[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
Barry ...interesting statement this caught my eye There are no other formal 'meeting minutes' or 'committee minutes' to be published. No 'official meetings' where the BOD has taken official votes or made decisions that require documentation have taken place since the 2008 AMSAT Symposium so there are no official actions or votes of the directors, the BOD as a whole after the Amsat Symposium? Robert WB5MZO _ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI_SB_online:082009 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
I am not speaking for Barry, but as a Board member and an Officer. This business of nit-picking and taking things out of context is not productive. Certainly not of my time. The Board can vote at any meeting or teleconference with the appropriate number of members present. The Board strategizes and directs and the Officers implement. There has not been a need for the Board to vote on anything. The Board has guided and directed the Officers to do many things over the last year. These have all been reported to the membership as tasks undertaken. We have a Board teleconference and an Officers' teleconference each month to keep other Board members and Officers appraised of ongoing actions. Barry reports these activities in his AMSAT Apogee View column in every Journal, and appropriate actions are presented in the ANS each week by Board members and Officers. The Journal also carries articles with more in depth information about these activities. If you want things to improve, the best way is to help the Officers implement their tasks. I get a number of people that volunteer to do things, but few actually complete their tasks. As it says in the Help Wanted ad in the Journal - pick an area that you think needs improvement and explain what you will do to make it better. Then do something (with that activity) to show that you can follow through. 73, Gould, WA4SXM - Original Message - From: Rocky Jones orbit...@hotmail.com To: bbai...@mac.com; s...@saloits.com Cc: b...@amsat.org; Amsat BB amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 1:10 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections Barry ...interesting statement this caught my eye There are no other formal 'meeting minutes' or 'committee minutes' to be published. No 'official meetings' where the BOD has taken official votes or made decisions that require documentation have taken place since the 2008 AMSAT Symposium so there are no official actions or votes of the directors, the BOD as a whole after the Amsat Symposium? Robert WB5MZO _ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI_SB_online:082009 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
Gould thanks for your reply (I guess it was to me since you quoted my post) This business of nit-picking and taking things out of context is not productive. Certainly not of my time. my BS detector goes up when someone starts like that and then proceeds into a long sort of explanation anyway. It is an attempt to legitimize the question before you answer it. And it is one reason AMSAT NA is in trouble. I made a statement that you felt you needed to answer...but you also needed to take a cheap shot. You folks are so busy wow. must be one of those 16 hour people (and yes that is sarcastic) anyrate this caught my eye. The Board can vote at any meeting or teleconference with the appropriate number of members present. The Board strategizes and directs and the Officers implement. There has not been a need for the Board to vote on anything. The Board has guided and directed the Officers to do many things over the last year. These have all been reported to the membership as tasks undertaken. did you run this past a lawyer? What you have just admitted to is making substantive decisions by the board and other operations folks at Amsat, which doubtless include spending money...without any recorded vote or any ability to view the individual board member stand or any valid record of it that can be seen by the members of the organization. And NO what you claim is reporting to the membership through an infrequent magazine...wont do it. Indeed you just admitted to doing what the person who started this thread was concerned about. I dont know about the District of Columbia, but if AMSAT were a Texas organization (and Amsat is much like the community association I headed in how it is organized) then you have just admitted to a violation of law. I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV, but the organization desperately needs one. Robert WB5MZO Life member Amsat NA _ Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. http://windowslive.com/Campaign/SocialNetworking?ocid=PID23285::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI_SB_online:082009 ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
On Fri, 2009-08-28 at 17:50 -0500, Rocky Jones wrote: I dont know about the District of Columbia, but if AMSAT were a Texas organization (and Amsat is much like the community association I headed in how it is organized) then you have just admitted to a violation of law. I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV, but the organization desperately needs one. Robert WB5MZO Life member Amsat NA ARE you saying then that you are willing to step up and HELP out then? This is to ALL those that have made comments during this and the other thread: May I ask what you have done FOR AMSAT or the Satellite community in the past few years that HELPS out with a launch, building a satellite (even a board of it), put forward the means to start a dialogue that MIGHT get a launch in the near future? IF not, then PLEASE shut up and let the BoD do what they can with the help that is left after this latest of shouting matches. James W8ISS ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
