The Root of The Problem (NY/CT)

The Root of The Problem (NY/CT)

In my 4th year as a member of the Viper Community, I was nominated for President of my region. I accepted, mainly because cars have always been a personal passion, but also because I saw a serious and disturbing imbalance between the members in my immediate area (call it Metropolitan NYC) and the regional leadership. I assumed that after 4 years, the region’s appointed president (there was no election at that time) would willingly step down. I mean, it makes perfect sense to me that anyone would grow weary of the thankless effort after 2 years (the National VCA directive) as a region officer…let alone after 4 years. Needless to say I could not have been more mistaken.

So here we are. After 2 sets of ballots (half of the first set was somehow never received), 2 election deadlines, 2 months of election protocol negotiations between the candidates, the former National president and staff at Headquarters and a 2 counts of the final ballots, I was elected president of my region by three votes. Did I just say that I was elected? Well, not quite…you see the former region president was upset with the results and lobbied the former national president to re-open the election. Why, because some members ballots were not received. Will ANYONE please explain to me how a member can mail in a vote and then intelligently conclude that his/her vote was not counted?

THIS is a perfect example of why my VCA region (and apparently some others) is coming apart at the seams. The members speak and their voices are stifled. What makes it even worse, is that it is ALL HIDDEN from the members; the same members that ARE the club. At present, I am disgusted by the entire proceeding and am enraged at the complete lack of respect that some former VCA officers have for club members.

So, here’s my short list of concerns that make up the “Root of the Problem”:

-Region presidents should not offer director positions to members as a means of soliciting votes.
-Regional presidents should not be permitted to change regional by-laws to EXCLUDE future elections.
-Regional presidents should not be permitted to withhold regional income and expense accounting information.
-Regional presidents should not be permitted to pay for director dinners with regional club funds.
-Regional presidents should not financially encumber the club to expensive dinner events and then pay for shortfalls out of club funds.
-Regional presidents should not schedule executive meetings only once a year and keep them closed to all members other than those he appointed as directors.
-Regional presidents should make EVERY effort NOT to push their own agenda with regard to events, restaurants, Dodge dealers, merchandise, etc.
-Regional presidents should not have an entire wardrobe emblazoned with the word ‘President” on each and every article (OK, this item is more indicative of a “misaligned” level of importance attributible to a mere car enthusiast club position…but it is still qualifies a problem “root”)
-Regional presidents should not act covertly…they work FOR club members! NOT in spite of club members!

I am convinced that this is an excellent beginning. I have no doubt that there are several other “roots” that can be added. Nonetheless, VCA members should remain vigilant to be on the lookout for any of the above.

I want to emphasize that most regions are not plagued with “Napoleonic” officers. In fact, the newly elected National Officers seem to be a wonderful breath of fresh air. There are also many selfless club officers that make major efforts to insure that member’s voices are heard and answered. Sadly, the NY/CT region is not one of those enlightened regions. I can only hope that sanity will prevail and we can move forward, rather than slink back into the shadowy back alleys of covert self importance and self interest. Our members are intelligent, successful and fun loving...they are acutely aware of the deception. They deserve MUCH better!

sad how people act.

notice its always people who never had an ounce of power in thier life and now all of a sudden have a little bit and wanna protect it and flex those "little" muscles.

sounds like someone has something to hide and or protect.

I dont know the deal, but im betting it is right on.

I hope it all works out for YOU scott.

City,
Oh my....

Here's the thing: I just decided not to run again after almost 5 years. First year I was promoted from VP after the untimely death of our President. Then I ran (unopposed) and then once again - mostly because no one stepped up to run against me. I made it quite cler that it was my LAST term in office.

Every club needs leadership changes. You have to recognize that the longer you stay, the more you turn it into YOUR club and not the members. You also do not encourage others to get involved, because you've "always been there" and most often, continue to do what you've been doing - GOOD or BAD. The club membership CHANGES and leadership needs to change if only to make sure that events, locations, communications and perspectives change, too. I know there are other regions with long standing Presidents. IMO, they need to formally announce that they will not run for re-election again. It's the selfless thing you can do - even in a successful region. it forces the hand for grassroots support and allows folks to come into the game. Personally, I like the idea of a one term limit - like National does. It keeps things fresh. And it doesn't mean that a person can't stay involved - quite the contrary. they can continue organizing events, writing newsletters, doing financial stuff, etc. and you'll gradually build a VERY STRONG volunteer base where everyone contributes and no one is either Napoleanic OR burdened with doing it all alone - forever.

