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With all respect, mattb’s comments seem to reflect a certain naivete. While each EC member may have “only his or her own interests at heart”, the value of their property will not necessarily be the only over-riding driver. The Flat Chat Forum seems replete with stories of office-holders directing lucrative jobs, possibly at excessive prices, towards contractors or suppliers in which they have an interest – financial or friendship/family. What about an EC member who wants to see an existing Managing Agent replaced by his own property management company? People involved in building or property management may well have something to contribute to the management of a strata scheme, but should not have an opportunity of favouring their own interests when well-remunerated work is being allocated. These decisions must be made, and be seen to be made, purely on the basis of the best interests of the Scheme as a whole. Anyone with an interest in being paid to work for the Scheme should be required to say so up front, and be ready to be excluded from discussion and voting on where this particular expenditure is to go.