are informed promptly about such incidents, enabling them to take necessary safety precautions. The lack of proactive communication regarding safety matters needs immediate attention.
In addition, while the need for security cameras to safeguard shareholders and property is evident, we must consider the trade-off involved. It has come to my attention that the current camera angles not only cover common areas but also extend to shareholders' properties. This raises concerns about the potential intrusion into our privacy and needs immediate attention.
To protect shareholders' privacy while ensuring security, the cooperative should conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) to identify and mitigate potential privacy risks associated with security camera placement. Camera angles should be adjusted to focus primarily on common areas, with clear and communicated privacy policies outlining the purpose and limitations of the cameras. Access to camera feeds should be restricted to authorized personnel, with informed consent sought for any use of cameras capturing private spaces. Implement stringent data retention and security measures, educate shareholders on the importance of security and privacy, establish a complaint mechanism, and maintain ongoing transparency and review of camera placements and policies to strike a balance that respects both security and privacy concerns.
Annual Shareholders Meeting Date and Place in 2022:
The annual meeting date and location for 2022 left shareholders puzzled. Holding it during the busy 4th of July weekend at the Courtyard was far from ideal, given that this holiday season is a time when people are traveling or have other commitments. The choice of date and place, along with the poor air quality due to wildfires from Canada, was raising questions about the board's intentions. It's essential to explore why the board chose such a date and location and whether it had the shareholders' best interests in mind.
No Elections in 2022:
In 2022, we were denied of our democratic right to vote due to the failure of the board to live up to its responsibilities. This incident not only infringed on our rights but also violated our corporate bylaws. It's crucial to examine the circumstances that led to this situation and find a resolution to prevent such occurrences in the future, as it may affect the Dorie Miller’s reputation with the public and in its business dealings.
Property Management:
Our selection of the property management company has been marked by numerous online complaints and is also documented with the Better Business Bureau. Furthermore, our property manager, as indicated by her LinkedIn profile, had 20 years of property management assistant experience before stepping into a full-fledged property management role at Dorie Miller. Given the gravity of this situation and the financial and operation crisis we are facing, it is imperative to initiate a comprehensive examination in collaboration with our shareholders, where they can candidly share their management-related experiences without fear of speaking up. It may be a good idea to explore the possibility of hiring a property manager with a well-documented track record of successful property management to more effectively address our current challenges and pressing needs. This approach underscores our commitment to ensuring the cooperative's welfare and the trust of our shareholders.
2018 Shareholders Survey Results:
The 2018 shareholders survey was published by the Team Legacy committee, which included at the time six of the new board members. The survey revealed that 85% of participating shareholders, which amounted to 60 shareholders, expressed the need for a direct line of communication with the board. This direct communication was meant to address shareholder questions and concerns more efficiently. Instead of considering a direct line of communication, the process became more complicated as questions had to be submitted in writing through unit chairs. This decision added a middle person to the process and made it challenging for shareholders to get their questions answered satisfactorily. Shareholders experienced for instances where questions were not answered at all. This situation raises questions about the board's commitment to responding to shareholder concerns and whether the decisions made align with the best interests of the community.
Local Politicians Concerns and the Lack of Support:
The concerns about local politicians impact on our community and the decrease of our property value remain relevant and have left shareholders frustrated. Three homeless shelters in proximity, two of them across the street and Park, the disturbances caused by the noise at Hinton Park and traffic violations, Ice Cream trucks idling and loud music, the weekend long music festivals at Citifield and frequent damages to our parked cars. The most recent decline of our neighborhood's safety is a gunpoint robbery of one of our shareholders on our property and a drunk passing out in the lobby. As our quality of life is decreasing and our property value remains below market value, these issues are often linked to the actions or inactions of our elected officials. Although we have reached out to them with concerns, it seems their priorities do not always align with the best interests of our neighborhood, ultimately affecting our property value and quality of life.
Shareholders Union:
With all the information at hand, the formation of a shareholders union seems mandatory. A union could provide a platform for collective action and open discussion of community concerns to overcome the challenges we face in a safe environment.
Conclusion:
The Dorie Miller community faces numerous challenges and concerns. I am committed to addressing these issues honestly and fairly with respect and dignity. We need to come together to initiate constructive dialogue and work towards a better future. Your vote and involvement are crucial to ensure the improvement of our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration and feel free to contact me for any questions and suggestions you may have.
Artistically and respectfully yours.
Wolfgang Busch
2023 Dorie Miller Board of Directors Candidate
Contact: [email protected] or text 718-623-2926
Links
My contributions as the founder, administrator and co-chair serving on the Team Legacy committee.
Forensic Account Summary, Annual Financial reports from 2011 to 2017, produced by Team Legacy
https://dmforensic.blogspot.com/
Breach of Fiduciary Duty, produced by Team Legacy.
This document was compiled by a forensic accountant, who was hired by Team Legacy.
https://dmformerboardviolations.blogspot.com/
2018 Shareholders Survey results, produced by Team Legacy
https://dmsurvey2018.blogspot.com/
Dorie Miller Flyer Campaign, published by Team Legacy
https://flyercampaign.blogspot.com/
Dorie Miller Internship Program, proposal by Wolfgang Busch
https://dminterns.blogspot.com/
My independent contributions serving our Neighborhood.
Hinton Park Noise and Traffic violation.
https://hintonpark.blogspot.com/
CitiField Music Festival Noise complaint.
https://citifieldfestival.blogspot.com/
Awards
Wolfgang Busch Awards
https://wolfgangbusch.weebly.com/halloffame.html
Wolfgang Busch, Letters of Support
https://supportwolf.blogspot.com/
Wolfgang Busch is a two time Humanitarian award winner for his leadership, community activism, historic art films and for working with the Black community since the late 70s. His company Art From The Heart Films was inducted into the Queens Business Hall of Fame for eight consecutive years.
Wolfgang was a political liaison for Manhattan Borough president C. Virginia Fields and received a letter of support from the White House, NY City Council Speaker and NY State Senate.
Yale University screening with lecture,
Wolfgang Busch director, Uri & friend from Yale, Luna Khan, Jazmine Blahnik, Jack Mizrahi, Willi Ninja
Wolfgang Busch director, Uri & friend from Yale, Luna Khan, Jazmine Blahnik, Jack Mizrahi, Willi Ninja
Penn State University screening, lecture, live performances.
Ballroom historian Kevin Omni, director Wolfgang Busch, front Ross Infiniti (RIP),
back Penn State representative, Luna Khan, Madonna's voguing dancer Benny Ninja.
Ballroom historian Kevin Omni, director Wolfgang Busch, front Ross Infiniti (RIP),
back Penn State representative, Luna Khan, Madonna's voguing dancer Benny Ninja.
DJ Frankie Knuckles and director Wolfgang Busch at the LGBT Community Center in NYC.
My company Art From The Heart LLC received for eight consecutive years the
Gay & Lesbian Organization Best of 2022 Queens Business
Gay & Lesbian Organization Best of 2022 Queens Business
I am honored and blessed for the support I have received over the years
for my community leadership and activism.