HOA Board has banned me from future HOA board positions and committees

I live in a 17 unit townhome self managed community. I have lived here over twenty years and have been a secretary or treasurer on the Board on and off over the years. The two current Board members have had an issue with me such as when I was on the Board, I questioned much of their positions. They have told others I have an unusual influence on members. This is ludicrous and juvenile. They sent me notice that due to my bad behavior; quitting the board two years ago with the others (due to a very disrespectful email sent to us by one of the current Board members) , I'm no longer allowed to be on a future Board. No where does our rules say anyone can be banned from a Board position.
I know there is a lot of detail missing, but they are also accusing me of breaching a rule and want to charge me $550. I've requested a hearing. They are not allowing me to bring any representation and also missed a 15 day notice (it was only 14 days, but I did call it out then agreed to meet.) My question to the forum is about their 'notice of never again Board position'. There is a Board meeting coming up and it seems they are using me as an example of why they want to change Board voting rules. I realize this is all vague... but I may need to hire an attorney if they bring my name up at the Board Meeting. Please let me know your opinions.

Thank you for responding.

I would write a letter like the following:

Dear Board of Directors,

My understanding is the law has long recognized the right of owners in community associations (such as ours) to elect to the board any owner they desire. The law does this because this is the number one means for association members to exercise their voice.

I will be running for the board again. Respectfully I expect to be treated no differently than other candidate. If the latter is not your intention, then please inform me within ten days of the legal basis for your prohibiting my running for and being elected to the board. Also please consider consulting with the HOA attorney before responding, with the salient question being: Can the Board disqualify an owner from running for the Board? If so, on what grounds, under the law, can the Board do so?

Thank you for your assistance,

name
address
email addie
phone number

Report back here at HOATalk any rules the board creates that affect your candidacy.

HaleyH, I advise you to request the Board's permission to record the hearing.

When a not insubstantial amount of money is involved, the courts want to see a certain amount of "due process." Having a hearing is a good start.

They will likely say no. If even one person says no or that they don't consent, do not record as IL is a two party state, meaning all parties involved must agree to the recording.

Take notes and, when it's over, send an email/letter saying you understood the following from the meeting and they should correct you if you misunderstood.