James Franklin
Board Member: More than 14 years

Arrowwood Comments/Coop living:
I am currently Vice President and have served on the board since 1993. I have served in many capacities including president, vice president and treasurer. We have worked hard as a team. I was honored to be re-elected each time, and through sickness and health, I have volunteered to serve. We have made a difference in this community together. My wife, Geraldine and I have lived at Arrowwood since 1970. We are now referred to as pioneer members. We raised three children here, with my youngest just recently acquiring his own unit. My wife and I just retired a few years ago. We decided a long time ago to never move but improve. We have invested in our home because this is where we want to spend our retirement years. We love our community!

Background:
I worked at Ford Motor Company for over 40 years. I have lived in Ann Arbor for quite some time and attended Pioneer High School. I have learned a lot from the professions and other board members in our national and Midwest Associations over the past years. I brought to the board a commitment of faithfulness, advocacy for equal housing opportunities and fiscal responsibility. We belong to the National Association of Housing Cooperatives (NAHC) and Midwest Association of Housing Cooperative (MAHC) because of the support, education and networking made available. When HUD tried to foreclose and sell us, NAHC joined us in battle, fought back and won. We are still here. I know the history of this community and how each member can, and many have, made a difference. I hope to continue to be a part of our future. We are on our way in 2010 when we have paid off the mortgage and refinanced with a flex sub loan. I am a good listener and understand that I represent you, so where we go after 2010 will be up to you.

Hobbies/Interests: I am a mechanic at heart and I love to try my hand at fixing things. I love to travel the open roads and camp. There is so much to see in the USA. I do a little fishing and plan to do a lot of grilling! I am very active in my church. I care about educational and technical programs and activities for at-risk youth and low income families.