every year we go through the same questions, the same answers and the same belly aching. this year we have progressed one more step... its illegal. geesh. i am interested in knowing if you have posted a message about the bod if you are a paid up member of amsat or a life member. i manage the awards for amsat. i do not want to submit invoices to amsat for board approval. so i purchase all the envelopes and stiffners myself. i pay for all the ink that i print them with and i pay for all the postage to mail the certificates out. i spend about $150-$200 a year for this. it makes everyone happy and i don't have to mess with paperwork. no one knew this until i just posted it. i don't need a tax write off. now, what are you doing to help the organization? 73...bruce - life member of amsat Sent from my iPhone ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
now, what are you doing to help the organization? I'm going to enjoy helping AMSAT where ever I can despite voices on the internet telling me how immoral or how illegal it might be. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9...@amsat.org ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
Rocky, I'm the current Board Alternate and one who is also involved with AMSAT in a few other volunteer capacities. While I could take issue with you on several statements you've made, that would not help to bring the needed conclusion to the dialog you've raised. Also, I don't have a background that could determine if you indeed have some legitimate concerns. It appears, to me anyway, that you feel there is a lack of transparency at AMSAT through what you perceive as a possible lack of proper reporting procedures, namely the keeping and dissemination of the minutes of various AMSAT activities. Perhaps we can resolve this issue as follows... At the upcoming October Board meeting, I will propose that a motion be entered requesting the Board seek legal counsel to determine the proper reporting requirements and procedures needed to satisfy the conditions of its bylaws and articles of incorporation and report the findings back to the membership. Further, to save the added cost burden to AMSAT for this legal finding, I would hope that a legally qualified member can provide these services pro bono. I do hope that is the objective you seek. If not, then I have missed the point of your posts. Regards...Bill - N6GHz ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
JoAnne Maenpaa wrote: now, what are you doing to help the organization? I'm going to enjoy helping AMSAT where ever I can despite voices on the internet telling me how immoral or how illegal it might be. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9...@amsat.org ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb I agree with JoAnne. I will continue to help AMSAT where ever I can. If folks do not agree with the organization then attend a BOD mtg or address your concerns directly to the BOD. Lets get back to some constructive, educational and informative threads on the bbs. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
See my snips... -Original Message- From: Timothy J. Salo [mailto:s...@saloits.com] Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 9:48 PM To: Dee Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] BoD Elections There are no secret happenings - it is all out in the open. Have you actually been to a Board meeting? Have you heard the pitch about how you can't talk about anything that you hear during the meeting? I assume that the chair still gives this pitch at the beginning of the Board meeting. Yes, I have been. I have not heard any statement of secrecy(unless relevant to legal proceedings). If a negotiation is ongoing for a launch and they do not want it to be interfered with until it has been exhausted or come to fruition, I will honor such a request. The full minutes of what is said and discussed is published for all to see. Again, the BOD meeting is open for all to attend that are interested enough to find out actions items being passed around. If you attended a board meeting, did you feel welcome? Or, did you feel merely tolerated. Did the Board reserve a room just large enough for the board members? Did you have to go find your own chair, if you wanted to sit? Did you feel that you could eat any of the food that was left over after the Board ate? I felt welcomed at any that I was present for. Some on the board finally put a face to the name and call. I certainly did not know many officers except for what I read about them in the mailings. I agree that there is limited space since they really don't expect a large turnout at a BOD meeting. (Most is dull, not exciting information but it gives you an idea of procedures and good information to bring back to local groups via presentations) I don't go for the food. AMSAT cannot accommodate a free lunch for onlookers. I once asked for a copy(of an agenda) at a Board meeting. You would think I was asking for the keys to their bank account. They had copies when I attended-probably a result of you asking for one. Do you have confidence that you are even aware of all of the meetings of the board? Their monthly phone conferences are summarized in the AMSAT journal or on the BB or via the ANS. In my view, the Board employs a number of subtle techniques to prevent the membership from knowing about, much less discussing, the activities of the Board. As in any organization, we elect the board to act on to do lists - investigate - perform reality checks and disseminate information about our organization because most of us cannot offer time and energy