Lastly, books should be OPEN TO ANY AND ALL MEMBERS. it's a shame that anyone would even have to state this. How can this be said any clearer - IT'S NOT OUR MONEY - IT'S THE CLUB'S MONEY - THE MEMBERS' MONEY

There may be times that an event is booked that doesn't make money and certain expenses must be paid regardless of attendance. I am OK with that - as long as the membership is getting the benefit, i.e. some showed up. The next time that event is proposed, it shold be reviewed for viability. Not all events need to make money or break even - in fact, lots don't. But that's OK, becasue it means that non-active members subsidize active members. But it should always be about member benefit.

I hope this election closes. A deadline is a deadline. Calling for votes after the fact, big time politics (buying votes with appointments - yikes), and emulating the Florida voting system cannot be tolerated. it's time to congratulate the winners and let them get on with the job of running the region. Be gracious. And if they fall on their collective faces and the membership is unhappy - well, that's the great thing about elections - you can vote them OUT OF OFFICE and elect who you want next time. It's 2 years ferchrissakes, not a Supreme Court nomination.

Good luck to NY/CT - I hope this is resolved NOW and you can get on with event planning for 2005.

But I thought there were no real advantages to being a VCA officer? Not disclosing the financials is the first sign of corruption.

The whole thing stinks Scott, and the entire membership of the NY/CT chapter should be getting involved to make sure that justice is served.

If I were a NY/CT member and this thing doesn't wrap up in a proper fashion, there's no way in hell the VCA would be seeing another penny from me.

Sack up NY/CT members and let your voices be heard.

I am beginning to suspect Scott was poisoned to get him out of the election.....On the left is a pic of Scott six weeks ago, and on the right, a pic of Scott just yesterday...FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, IT'S JUST A CAR CLUB!!!

I am beginning to suspect Scott was poisoned to get him out of the election.....On the left is a pic of Scott six weeks ago, and on the right, a pic of Scott just yesterday...FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, IT'S JUST A CAR CLUB!!!

You must be registered for see images

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Had you photoshoped a Dustin Hoffman photo in there I might have checked into a hospital! LOL

Now this is representation of the people.

Great thread Scott. I hope everything works out for every ones sake.

sad how people act.

notice its always people who never had an ounce of power in thier life and now all of a sudden have a little bit and wanna protect it and flex those "little" muscles.

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EXACTLY

I always said you CANT give a piece of shyt power because look at what goes on.

Scott im behind you 110% (and as soon as I can muster up $100 bucks WILL be joining an show my support) kick a$$ bro and congrads!!

There may be times that an event is booked that doesn't make money and certain expenses must be paid regardless of attendance. I am OK with that - as long as the membership is getting the benefit, i.e. some showed up. The next time that event is proposed, it shold be reviewed for viability. Not all events need to make money or break even - in fact, lots don't. But that's OK, becasue it means that non-active members subsidize active members. But it should always be about member benefit.

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That is a reasonable point Janni. I agree!
Allow me to edit:

-Regional presidents should not financially encumber the club to expensive dinner events and then pay for shortfalls out of club funds by offering various members a free meal ("on the club" as it were) if they attend.

I stand corrected.

What am I missing Scott....it already says "NY/CT VCA President" under your username!! That should be the end of it!

lol...true

What am I missing Scott....it already says "NY/CT VCA President" under your username!! That should be the end of it!

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LOL!!! Damn, I didn't see that! LOL!!!

Tony, you da MAN!

i wanna hear what these joe and joe twins have to say..

speak up boys

Quite a ridiculous set of circumstances for you to endure, and this matter should simply be closed now. That person's past actions should simply make them ineligible for any VCA position - period!

I think with the two deadlines that's enough. There is no excuse for not getting your vote in 2 months? With all the talk on here I'm surprised it was separated by 3 votes. I say the election stands and we move on from here. I hope Joe continues to show up for NY/CT events, and contribute where and when he can. Lets face it, if Joe won we would have lost half the members! This way I don't think we will loose anyone. Scott Congratulations.

