Im not over-awed by any of the top 3 roles: chairman, secretary or treasurer. Those 3 roles no longer have the sway that they did in years back before it became necessary to have a paid and professional manager. But they need to be locally filled and they and your committee (most are large enough complexes to require a set number) make the decisions on the ground and instruct the hands-on guys to initiate things. But they are not a law unto them self so can certainly be challenged or inspired to take on board what other owners prefer.
It is good that some folks get underway and keep some control and it can be good and efficient when you have a good servant in place, but a pain when the opposite. Get to know the local state legislation and know your bylaws to use that to your advantage, as well as stay in friendly contact with your professional manager who should give you unbiased guidance beyond the assumptions your current chairman’s may have.
You as do other owners have full access to your records but typically need to pay a fee to the professional manager to see these at there premises, as well as pay per page to get copies.