to do so. Besides having your ideas heard, I don't think that members are permitted to speak at board meetings, unless invited. Ideas from the general membership are presented at the annual meeting. While attending one BOD meeting, I was asked and what why are you here? I promptly told them I was there to observe and absorb information for my many presentations to local Radio Clubs asking me to attend meetings - part of my Area Co-coordinator Job in NJ - Personally, I like to hear about any HEO projects, my favorite subject. --Timothy, once again, attend this years Symposium with a renewed interest and what you feel should be changed, attempt change. We are only 40 years old as a group and finding the level you wish AMSAT to be at can directly be in your grasp. Grab a pen (Equivalent to a computer I guess) and volunteer for something that we need to have happen - see the Journal! -tjs 73, Dee, NB2F ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
We don't need legal counsel, we already have a surplus with ITAR and reclaiming our property. I join joanne, I am sick of lawyers and whining malcontents, and want to have fun with this. Bob N4HY LM --Original Message-- From: JoAnne Maenpaa Sender: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org To: amsat bb Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections Sent: Aug 28, 2009 7:37 PM now, what are you doing to help the organization? I'm going to enjoy helping AMSAT where ever I can despite voices on the internet telling me how immoral or how illegal it might be. -- 73 de JoAnne K9JKM k9...@amsat.org ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
Robert: The last Board of Directors meeting took place in October 2008. Since then, there hasn't been a board meeting. Please keep in mind that the purpose of the Board of Directors (BOD) is to set the strategic direction of the corporation, elect the senior officers (President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Corporate Secretary, VP-Engineering, VP-Operations, and Manager.) and to approve the budget. The Bylaws requires one meeting per year in person and per Article III Section 5 of the Bylaws, the board meets as soon as practicable after the election results are announced. Traditionally, this meeting takes place in conjunction with the AMSAT Symposium. That meeting typically lasts from 0800-2100 on Day 1 and 0800-1200 on Day 2 (with time off for lunch and dinner). It is an intensive two-day meeting. This meeting is open to all unless there is a need for a portion of the board meeting to be conducted in closed session to discuss personal evaluation of our paid employee and salary matters, or if there are matters of a confidential nature. In the past, the number of board meetings per year has varied. In some years it has been only one time, such as in 2008 and in 2009. In other years, there have been two in-person meetings with the second meeting in the Spring if there are compelling reasons to spend AMSAT $$ $ on travel and lodging. For example, the Board met in February 2004 in Orlando for two days to develop the Strategic Plan. In other years, there have been multiple board meetings via teleconference when specific items must be approved. For example, between November 2006 and July 2007 five different board meetings took place via teleconference when the Board voted on the MOU with University of Maryland-Eastern Shore to establish the clean room in Maryland, a vote was taken to file a FCC petition, approve a revised budget, evaluate a fund raising initiative, etc. The minutes of those particular meetings were printed in the November/December 2007 issue of the AMSAT Journal. Consequently, the BOD meets in session when formal decisions must be made by the Board. Day-to-day management of the corporation based upon the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors is executed by the President and the senior officers elected by the Board. Those officers (including the President) are elected for one-year terms and serve at the pleasure of the Board. Each new Board that convenes in the Fall elects a slate of senior officers, including the President. I trust I've answered your question. Regards, Barry Baines, WD4ASW President-AMSAT On Aug 28, 2009, at 1:10 PM, Rocky Jones wrote: Barry ...interesting statement this caught my eye There are no other formal 'meeting minutes' or 'committee minutes' to be published. No 'official meetings' where the BOD has taken official votes or made decisions that require documentation have taken place since the 2008 AMSAT Symposium so there are no official actions or votes of the directors, the BOD as a whole after the Amsat Symposium? Robert WB5MZO Windows Live: Keep your friends up to date with what you do online. Find out more. ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
rwmcgw...@gmail.com expunged (rwmcgw...@gmail.com): We don't need legal counsel, we already have a surplus with ITAR and reclaiming our property. I join joanne, I am sick of lawyers and whining malcontents, and want to have fun with this. Just a friendly internet reminder. Don't feed the troll under the bridge! This guy is going to make me re-read how to procmail him to /dev/null :) -Steve N1JFU http://n1jfu.blogspot.com smeuse @ twitter P.S. I'm an area coordinator, volunteer at Dayton for the last 5 of 6 years, ran the booth at Boxboro '08. What have *you* done lately? (pointing at the crowd) ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
