Unfortunately, the guys Ed hired will do whatever he tells them to because they get paid for anything and everything they do...right or wrong. In my opinion, professional contractors should tell Ed how problems should be fixed and give him a bid. Maybe those guys feel Ed will fire them if they disagree with him, and don't want to ruin their cash flow. In his mind, Ed has to be right and in control at all times.
Yes, Patty Mingus lives by you. She was on the Board when Jim served as Treasurer.
And, regarding proxies, click here to see how they are counted: