Ridecamp: [RC] Bylaws Vote not a referendum on BoD

People sometimes wonder if anyone's mind is ever changed by arguments
on Ridecamp.  Well, yes.  Two days ago I was planning on voting "yes"
on the Bylaws change; as a direct result of the discussion on Ridecamp
I now intend to vote "no."

First, a "no" vote does not mean that we don't appreciate the hard
work that went into the proposed changes.  I for one very much
appreciate all of the hard work, and having sheperded a Bylaws change
through once upon a time I know how tough it is.  But no matter how
much we appreciate the effort, we must decide how to vote based on
whether we believe the proposed change, in its totality, is good for
the AERC.  And I've been convinced that there are two fatal problems
with the current package.

One of the problems I now see is the removal of the "Family
Membership" definition.  Yes, I know the Board can still keep family
memberships.  But this is one of those "If it ain't broke, don't fix
it" issues.  Frankly, I don't see the problem with a family membership
having only two votes.  They get discounted dues, and most families
only have two adults active in the sport anyway.  If a third adult
member wants to vote, they have the option of joining as a single
member.  Remember, the definition of "Family" for Family awards need
not require that they all share one Family membership (I don't believe
it does now).  Or, if we want to allow families with more than two
adults to have more than two votes, that can be been changed in the
Bylaws without throwing out the definition altogether.  

So, I have become pursuaded that the Family Membership is important
enough, and enough a part of our heritage, to keep it in the Bylaws.

The other problem I've already addressed, limiting membership to
citizens only.  I must admit that when I first saw that, I was taken
aback, then thought "Oh, it's just more of that us-vs.-them attitude
that we see in the non-member fees."  I decided not to get my knickers
in a twist about it again.  Now, after reading some of the comments
here by non-citizen residents, I realize that it is a serious error
and is alone sufficient reason to vote "no."

Finally, this problem can be avoided next time around by presenting
the Bylaws changes as line items, voted on individually.  Then we
won't need to vote the whole package down because of a problem or two
with them.

-- 

Joe Long
jlong@xxxxxxxx
http://www.rnbw.com


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