I hate HOAs. I used be the president of one (elected in absentia). I spent 90% of my time keeping the board from nosing into other people’s business.
Thank goodness you were elected whether you wanted it or not, you saved your neighbors from busy bodies with NOTHING else to do with their time!!! I know it was time consuming but if I had lived there I would have been VERY GRATEFUL to have you there!!!
I had a similar experience, albeit somewhat briefer. When I first came aboard, the "board" was in the process of foreclosing on the home of an elderly man who was helpless, a process a couple of years in the pipeline.
Minutes of monthly meetings were spotty, selective, and more often than not incomplete. I refused to vote, simply abstained.
Changes to the Association rules which are required to be voted on by all members of the association, with no minimum majority required.
Out of 525 members, 20 members could pass an onerous new rule, if only a total of 39 members vote.
In addition, After the votes were counted, substantive changes were made to proposed association changes, with no further voting.
This all in California.
Any homeowner adversely affected is simply out of luck, since the paid management, and elected Board Members can draw on unlimited annual dues to fight any challenge.
Most examples of Homeowner Associations I have observed are simply legalized, unregulated extortionate groups, with NO oversight.
And in the other 10% you nosed along WITH them??