Kakistocracy - Where the Worst Rise to the Top
Kakistocracy (kak·i·sto·cra·cy /kakəˈstäkrəsē/)
a government, organization or group run by the worst, least qualified, or most unscrupulous citizens.
The word is derived from two Greek words, kakistos (κάκιστος; worst) and kratos (κράτος; rule), with a literal meaning of government by the worst people.
The El Mirador Homeowners Association (EMHA) exemplifies a kakistocracy—a governance system where the least qualified and most corrupt individuals rise to power. For decades, the same individuals have manipulated the election process to maintain control, resulting in widespread mismanagement. Streets remain in disrepair, common areas are neglected, and the Board of Directors consistently ignores the concerns of Association members. DANA Properties, the association management company, has been criticized as an incompetent and malevolent force exacerbating these issues.
Kakistocracies often emerge through corruption. In the case of homeowner associations, power becomes concentrated in the hands of a select few who prioritize personal gain over community welfare. This dynamic allows the least qualified and most dishonest individuals to hold power—not because of merit or integrity, but due to their ability to exploit the system.
Apathy among association members further entrenches kakistocracies. When members disengage from voting or participating in the electoral process, it creates an environment where the worst individuals can seize and retain power without opposition. The consequences of such governance are far-reaching, including financial mismanagement, poor maintenance, lack of transparency, and increased legal liabilities stemming from discrimination and harassment. Ultimately, kakistocracies erode the quality of life for members and make it nearly impossible to hold boards and committees accountable.
El Mirador Homeowners Association Board of Directors 2023
