Charles (Chuck) Leach currently serves on the SLLA Board. He has had responsibility for the Facilities and Grounds Committee and told landowners gathered at the Wednesday, February 5 Candidates' Night that he hopes to continue in that position.
“I would like to stay where I am," he replied, when asked which job on the Board appealed to him. "I have had three years in electrical schooling; and, at one time, I was thinking of going into the electrical business."
"A newer amenity that should not be forgotten is the debris site,” Leach added. “It is the second most loved amenity.”
Leach and his wife Jane have been married for forty-six years. They built their home in Seven Lakes in 1998 and became year-round residents in 2005.
“For that reason alone, I need to get back on this Board," Leach laughed. "My wife says we need some separation.”
Leach was an educator for much of his life. Beginning in the classroom, he taught elementary, middle, and high school. In 1976, he earned his Master of Science Degree in School Administration and was hired as an Assistant Principal in Sparta, New Jersey. Leach worked as principal for thirteen years before being appointed as Director of Curriculum and Staff Development for the Sparta Township Public Schools.
Leach chaired The Sparta Youth Development Commission, a program nationally recognized as a Model Preventative Drug and Alcohol Community Program. In 1988 the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly recognized Leach for his leadership and service to the children of Sparta.
Asked what he would change about Seven Lakes if he could wave a magic wand, Leach said, first, he would put more women on the SLLA Board of Directors.
“Over the years, we have continued to have too much testosterone on the board; and we need a gender adjustment, a balance of men and women,” Leach said. “The issue is being met this year with Sandy and Mary running for the board.”
Having served on the Facilities and Grounds Committee, Leach understands the importance of budgeting for routine maintenance.
“We are trying to change a long established thought pattern held by some of the good folks in this community: that is, if prices continue to rise and dues remain the same, then the board is doing a good job,” Leach said.
“In reality, if the cost of everything around us goes up and the dues remain level, then the assets of the community begin to decline. This current Board has spent the necessary money on repairs of the pool, roof replacement, street signs, roads, landscaping, docks, and the lake. The appearance of our community has started to improve. The dues increase should be considered. For $25 less — than the cost of half a tank of gas — that increase needs to be supported,” Leach said.
Leach supported continuing to maintain those amenities that the community has traditionally offered, including the stables.
“I don’t think the community realizes that the stables and the pool were here first and have always been a part of Seven Lakes," he said. "We also have to be flexible and reflect the needs of the community. The stables expenses are pretty fixed. I don’t know how much savings you can derive without doing something different. I would like to see us possibly try and consider and pursue the thought of boarding one or two horses to assist us in bringing some more revenue.”
"The one thing a kid can’t say in Seven Lakes is: 'We have nothing to do,'” Leach said. "Tennis, pickle ball, swimming, lakes, stables, golf, and fishing. We have a lot for kids to do here. The dues we pay provide children a great deal here. One particular thing I would like to see is providing a place for skateboarding.”
“It is my sincere hope that my community members will support my reelection,” Leach said.
