Making Progress

All are welcome to comment. Opinions will be accepted openly and with respect.

The SWVEA Constitution Focus Group met in Pownal on Tuesday. This was our first meeting where members read the constitution. Many didn't even know that the document existed. I know that I only got a copy after a long battle. The SWVEA president didn't want me to have a copy and kept making excuses about how busy she was then when that wasn't effective she wanted to meet with me. Well, to my way of thinking if she had enough time to meet with me then she had enough to ensure that I got a copy of the constitution as is my right as a member. I never asked her to make the copy personally, I merely asked that she ensure that I got a copy. In fact, I even volunteered to make copies for other members who had requested them.

Anyway, the consensus of the group was that the current constitution is not being followed and that it gives way too much power to the president and the executive board. For example, the Nominating Committee is appointed by the president and approved by the executive board. The slate of officers that the Nominating Committee brings has to be approved by the executive board before it is brought to the membership. Talk about handpicking officers!

Additionally, there were no built-in safeguards when it comes to counting votes. I would hate to accuse anyone of being dishonest but it has happened. Only one person in each building is responsible for counting votes, there is no observer status for members. Ideally, there should be a counter and an observer and both sign the count sheet.

More later.