In light of the recent election “re-take,” I have had significantly more time to consider the situation at hand. I have remained determined NOT to campaign since, to a significant extent, I really question the sanity and intent of ANY candidate that extends themselves to be (or continue to be) an officer in a “club” of this nature. There have also been certain suggestions made as to my sincerity as a candidate, which disappointed and concerned me.
In addition, over the last several weeks (if not months), as a result of the pending election, there seems to be a great negative sense of “cronyism” among many of the club members. In general, it’s great to see so much club energy. However, much of the energy seems to de divisive in nature, which is quite unfortunate with such a small group of regional members.
With regard to all the previous, I have decided to express my opinions publicly.
I am posting these opinions REGARDLESS of the election outcome! I cannot overemphasis this point! Whichever candidates prevail, I STRONGLY SUGGEST that we carry on bearing the following 5 points in mind:
1) A club president MUST be a motivating and more importantly at present, a UNITING force. As far as I am concerned, it is IRRELEVANT as to “who said and did what to whom” first. The fact that our club is torn in half as a result of disagreement and personal bickering IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I believe that a president MUST see the bigger picture, put aside whatever personal issues prevail in his or her mind, and bring everyone to the party regardless of whether they are personally right or wrong.
2) Club expenses and investments MUST be made available and explained. I am not suggesting that there has been any impropriety. I am suggesting that when we fail to make our own finances available, it breeds discontent. Our region is not some private business concern. We have an operating budget that has been unavailable to members for YEARS. The details of all income and expenses must be made readily available to ALL MEMBERS. Simple.
3) Club events must be diverse and INclusive. We have approximately 220 members in our region. Other than one Spring BBQ, we seldom run a club event where more than 25 members participate. That may, in fact, be the best that we can expect, but we need to offer additional events that are shorter, less expensive and involve more driving. Our existing event program is excellent. It’s just that it seems to appeal to the same group of members time after time. There’s another 100+ members out there with far less leisure time on their hands that need to be addressed and enticed.
4) Sub-Regions must have some self-autonomy. It is virtually impossible to run upstate NY and eastern Connecticut from the metro NYC location. These members pay their dues just like the rest of us and they are entitled to some return. It’s ridiculous to ask members to drive 4 hours just to get to a NY/CT Region event.
5) Club officer positions need to have term limits. This is NOT a novel concept. Regardless of best intent, everyone promotes their personal ideas and agenda. Especially for small organizations like ours, it is imperative that the club’s leaders change after a few seasons. Extraordinary officers should be encouraged to continue for a brief period as a club director where he/she can continue to serve the club and club members. We should enact a By-Law that requires all elected club officers to take at least a year off after, say 3 to 4 years in office. They could always run again after that year. In this manner, you can add to the club’s leadership, rather than stifle the opinions and concerns of disenfranchised members.
I’m sure I’ve missed several points of concern, but I hope the previous is taken as it is offered; let’s take care of business and get on with the fun. As I’ve heard time and time again, “it’s just a damn car club”. Let’s ALL get over ourselves, our egos and our petty bickering…..and get into our Vipers!
" the election CAN NOT precede!
