A few (modest) words in (guarded) support of Homeowners Associations…well, mine, anyway:  We live in a nice subdivision on the Northwest side; it’s a little bit older than some, but it’s still nice. No violence, no graffiti, no loud parties. The neighbors are friendly, but not overly so. It’s the kind of place that people from other parts of town bring their kids to on Halloween night for trick or treating. And, with very few exceptions, I’m happy with our HOA. They do house decorating contests during the holidays and they keep the pool and park in good shape. You hardly ever see a house with runaway weeds in the front yard and people keep up the structure and appearance of their houses, walls, and fences. It’s nice when everybody understands the concept of property values.      Read the article………………………..