[Kzyxtalk] Proposed Changes to KZYX&Z Policies and Procedures for Board Elections

[nsi at mcn.org]

Meg: Really how can you  be so obtruse. Interest and commitment to
run for election does not to ccur until the month preceding the
election.  If you don't understand this , you are totally out of
touch with the used-to-be membership. That'a
two, three , four, five thousand dollars worth of attention.  --beth
bosk  

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis OBrien" 
To:"kzyxtalk at lists.mcn.org" 
Cc:
Sent:Sat, 12 Sep 2015 13:01:21 -0700
Subject:Re: [Kzyxtalk] Proposed Changes to KZYX 2) increase member
participation in the election process; and 3) increase communication
with and among the members and the public. Each of the proposed
changes serves at least one of these purposes, but not necessarily
all. Thus, when you observe that not all of the changes would
increase membership, that is true. But those that don't either
increase participation or improve communication

 "I do have a question about #1 The Deadline to Become a Member
Eligible to Vote. It is not clear to me how that would make a
difference?"

 Under the current policy, the deadline to become a member eligible
to vote in the next election is December 31. That is two full months
from the date the membership rolls are certified and sent to the
vendor who mails the ballots. There is no rational reason for
requiring two months for a job that modern technology allows us to do
in seconds.

 Extending the deadline would likely increase the total number of
members because of the increased interest in the election. Candidates
must declare by January 31. People are more likely to join when they
know they will be able to vote for a candidate they support Indeed,
the candidates themselves will become very motivated recruiters. The
annual membership mailing in January can highlight the upcoming
election. All of this will not only increase the total membership,
but also the diversity of membership.

 Extending the deadline also is likely to increase membership
participation in the election process. Last election, less than 25%
of eligible members voted, even though each of them was mailed a
ballot. That is lower than even the worst public elections.
Conversely, those joining during a campaign are more likely to vote,
and more likely to discuss the issues with other members and
encourage them to vote.

 You also ask "with the exception of #2 the Simple Living Membership,
I do not see how these items would increase membership? Please
advise."

 I have explained above how #1 does so by tapping into the enthusiasm
of the campaign season. #4, the interactive internet discussion list,
and #5, sharing candidate contact information, would also have a
ripple effect of increasing memberships by encouraging open
communication. The other changes would have a "halo" effect of
increasing memberships by increasing the public's faith in the
integrity of the election process.

 All of the above is just about the first purpose, to increase
membership. The second purpose, increasing member participation in
election, is likewise generally promoted by all of the changes. It is
specifically promoted by #5 (proper notice of election) and #7
(procedures for replacement ballots).

 The third purpose, improving communication, is specifically served
by #3 (sharing candidate contact information) and #4 (interactive
internet list). #6 supports the integrity of communications when
using station resources.

 Hopefully this explains how each of the proposed changes serves at
least one purpose that is honored by our organization. If there is
anyone who does not want to increase total membership, or increase
participation in the election, or improve communication with and
among members and the public, then they should step forward and
explain their positions now. But if you agree with the purposes, then
you should also agree that the proposed changes are very reasonable
and will be of great benefit to the organization, its members, and
the public.

 Please make sure that this information gets to all members of the
Elections Committee, and that you place the proposal on the agenda
for a decision at the November board meeting. Please also consider
appointing me to the Elections Committee so that I can help refine
and implement the proposal.

 Sincerely,

 Dennis O'Brien
 Member

 From: Meg Courtney
 To: dennisobrien at sharejerusalem.com [1] 
 Sent: Monday, September 7, 2015 11:40 PM
 Subject: Re: Proposed Changes to KZYX&Z Policies and Procedures for
Board Elections

 Hello Dennis,

 Though you emailed a request to speak earlier at this evening's
board meeting we did not see you there so I am responding now to your
email below. 
 I was elected at said meeting as Board President because Stuart
Campbell was approved to transition to Interim GM and therefore will
no longer be on the board. Jane Futcher will be VP and Bob Page will
be Secretary. I believe it is one of the president's duties to be
election coordinator and I would share that job with Jane. 

 Because your ideas involve changing Policies & Procedures I would
need to consult other members of the board. 
 I do have a question about #1The Deadline to Become a Member
Eligible to Vote. It is not clear to me how that would make a
difference? Also, with the exception of #2 the Simple Living
Membership, I do not see how these items would increase membership?
Please advise.

 Thank you,
 Meg Courtney

 On Sep 4, 2015, at 10:53 AM,   wrote:

 To the Board of Directors of Mendocino County Public Broadcasting
(KYX&Z):

 Please consider the following proposed changes to the KYX 2) to
increase member participation in the election process; and 3) to
increase communication with and amongst the members and the public.

 The Board must appoint a new Election Coordinator by September 30.
The Coordinator will begin the election process no later than
November 30. Thus it is time for the Board to act. Please instruct
the Election Committee to consider these proposed changes, with a
final vote by the full Board during your meeting the first week of
November.

 These proposals are not vague policy pronouncements that are
impractical to implement. They are precisely worded amendments to the
Policies and Procedures, common sense solutions to recurring problems.
Their adoption will benefit the organization, its members, and the
public, and will guarantee the integrity of the electoral process.

 Thank you very much for your consideration. Please contact me if you
have any questions.

 Sincerely,

 Dennis O'Brien
 Member

 Proposed Changes to KZYX 2) an interactive internet discussion
service that can be accessed the public.

 7. Establish written procedures for controlling ballots and
providing replacement ballots to those members who did not receive
one.

 8. Amend the Chart of election procedures (Section III) to reflect
the above changes.

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Links:
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