Is this defamation or libel?

At the beginning of July I sent an email to the members of a committee of the board and the board about restoration of the RCSD Crime Reports to the HOA's website and an error made by the Modifications Committee.

I received a response from Vernell Butler, Treasurer of the HOA, that read, in part: "See I know , you would never say that to me face to face. Cowards do what you do. I actually feel sorry for the homeowner that you squat with."

"Squat with"? I'm a squatter?

Wikipedia: "Squatting is the action of occupying an abandoned or unoccupied area of land or a building, usually residential, that the squatter does not own, rent or otherwise have lawful permission to use."

Did Vernell defame the homeowner here or me?

I emailed Justin Martin, President of the HOA, to suggest that the board consider whether Vernell is becoming a liability to the board.

Justin's response, in part: "As to your statement about Vernell, you should get an attorney and sue if you're so inclined, and stop threatening the Board or individuals of this association that you are not a member of."

Is that a responsible reply? I wonder whether Justin has considered the cost of losing a lawsuit. I have not ever threatened the board or any board member. 

I am not the only person in The Summit who thinks now is a good time to completely transform the Board of Directors. The terms of four directors expire in November. Actually, five, since the Board allowed an illegitimate election of five directors (instead of four) in November 2021.

The terms of Martin, Game, Thomas, Bryant, and the vacant seat of Hill/Rybicki expire in November 2023.

The terms of Butler, Holmes, and Rybicki expire in November 2024. The Voting Members could remove Butler, except there aren't any legitimate Voting Members.

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