Hey, everyone. I'm really sorry to post something that has the potential
to really stir things up. But, I can't sit still and let this kind of
behavior take place. I believe that we in PA are fortunate to have the
most lucid, foreward-thinking group of volunteers in the whole USGenWeb
project. So, I hope you will read this and contact everyone you personally
know on the present board and tell them to give Nancy a rest. I'm not
privy to their communications, but I understand there is a move about to
impeach her -- though the by-laws don't have a provision for that, as I
recall.
What this guy is nit-picking about is ludicrous. The fact that his grammar
is atrocious -- making his letter very difficult to follow --
notwithstanding, I don't see where any of his complaints are valid. The
parliamentary issue was repeatedly brought up during the whole period prior
to the vote on by-laws. It was ignored by the committee. The by-laws are
wide open to interpretation on many fronts. Nancy is, as far as I have
seen, using rational thought to interpret them. She is not usurping power
arbitrarily.
Parliamentary procedure is absolutely necessary. Meetings are absolutely
necessary. If Nancy has to ask for input from multiple individuals for
every procedure that she implements, she'll never get administrative
protocol in place. We elected her to lead the organization. There is an
implicit trust that she will do so logically and equitably. So far, I have
seen nothing to indicate otherwise.
And now I'm going to step off the soapbox and allow you to read this
disgusting (to me) message. Please, PLEASE -- write letters to the people
that apparently matter in this situation -- the board representatives from
all the regions.
From: "Roger Swafford" <gizmo(a)wcic.cioe.com>
To: "Nancy Trice" <trice(a)vci.net>, "Trey Holt"
<holt(a)txcyber.com>,
"Betsy Mills" <betsym(a)1starnet.com>, "Maureen Reed"
<mreed(a)sky.net>
Cc: "USGENWEB-ALL-L" <USGENWEB-ALL-L(a)rootsweb.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Sep 1998 19:56:42 -0500
I submit this letter in accordance with Article XIV, Sections 1 and 2 of the
USGW bylaws.
This a formal complaint against the National Coordinator of USGW Project. In
that;
1. The NC has informed the Board of Advisors that she may choose to ignore
them. Thereby depriving me of representation by my elected representatives
if she so chooses.
2. The NC "requested" or otherwise influenced members of the Advisory Board
not to post messages on the USGenWeb-ALL list. Thereby "in effect" depriving
me of a means of getting reports from my elected representatives, and "in
effect" infringing upon the US Constitutional right of said representatives
to freedom of speech.
3. The NC arbitrarily selected RRoO as a guide to administer the project
with complete disregard for input, discussion, ect. of the Advisory Board.
Thereby depriving me of representation by my elected representatives
regarding the suitability of RRoO to our organization or locally prepared
Parliamentary Procedures.
4. The NC selected / appointed a Parliamentarian with complete disregard to
input, discussion, ect. of the Advisory Board. Thereby depriving me of
representation by my elected representatives regarding the need of a
Parliamentarian and if so, whom.
5. The NC "insisted" or otherwise demanded that monthly meetings would be
held by IrcC session in direct conflict and complete disregard of duly
elected representatives of the Advisory Board. Thereby creating a situation
whereas one or more of my elected representatives for whatever reason may be
unable to attend, thus depriving me of fair and equitable representation by
said representatives should the occasion arise.
6. The NC "posted" or caused to be posted an Agenda for a promulgated
meeting to be held 1 Oct. 1998 which is, at very least, incomplete. This
Agenda contains no "Call for New Business" thus creating a situation in
which any motion from other board members could be ruled "Out of Order, Not
on the Agenda" by the NC and the NC appointed Parliamentarian. Thereby
attempting to negate the authority vested in the elected representatives of
the Advisory Board and depriving me of representation by said
representatives.
In accordance with Article VI Section 3 of the USGW by-laws I hereby demand
immediate action regarding all numerical points expressed in this letter of
complaint/grievance. I request the Board of Advisors keep me apprised of
ongoing status of my grievances.
Comment:
Personal pleas from rational and sincere persons to reconsider her position
have evidently fallen on deaf ears. I view her behavior as a slap in the
face of the very people she was elected to represent. No matter how good her
intentions, this kind of combative, dictatorial behavior cannot be
tolerated. I call for her immediate resignation.
It upsets me that the situation has prompted this from me. I am sorry that
feelings are going to be hurt. I foresee the well being of the project to be
in emminent danger and cannot stand by and see the project endeared by so
many to be further damaged by political bickering and posturing for control.
In light of all the above I am sending this with widest possible
distribution.
Sincerely;
Roger Swafford
CC Childress Co. TX
gizmo(a)wcic.cioe.com
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