Over the last six years I know I've annoyed some members, with what they perceived to be my defense of the board of directors. I also know that I've annoyed some board members with an email or two that I've sent to them.
When I needed to resign from the board I told myself that I did not want to be "that guy" that was openly critical of the people doing the job I'd been elected to do, or that always knew better. I also had personally experienced criticism from membership on issues where many of the people voicing their opinions just didn't have the facts.
My self imposed moratorium on venting my spleen has ended with this election, which would have been the end of my second term had I continued to serve and been elected again.
Each month there will be minutes of the meeting posted, as well as a recording of the open portion of the meeting. There should always be an agenda posted 72 hours prior to each meeting.
This thread exists as a place for a public discussion of those issues. Whether or not there is a consensus that comes out of that is up to membership. It's my hope, that whether or not there is a consensus it will serve to get the membership more involved in the decision making process.
"But the board is just going to do whatever they want to!", is what I frequently hear from members. From personal experience I disagree. Years ago there was a proposed amendment to the bylaws that became known as the "Nepotism Amendment". I started an online petition, that was submitted to the board. Between that, and members getting a little riled up the issue was tabled. Less than 100 members signed, but more emailed the board. I'd guess membership was between 12 and 14k at that time. Do the math. Over the years, when the membership takes the time to share their thoughts with the board on a given issue the board tends to listen.
Sharing your thoughts isn't posting on this forum, it isn't just leading a crusade on Facebook. It's taking the time to contact the board via email, or talking to board members when you have the opportunity. I can remember the board making a decision within the last six years that got the membership riled, and Randy Bigler came back at the next meeting and brought the issue up and got it changed. The board will be responsive, if membership will take the time to communicate their thoughts.
Going forward I will post a notice in this thread when the agenda is posted. I will post a notice in this thread when the minutes and audio recording of the meetings become available. Let the board know what you support, and what you don't. Ask for additional information when needed. I've said for years that membership will get the representation that they deserve. If I'm not going to take the time to follow what's going on, and learn the facts, I've got no business criticizing those that are taking the time to do the job. If I'm going to take the time, and remain engaged it's all fair game.
As for myself, the first email I send to the new board after they are seated will be a request for roll call votes to return with the votes cast by board members to be included in the meeting minutes.
WATCH THIS SPACE, AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS.
Scottie for President 2020!!!!
When I needed to resign from the board I told myself that I did not want to be "that guy" that was openly critical of the people doing the job I'd been elected to do, or that always knew better. I also had personally experienced criticism from membership on issues where many of the people voicing their opinions just didn't have the facts.
My self imposed moratorium on venting my spleen has ended with this election, which would have been the end of my second term had I continued to serve and been elected again.
Each month there will be minutes of the meeting posted, as well as a recording of the open portion of the meeting. There should always be an agenda posted 72 hours prior to each meeting.
This thread exists as a place for a public discussion of those issues. Whether or not there is a consensus that comes out of that is up to membership. It's my hope, that whether or not there is a consensus it will serve to get the membership more involved in the decision making process.
"But the board is just going to do whatever they want to!", is what I frequently hear from members. From personal experience I disagree. Years ago there was a proposed amendment to the bylaws that became known as the "Nepotism Amendment". I started an online petition, that was submitted to the board. Between that, and members getting a little riled up the issue was tabled. Less than 100 members signed, but more emailed the board. I'd guess membership was between 12 and 14k at that time. Do the math. Over the years, when the membership takes the time to share their thoughts with the board on a given issue the board tends to listen.
Sharing your thoughts isn't posting on this forum, it isn't just leading a crusade on Facebook. It's taking the time to contact the board via email, or talking to board members when you have the opportunity. I can remember the board making a decision within the last six years that got the membership riled, and Randy Bigler came back at the next meeting and brought the issue up and got it changed. The board will be responsive, if membership will take the time to communicate their thoughts.
Going forward I will post a notice in this thread when the agenda is posted. I will post a notice in this thread when the minutes and audio recording of the meetings become available. Let the board know what you support, and what you don't. Ask for additional information when needed. I've said for years that membership will get the representation that they deserve. If I'm not going to take the time to follow what's going on, and learn the facts, I've got no business criticizing those that are taking the time to do the job. If I'm going to take the time, and remain engaged it's all fair game.
As for myself, the first email I send to the new board after they are seated will be a request for roll call votes to return with the votes cast by board members to be included in the meeting minutes.
WATCH THIS SPACE, AND TELL YOUR FRIENDS.
Scottie for President 2020!!!!