Can I be an effective Board member?

 

Some PDGA members have wondered if I could be an effective Board member.  I wonder too, probably even more than they do.  It is now time to face this question head-on, because its answer depends on the results of the upcoming election.

 

I am a "reform" candidate.  You can look at my platform on the "Ask Board Candidate Peter Shive" thread on the PDGA Discussion Board.  Being effective means being able to accomplish a significant number of the following reforms:

1) The Board would consist entirely of elected members.  No appointed members (see post #37 on that thread).

2) Secrecy would be dispelled.  Members would know what is going on before the fact, and would also know a lot more about how their money is being spent (28, 36).

3) Board members and PDGA officers would disclose potential conflicts of interest (18, 22, 28).

4) Independent vendors would be offered the opportunity to bid for the PDGA online service contract (8).

5) The website would function efficiently (4).

6) Priorities would be revised (52, 56, 58).

 

Two things are clear.  I cannot be effective unless you agree that these reforms are desirable.  Nor can I be effective if you elect "establishment-type" Board members who support or condone the status quo.  This means that, when you vote, there are two simple considerations that would rule me out as an effective candidate.

 

1) One ballot item will ask for your approval of the recent Bylaws change that allows the Board to appoint part of its own membership.  If you vote to approve the appointment of Board members, you should not vote for me.

2) If you vote for Feldberg, or Pozzy, or Decker, you should not vote for me.      

[Bruce Brakel]

Based on my brief experience on the Board, I would agree that Theo Pozzy is the Opacity candidate.  He personified the joke about mushroom farming.  Decker had an accountant's instinct for client confidentiality, but he was also a status quo guy.  Pozzy was more of a Hope and Change guy: let's make big changes and hope no one is paying attention. 

 

Peter, is there anyone on that long list you are for?