CTViper, ""Lets face it, if Joe won we would have lost half the members! This way I don't think we will loose anyone""...VERY true.

Plum you said you want to hear from Joe and the twins who are you talking about. Who are these twins in youer eyes? Please let me know. *** (Adrian)

adrian...NOT you at all....not even close.

the twins being joe and joe.

Thanks, Plum thanks for taking the time to let me know. ***

Hey Steve,
This would be a good one to break the ice on. Could it be time to assert your possession?

"There will be an over abundance of Thank Yous from this community!"

Chuck

When the dust settles, I have a strong hunch that things will be fine. There's been a great deal of angst that has arisen out of this rather bizarre election process. I sincerely trust the new National Officers and I have confidence that this will be resolved in a reasonable manner. Of course we will have to wait and see, but when all is said and done, we will all need to work together to enjoy our cars and our club.

I think the National Officers need to weigh in on this - if they are involved in the dispute or not. A position needs to be stated by the National Office and those who make these kinds of calls need to be held accountable for their actions.

Further to packetjunkie's recommendation, the National Officers should provide feedback on what is found, what issues are being reviewed, and what the decisions are. That investigation should include not just local level, but the financial and administrative oversight and interaction from the National level that allowed or, by lack of contact, did not prevent the problems.

This would go a long way to demonstrate that the organization is robust or repairable. Simply disappearing for a while and reappearing with a verdict will perpetuate the image of a corrupt system. And far more than the hundred or so people that actually cast ballots will be negatively impressed.

First and of utmost importance, is to congratulate Scott for his patience, and professionalism during this rather complex and frustrating situation.

As I am now the "ex", and in Detroit as I post this, and your new National Officers manage our latest Board of Directors Meeting, there has been much time to discuss changes to help these situations in the future. Steve W and his board are an incredible energetic group, and I'm confident that adjustments will be made to the prerequsites outlined in our National Bylaws pertaining to regional election protocol.

Being in the direct mail industry, I truly agree that the latest election held via 1st class mail should be sufficient to confirm delivery of the ballot. As you know, with 1st class mail, ALL non-deliverable mail is returned to the return address on the outer envelope, which in fact, is Viper HQ. To this day, none have returned to Viper HQ for undeliverability.

So, then, why did Viper HQ agree to call those that didn't respond? Only as a FINAL CONFIRMATION of receipt, as this situation has been going on WAY to long, and all parties want to make sure that the CURRENT NEW PRESIDENT can energetically utilize his VCA focused time on managing the regions events and activities rather than potentially being involved in another re-re-re-election.

FYI, Most of the phonecalls have been made, and NONE of the parties have denied receipt of the ballot, nor have they said that they responded to the ballot.

Nuff said, Hopefully, this will all be water under the bridge this week, and it truly proves that the NY/CT members have spoken, and their wishes have been heard by all.

....just my humble opinion.

Now, as to many of your recommended changes to the bylaws (most were region related?); As EACH region is incorporated individually to maintain their unique, but VCA approved, club goals and regulations, ALL of your recommendations seemed logical, and surely your new board could approve these changes and send 'em in to National. Additionally, many of these suggestions might be recommended as additions to our National Bylaw descriptions of Regional Prerequisites if the new officers, and their ZD's and DAL's so choose (and all your recommendations seem awesome!).

Scott,
Listening to the comments that have been made, it sound like your thoughts of review of financials and full exposure of accounting is the first step. Good luck, and if I can assist in any way, yell.
Arthur

Okay then..can we now have our sushi and tushi night scott to celebrate....its been long overdue..Congratulations and the thoughts you share with all of us will make our club the very best it can be.. gentlemen..START YOUR ENGINES!

adam im not sure he is president quite yet...

uNless i read joe H's post wrong.

adam im not sure he is president quite yet...

uNless i read joe H's post wrong.

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Unless a "postal conspiracy" is revealed, the results ARE the results.

Hey scott.

The next couple of weeks are going be bit rough but I know that there are plenty of ny/ct vca members that will kick in to help the situation and make you feel right at home as the ny/ct president!!!

you can count me in for starters!!!!


vd..

congrats on the win and long live the vca

glad to hear it joe...thanx.

I like some others are probably assuming someone is up to a conspiracy....lol