For the record, it should be noted that Dee was responding publicly to e-mail that I sent privately. I try to maintain a professional tone in my private e-mail (knowing that private e-mail can easily become public). On the other had, I would have refined the message and language more, if I had intended for the e-mail to be public. Having said that, my private e-mail does reflect my experience as an AMSAT member attending parts of several Board meetings. At some point, I will try to write a response to this thread. I have found the messages to date highly informative. -tjs - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dee wrote: See my snips... -Original Message- From: Timothy J. Salo [mailto:s...@saloits.com] Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 9:48 PM To: Dee Subject: Re: [amsat-bb] BoD Elections There are no secret happenings - it is all out in the open. Have you actually been to a Board meeting? Have you heard the pitch about how you can't talk about anything that you hear during the meeting? I assume that the chair still gives this pitch at the beginning of the Board meeting. Yes, I have been. I have not heard any statement of secrecy(unless relevant to legal proceedings). If a negotiation is ongoing for a launch and they do not want it to be interfered with until it has been exhausted or come to fruition, I will honor such a request. The full minutes of what is said and discussed is published for all to see. Again, the BOD meeting is open for all to attend that are interested enough to find out actions items being passed around. If you attended a board meeting, did you feel welcome? Or, did you feel merely tolerated. Did the Board reserve a room just large enough for the board members? Did you have to go find your own chair, if you wanted to sit? Did you feel that you could eat any of the food that was left over after the Board ate? I felt welcomed at any that I was present for. Some on the board finally put a face to the name and call. I certainly did not know many officers except for what I read about them in the mailings. I agree that there is limited space since they really don't expect a large turnout at a BOD meeting. (Most is dull, not exciting information but it gives you an idea of procedures and good information to bring back to local groups via presentations) I don't go for the food. AMSAT cannot accommodate a free lunch for onlookers. I once asked for a copy(of an agenda) at a Board meeting. You would think I was asking for the keys to their bank account. They had copies when I attended-probably a result of you asking for one. Do you have confidence that you are even aware of all of the meetings of the board? Their monthly phone conferences are summarized in the AMSAT journal or on the BB or via the ANS. In my view, the Board employs a number of subtle techniques to prevent the membership from knowing about, much less discussing, the activities of the Board. As in any organization, we elect the board to act on to do lists - investigate - perform reality checks and disseminate information about our organization because most of us cannot offer time and energy to do so. Besides having your ideas heard, I don't think that members are permitted to speak at board meetings, unless invited. Ideas from the general membership are presented at the annual meeting. While attending one BOD meeting, I was asked and what why are you here? I promptly told them I was there to observe and absorb information for my many presentations to local Radio Clubs asking me to attend meetings - part of my Area Co-coordinator Job in NJ - Personally, I like to hear about any HEO projects, my favorite subject. --Timothy, once again, attend this years Symposium with a renewed interest and what you feel should be changed, attempt change. We are only 40 years old as a group and finding the level you wish AMSAT to be at can directly be in your grasp. Grab a pen (Equivalent to a computer I guess) and volunteer for something that we need to have happen - see the Journal! -tjs 73, Dee, NB2F ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
Tim and all, This is an interesting post and - with no disrespect intended - one that should have been made when you first received your ballot. It's interesting because I suspect you or I would get as many answers as the number of people we asked about what it will take to strengthen AMSAT. I have my own thoughts in that regard, and I'm confident you have yours. I suspect they would be at least inconsistent, if not quite divergent. That's not to suggest there's anything wrong with that; it's just to point out that being effective and strengthening AMSAT will - like many other things - be in the eyes of the beholders. All of that notwithstanding. I've read the AMSAT Bylaws published on the Web site. It seems to me that doing what you're suggesting would take a Bylaw change because the specific voting deadline and the date of announcement of results are included in Article III-4 as Sept. 15 and Sept. 30, respectively. Article IV of the Bylaws defines the process of amending the bylaws, with such amendment not taking effect until 30 days after announcement by the Board (of its approval of a Bylaw change) has either been mailed to the membership by the Secretary or officially published in a publication of the corporation. And then, of course, objection by 10 percent of the membership to the Bylaw change would trigger a full vote by the membership. So the best-case scenario is a Board vote to change that is not challenged. That would take until the end of September to accomplish. There's nothing sacred, I suppose, about the new Board being in place at the annual meeting, but it would be highly unusual for that not to be the case, in my opinion. It's virtually impossible for AMSAT to do what you suggest and hold an election before the annual meeting. I suspect you know that. You've taken the time to research the District of Columbia statutes for corporations like AMSAT. I'm confident that you also researched the applicable AMSAT Bylaws. Finally, for what it's worth, it's also impossible to, as you write vote against all incumbents and for all challengers. Two of the five candidates are current directors. A third has served on the Board the past year as an Alternate. The other two candidates are not incumbents. We are asked to select no more than four. Since the is an odd-numbered year, the Bylaws require four Board positions to be filled in this election. It's not possible to avoid returning two current Directors (or one current Director and the current Alternate) to the Board, unless I'm missing something in the Bylaws. Can you help me understand why you didn't make this post earlier, when there would have been enough time to act as you suggest without incurring the need for a Bylaw change? 