Eric Espinosa for the Board
Meet Eric
My family and I moved to The Lakes in October 2024, drawn by the natural beauty of our lakes and the welcoming setting for raising a family. Professionally, I have spent my career leading scientific research teams and directing complex programs in biotechnology. Outside of work, my focus is community and family—you will often see my two young boys, our dog Thatcher, and me out walking the trails or heading to the nearby schools on our bikes and skateboard.
Bringing governance experience from my service on our Architectural Control Committee (ACC), I’ve also enjoyed helping bring neighbors together by co-organizing our recent neighborhood block party potluck. As a parent and neighbor, I care deeply about preserving our scenic property values while fostering an active, connected community where all residents truly feel at home.
Why I’m Running
The Lakes has an extraordinary setting, sitting right alongside our island’s top elementary and middle schools. Our neighborhood should naturally be a place where families thrive, neighbors connect, and people feel supported in enjoying their homes.
I am running for the Board to bring practical, transparent, and balanced leadership to our community. Board service should be about neighborly stewardship, proactive maintenance, and open communication—not friction, rigid technicalities, or adversarial disputes. When challenges arise, leadership should lead with common sense, listen first, and ensure every homeowner receives fair and respectful due process. I want to build on positive neighborhood momentum, protect our shared assets, and welcome the next generation of children and families while honoring the established neighbors who built this wonderful community.
Four Priorities for The Lakes
Community Connection & Welcoming Traditions
An HOA should actively nurture connection and friendship. A connected neighborhood is safer, friendlier, and more resilient.
- Board sponsorship for neighborhood gatherings: Actively budget for and support summer block parties, seasonal events, and kids' activities.
- Welcoming families and school ties: Foster a multigenerational environment where children can play and neighbors know one another.
- Optional resident directory: Create an opt-in network for pet care, local contractor referrals, babysitting, and neighborhood emergencies.
Modernize ACC & Eliminate Red Tape on Repairs
Architectural guidelines should safeguard neighborhood harmony and aesthetics, not trap responsible homeowners in endless bureaucratic delays.
- Fast-track like-for-like maintenance: Replacing worn deck boards, identical siding, or re-staining existing trim should not require months of approval.
- Child & water safety first: Prioritize common-sense reviews for protective fencing around ponds and yards so young children stay safe.
- Transparent committee reviews: Publish objective design standards and invite open dialogue before disagreements escalate.
Fiscal Transparency & Strict Due Process
Homeowner dues must be stewarded prudently with complete visibility into legal expenditures, contracts, and administrative fees.
- No retroactive fees or surprise penalties: Strict adherence to Washington law and our Bylaws regarding notice and fair hearings.
- Audit legal and management spending: Prioritize association funds on capital reserves rather than adversarial disputes with owners.
- Accessible meeting minutes & contracts: Timely sharing of Board decisions, voting records, and major vendor agreements.
Proactive Lake Stewardship & Infrastructure
Our lakes and mature landscaping are the crown jewels of our neighborhood and require proactive, long-term environmental care.
- Proactive water quality & shoreline health: Regular ecological maintenance to prevent weed overgrowth and protect shore stability.
- Trail and common element upkeep: Keep walking paths, bridges, irrigation, and signage properly maintained for daily enjoyment.
- Disciplined reserve planning: Maintain healthy reserve funds to protect against sudden special assessments for lake infrastructure.
How to Participate
Vote by Proxy
The simplest way to take part. The official proxy form lets someone represent you at the Annual Meeting and cast your vote as you direct, so you don’t need to attend.
Download the Fillable Proxy Form (PDF)- Complete the form: Enter your address, lot number, and the name of your proxy. If no name is listed, the President of the Association will serve as your proxy and will vote only as directed or for quorum purposes.
- Mark your vote: To support Eric, check Eric Espinosa under Election of Director. If you leave an item blank, your proxy may vote as they choose.
- Leave “Quorum Only” unchecked: Selecting that option means your proxy will not cast any votes on your behalf.
- Sign it: The proxy is not valid unless signed by at least one Owner of record. You can print and sign it, then scan or photograph it to email.
- Email it by November 10, 2026: Send the completed proxy to VIS Group at info@vismanagement.com.
Attend the Annual Meeting
You can also vote yourself during the Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 7:00 PM via Zoom. The Zoom details are in the meeting notice email from VIS Group.
- Watch for your voting link: Voting opens during the meeting through ElectionBuddy, when a unique link is sent to the primary email on file for your property. Check your junk mail if it does not arrive.
- Check your email on file by November 10, 2026: If it needs updating, notify VIS Management by end of business day at info@vismanagement.com or (800) 537-9619.
- Cast your vote: Click “Vote Now,” select Eric Espinosa, click “Review Ballot,” confirm your choice, and click “Submit Vote.” Each property receives one link, and votes may only be submitted once.