Call for nominations?

[synfinatic]

Did I miss the announcement for nominations to the BoD? I didn't get any emails from MSR and there was nothing in the meeting minutes.

I've been a member for nearly a decade and can't ever remember a time where there is only one person running for every open seat on the BoD.

 

[Honey Badger]

Ya, I was a little shocked to see that we were voting on positions I hadn't even heard were open...

 

[thedub]

Um, what are you guys talking about? We vote for the same board positions at the same time every year (December or June, depending on position). Officers serve 1 year terms, we vote on them every single year. Directors serve 2 years, we vote on them every single year, alternating. Get out of here with that 'I didn't know nominations/elections were happening for open positions'.

Further information: http://afmracing.org/about-the-afm/by-laws

It is true that in the past the secretary has sent out an e-blast communicating the details of upcoming elections. But this is not required by either the By-Laws or the Policies & Procedures, it was just a nice thing to do to keep the membership updated on club business. If you resent that the current secretary sent no such communication, vote for a different secretary this June.

 

[synfinatic]

Yes, I can read the by-laws too. But here's the thing: I'm probably like most of the membership who isn't on the board: I've got a day job, family, etc so it's not like I remember every important date on the AFM calendar by heart. It would be great if I remembered that shit, but I don't and yes it would be nice for someone on the BoD to remind people. BoD reminds people to sign up for race events and the banquet but suddenly and without warning not nomination of BoD positions. Seems like we got our priorities a bit crossed. Maybe the current secretary didn't know or forgot? I'm not saying it's some end of the world event, but if people don't speak out and say "hey, we liked it when the secretary did that" then this becomes the new standard operating procedure. Maybe that's ok with some members, but I'm not one of them.

Honestly, if we had more then one option for each position I wouldn't care/complain, because then obviously enough other members remembered about the cut off for nominations and submitted them. But instead we have one option for every position which is pretty damned lame if you ask me.

 

[Honey Badger]

I'm with Aaron on this one. Maybe it's not REQUIRED, but that doesn't mean it's not helpful to send out a quick e-blast to let people know. Or, let us know you're not going to let us know, and to put it on our own calendars.

I work 3 jobs (yes, technically by choice because I want to race), but that means I don't have time to be juggling a ton of other calendars that, historically, I was notified about.

Whether I would vote the same or differently with more choices is really neither here nor there - I doubt there were only two of us who paid attention to the notifications and appreciated the head's up.

 

[Holeshot]

Secretary's have the option of performing the job within the confines of the Bylaws. Our current secretary is back on the board after several terms being secretary in the mid 2000's for the AFM. She has her way of doing the job which is consistent with her previous term as secretary. If you girls/ guys want her to send out a reminder/ curtsey notice, send her an email and let her know.

Regarding the limited options for people to vote for; we always prefer more options, not less. The history of the AFM (and the board as I've been on it coming up on 14 years) has been one of limited choices and lack of participants running for a seat. We have had moments of strife where multiple people have ran, but mostly AFM elections have persisted with begging people to come on to the board. It's not a sexy job and it's not a very rewarding position.

Wiles, thanks for the earlier post; it's spot on.

If people wanted to run people for certain seats, I'm sorry this election has closed. We were surprised there were limited participants as well. Some of the new names on the ballot will be good fits (I believe). We have another election in June..be forewarned!

In short: As always, the Secretary can decide if "at meeting" notification, the standard within the club, is sufficient or she will assent to notifying the club electronically. This is why when secretary's extend the job duties beyond the bylaws, we end up with inconsistencies in expectations from the membership. Food for thought...

 

[synfinatic]

translation:

 

[#1Spies Fan]

Gotta Call you out on this one Berto. AFM is a service oriented club that needs members to pay them to stay open and race. The AFM board should go the extra 10ft (not mile) to send the notification emails to its members. Stating to a frustrated member that "its in the by-laws" its not the correct approach. Gotta Keep in mind that the club needs members and that the members do not need the AFM.

I feel like this is one where the board is caught with its pants down and need to admit that and pull the big boy pants back up and send out an email blast moving forward to keep people engaged in the club. AFM was trying to follow MotoAmerica when i was racing and after only doing one round, i get a crap ton of emails from them lol.

Anyways..Luv ya still Berto and hopefully I can come out to some races this year and I heard rumors there was a sighting of you on track last year!

 

[eeeeek]

If people wanted to run people for certain seats, I'm sorry this election has closed. We were surprised there were limited participants as well. Some of the new names on the ballot will be good fits (I believe). We have another election in June..be forewarned!

That's an indication that something is wrong.

Maybe it isn't required to send out notifications, but they were sent out previously, which means it's the de facto standard. Sure, not official, but it's what people have been conditioned to expect. The fact that you (BOD) were surprised by the limited participants was a warning flag.

 

[Holeshot]

Thanks Patrick, by all means this wasn't an intentional change. It really does come down to how different secretary's do the job. When Connie took the job, I did warn her that whatever she came up with, the next secretary may be obligated to as well. Connie was thorough, but that workload is not common for the secretary.

Anyway, Agree on communications. Agree on racing too!

Vik, we've had 3 (now) elections that were uncontested for President since I've held that seat and numerous other ones for all other seats. TBH, I was hoping Eric could find time to run for the seat (He's a good successor), but he's got some heavy work load this year too. As the economy picks up, we all do...sad to say.

I wan't surprised to see the level of involvement in this election. In fact, Jordan running is great. The participation in the board ebbs and flows...but overall, yeah, we totally should have sent something out. We missed the boat on this one, despite why it happened.

Oh wait, Marcus and Kondo win VP and Treasurer. SPOILER ALERT.

 

[thedub]

Heads up for the "I didn't know" crowd:

Good Evening,

REMINDER: Nominations close at the conclusion of the May board meeting (Wednesday May 9, 2018), per the AFM ByLaws.

The following AFM Board of Directors positions will be expiring on June 30, 2018, and nominations are open for the elections that will commence on June 1, 2018 and close on June 30, 2018 at midnight, to fill these positions:

SF Chapter Vice-President - INCUMBENT - Eric Kondo (1 year term)

SF Chapter Rider Representative - INCUMBENT - Patrick Corcoran (1 year term)

Inc., At-Large Director – INCUMBENT – Tom Dorsey (2 year term)

SF Chapter Secretary - OPEN (current Secretary is not seeking reelection) (1 year term)

If you are interested in running for the BOD, or would like to nominate someone, please email the nomination to the BOD@afmracing.org. You are also free to attend the May board meeting to nominate yourself or another member in good standing. If you have any questions, you can reach out to anyone on the BOD. All of the contact information for individual BOD members is on the AFM Website.

Cheers!

 

[KazMan]

Thanks Wiles :thumbup