73 to all, Tim Lilley - N3TL From: Timothy J. Salo s...@saloits.com To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: b...@amsat.org Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 4:40:52 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] BoD Elections Hi, I still haven't returned my ballot for the AMSAT Board of Directors election, in part because I don't feel that I have really good information on which to make a decision. I would like to vote for a Board that will be effective and strengthen the organization. It is particularly important to select the best possible board because, in my view, AMSAT is an organization in serious trouble. But, I would prefer to base my vote on the recent accomplishments, recent positions during board meetings, and explicit near-term objectives of the candidates. I would prefer to not simply use a blunt strategy of voting against all incumbents and for all challengers. Unfortunately, I don't feel that I really know much about the activities of the individual board members. To remedy this, I suggest that the close of the BoD elections be postponed until at least thirty days after the following have been published: o A list of all Board meetings held over the last year o Minutes from all of these Board meetings o Minutes from all AMSAT committee meetings of the last year We can certainly have a discussion about the appropriate level of transparency for the Board and its committees, and whether the Board is meeting those objectives. Here is what the D.C. statutes under which AMSAT is incorporated have to say on the matter: Each corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, board of directors, and committees having any of the authority of the board of directors; ... All books and records of a corporation may be inspected by any member having voting rights, or his agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time. -tjs ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings:
[amsat-bb] Re: BoD Elections
Timothy, You bring up some good points. Anyone can be on the ballot by following the rules of nomination. If you feel strongly about all this, change comes from within. I think you should personally attend one of the BOD meetings and/or a membership meeting as is held at the Symposium on a yearly basis. There, you can bring this up and have a more interested audience. There are no secret happenings - it is all out in the open. Besides having your ideas heard, you can meet the players in the organization face to face and develop friends who feel similar to how you do, as well as finding out why opposition exists. As Tim, N3TL, points out, now is not the time to bring this up. Hope to see you in Maryland. 73, Dee, NB2F P.S. All the nominees are hard workers and deserve credit just for asking to do more for FREE. -Original Message- From: amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-boun...@amsat.org] On Behalf Of Timothy J. Salo Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2009 4:41 PM To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Cc: b...@amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] BoD Elections Hi, I still haven't returned my ballot for the AMSAT Board of Directors election, in part because I don't feel that I have really good information on which to make a decision. I would like to vote for a Board that will be effective and strengthen the organization. It is particularly important to select the best possible board because, in my view, AMSAT is an organization in serious trouble. But, I would prefer to base my vote on the recent accomplishments, recent positions during board meetings, and explicit near-term objectives of the candidates. I would prefer to not simply use a blunt strategy of voting against all incumbents and for all challengers. Unfortunately, I don't feel that I really know much about the activities of the individual board members. To remedy this, I suggest that the close of the BoD elections be postponed until at least thirty days after the following have been published: o A list of all Board meetings held over the last year o Minutes from all of these Board meetings o Minutes from all AMSAT committee meetings of the last year We can certainly have a discussion about the appropriate level of transparency for the Board and its committees, and whether the Board is meeting those objectives. Here is what the D.C. statutes under which AMSAT is incorporated have to say on the matter: Each corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of its members, board of directors, and committees having any of the authority of the board of directors; ... All books and records of a corporation may be inspected by any member having voting rights, or his agent or attorney, for any proper purpose at any reasonable time. -tjs ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb ___ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
