Ten Simple Questions

When we decided to run for the Board of the Columbia Club we promised to run a positive campaign. We said we would not attack our challengers, but we would respond if need be to set the record straight.   It is time to set the record straight.

An e-mail was recently sent out implying our candidacies are detrimental to the progress the Club is making.  If our candidacies are supposedly detrimental to the Club’s progress, then ask yourself these questions.

1. Why did we lose 25% of our members between 2008 and 2012?
2. Two of the “slated" candidates have been on the Board for the past four years as membership declined.  Shouldn't  they be held accountable by having to stand for re-election?
3. If challenging the “slated" candidates is bad, why did the Board amend the By-Laws to allow challenges by members who obtain signatures from 10% of the membership? 
4.  Why did 200 members (nearly 15% of the Club’s membership) sign those petitions?
5.  Why did 10 of the 12 Past Presidents-including one who championed the change to the current process--sign those petitions calling for member elections?
6. Is a "slated" member nominated by a committee automatically more qualified or dedicated than one who does the leg work to actively solicit the support of other members to get on the ballot?
7. Do you feel the Executive Committee is fully accountable to the Board and members?
   Even the Board of Directors last month passed a motion asking for transparency and accountability from the Executive Committee which meets every week. 
8. Do you feel your voice is being heard in the current process? 
9. Who do you feel best represents your interests: “slated” candidates that you did not choose  or candidates  who clearly demonstrate they have member support to be on the Board? 
10. Do you feel you would get better value out of your Club with “slated” candidates hand-picked by a committee or with ones who went out and worked diligently to get members' signatures? 
    

Ask yourself these questions.  And if you reach the same answers as we did then vote for change; Bruce Stauffer,  Joe Ferrara and Abdul-Hakim Shabazz on April 11th.* Membership should have its privileges and it will be a privilege to serve you on the Board of Directors.

*Remember you can vote absentee by mail or in person between now and April 10.