MakeItHappen 15 #1 June 2, 2008 Attached is an open letter to all USPA members from me. You may also wish to read pages 16-17 and 25-32 from the summer 2007 BOD meeting and the 2008 Governance Manual. I may be contacted at Aerosoftware_AT_MakeItHappen.com replace _AT_ with @ or 951-658-3526 .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #2 June 3, 2008 Just browsing through this reminds me why I decided not to run and at the same time makes me want to run. I see once again that there is much "business" and turmoil that realy does not need to be part of our organization. I decided not to run because I didn't think I was the "right person" for the job. I see now that I am not sure there is a definition for that. I think it is time to take a step back and ask ourselves how much "business" does our board really need to be doing. I personally think they are up there doing shit just to justify their jobs/positions. I think I may run just because I can. I don't think I can do any worst then what I have seen. Who knows Jan, I might be sitting next to you at an upcoming meeting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #3 June 3, 2008 I'd vote for you. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #4 June 3, 2008 I would vote for you too, if the USPA promised to keep you away from extension cords and power outlets. "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydived19006 4 #5 June 3, 2008 Issue 1: Proper notification of the BOD about proposed changes to Governance Manual Section 3-1. Seems straight forward to me, abide by the rules. I would ask that Jan Meyer bring a point of order and declare these improper changes to be null and void. I would also ask that Jan Meyer prepare a new motion, and distribute at least 15 days in advance and along with the call of the meeting. If you have to wait to the meeting to call a point of order, in order to void the changes, it’ll be too late to submit a new motion 15 days in advance. Issue 2. Use of ballots other than the one that is sent to members in the November issue of Parachutist. My opinion is that the source of the ballot should not be an issue, any photo copy, etc should be valid. My opinion is that the USPA member number should be required, as opposed to license numbers. USPA numbers are easily accessible through the USPA web site, but not as widely accessible as license numbers. Also adhere to the rule regarding (or past practice) regarding pre-marked ballots. Issue 5: Member verification to validate a ballot. I think that any questionable ballot should be checked against the members’ signature as signed on his individual membership form. These signatures should be attached in digital form on the USPA member database. In the case of duplicate ballots, the signatures should be checked against the individuals membership form. It is most likely to late to scan all current members individual membership forms for the upcoming election, but over the course of 12 to 18 months, every renewal, and new membership form could be scanned and attached, or a separate database generated to maintain these records, and to make them very readily accessible. Issue 3: Dates that the ballots are counted. I echo Jan Meyer’s opinion on this point. No ballots should be counted until the poles close. Issue 4: Communication between HQ and candidates about paperwork requirements. I think that HQ should give equal treatment to every candidate, and potential candidate. It is impossible for HQ to know who may be a potential candidate, so to give assistance to a sitting member and not to another potential candidate is preferential treatment, and should not be allowed. I think that any candidate, or potential candidate should be given assistance, and questions answered if asked by the candidate, but only if the inquiry is precipitated by the candidate. Issue 6: Nomination of Regional Director Candidates. I’d like to see this rule changed. My opinion is that the ballot requirements for Regional Director should mirror the requirement for National Director. If it is allowed by the Governance Rules, I think that this rule should be put on the 2008 BOD ballot. If a change to the Governance Manual can be made in order to allow this proposed change to be put on the 2008 BOD ballot, I’d ask that Jan Meyer submit the proposal for change per policy. Issue 7: Changes to the Governance Manual Section 3-1 unilaterally done by HQ staff. I ask that Jan Meyer call a point of order, and that the BOD declare any such changes to the Governance Manual to be Null and Void. With regard to this issue, I also ask that Jan Meyer communicate with the Full Board through approved process of her intention, thus giving other members time to submit proper changes, with proper notification if they so desire. Feel free to share my opinions with anyone concerned! Martin Myrtle 104570, D19006 Wichita Kansas 316-409-7977 aircapitaldropzone@yahoo.comExperience is what you get when you thought you were going to get something else. AC DZ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,146 #6 June 3, 2008 Quote What do you think and why? Another small national organization (not much larger than USPA) to which I belong distributes its ballots (by bulk mail) to members. The original ballot has a unique identifier key and the pre-printed member name. The ballots are counted by an independent firm of auditors, so HQ never sees the completed ballots.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CSpenceFLY 1 #7 June 3, 2008 That sounds like a good idea. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #8 June 3, 2008 Quote That sounds like a good idea. I like it too, but will the exec board approve it? Recent events and the mindset of those members make this unlikely. "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #9 June 3, 2008 QuoteThat sounds like a good idea. Chris - you will fit right in as a bod member. .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MakeItHappen 15 #10 June 3, 2008 QuoteQuote What do you think and why? Another small national organization (not much larger than USPA) to which I belong distributes its ballots (by bulk mail) to members. The original ballot has a unique identifier key and the pre-printed member name. The ballots are counted by an independent firm of auditors, so HQ never sees the completed ballots. Hey John can you send me info about your 'other org'? Or info on the auditors, cost and time to count x-many votes and cost of the ballots with pre-printed identifiers? Thanks .. Make It Happen Parachute History DiveMaker Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chuckakers 426 #11 June 3, 2008 Quote Attached is an open letter to all USPA members from me. You may also wish to read pages 16-17 and 25-32 from the summer 2007 BOD meeting and the 2008 Governance Manual. I may be contacted at Aerosoftware_AT_MakeItHappen.com replace _AT_ with @ or 951-658-3526 . Once again the clowns at USPA can't get anything right. Now they get to spend even more sh*t time arguing over it.Chuck Akers D-10855 Houston, TX Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #12 June 3, 2008 Quote Quote That sounds like a good idea. Chris - you will fit right in as a bod member. . Oh snap! Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tombuch 0 #13 June 3, 2008 QuoteIssue 4: Communication between HQ and candidates about paperwork requirements. I think that HQ should give equal treatment to every candidate, and potential candidate. It is impossible for HQ to know who may be a potential candidate, so to give assistance to a sitting member and not to another potential candidate is preferential treatment, and should not be allowed. I think that any candidate, or potential candidate should be given assistance, and questions answered if asked by the candidate, but only if the inquiry is precipitated by the candidate. I'm getting ready to run for the legislature in Vermont and am pretty well versed in our state level paperwork requirements. If you are running for office in Vermont you must file a set of petition signatures and a registration form to allow your name to appear on the ballot. If there are any problems with the signature petition or the registration form, the clerk is required to notify the candidate promptly so the problems can be corrected. That makes sense. It is not reasonable for the clerk (or USPA) to contact an incumbent to advise that paperwork hasn't been delivered because it isn't possible to identify non-incumbents who have the intent to file but haven't done so. However, once any paperwork has been filed it is appropriate for the clerk (or USPA) to identify mistakes early enough in the process for the candidate to correct them. These notifications should be equal for all candidates (incumbents and others), and designed/implemented to encourage the maximum level of participation.Tom Buchanan Instructor Emeritus Comm Pilot MSEL,G Author: JUMP! Skydiving Made Fun and Easy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
klingeme 1 #14 June 4, 2008 Quote I would vote for you too, if the USPA promised to keep you away from extension cords and power outlets. I think "electric 8 way" style board meetings might make some improvement. Mark Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #15 June 4, 2008 Quote Quote I would vote for you too, if the USPA promised to keep you away from extension cords and power outlets. I think "electric 8 way" style board meetings might make some improvement. Mark With them hand-cuffed in sequence! "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
