[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Messages from Club President Don Lewis and Club Vice President Sean Gallagher

[n4asx at cox.net]

Let me address each point

-----Original Message-----
From: alexandriaradioclub-bounces at mailman.qth.net
<alexandriaradioclub-bounces at mailman.qth.net> On Behalf Of
don.ki4d at gmail.com
Sent: Thursday, November 9, 2023 6:51 AM
To: alexandriaradioclub at mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Messages from Club President Don
Lewis and Club Vice President Sean Gallagher

A Message from Club President Don Lewis

If you've seen my opponent's alarming emails against tax-exempt status for
the club, you know one thing for sure: we have very different views about
the future of Alexandria Radio Club. A club member actually said to me "Why
on earth would any member object to tax exempt status for the club? It makes
financial sense."  

>> I've said in the meeting and in my e-mails that I have no problem with
the move to 5091(c)3 status.  I have problems with the new draft charter.
It has two items
1 - Compensation for Directors -  If 501(C)3 does not allow payment to
directors then why have it in the charter?  Telling us that it COMMON LEGAL
LANGUAGE doe not cover it.    Oh?  How does United Way COMPENSATE their
directors?  They are a 501(C)3.
2 - Directors (not the membership) fill vacant positions and NOT a vote of
the membership.  
3 - 501(c)3 has been talked about for years and we've not suffered for not
having it.  Don says we paid THOSANDS in taxes, but it was just over $1000.
And those taxes were paid because we allowed PAYPAL for dues and SK actions.
The real reason seems to be the promise of GRANTS by the city.  But all have
strings attached.  You the club may be on the hook to meet these grant
issues.


While I look toward a future of continuing with openness to new ideas from
club members, my opponent would to take the club backwards.  The club's
schedule of activities and presentations for club meetings -- from January
to December, reflect results of a club membership survey and from individual
member contributions of new ideas. If you have found the club's monthly
presentations and activities of value and enjoyable to you, I am asking for
your vote so that we can continue with openness to new ideas.    

> Don, during COVID opened up the meetings to ZOOM and that did result in a
wider choice of programs,  but several of our programs have not provided the
how to but more a sale pitch.

While I plan to stay in Alexandria for the foreseeable future, my opponent
has made it widely known that he is planning a move to Florida and has spent
a significant time in Florida during the past year.  One could legitimately
ask "why is he running for president of the Alexandria Radio club?"

>> Yes, I have an 88 year of Mother-in-law that I support in Florida and as
she gets older,  my wife and I have to spend more time in Florida.  This is
a hobby and I do not believe in my 45 years in the club, I have failed to
support the club when needed.  When I do go to Florida, I schedule the trips
to get me back to Alexandria for the next meeting,  This has only failed
twice in several years due to weather.  

I could keep going, but I want to close by saying this - this election is
truly a cross-roads for Alexandria Radio Club - continuing to go forward or
going backwards. That's why I am asking for your vote. Let's continue our
progress going forward, together!

A Message from Club Vice President Sean Gallagher

I fully support tax-exempt status for the club.  As Club Vice President I
vigorously supported the proposal during Club Board meeting discussions, in
large part because it opens the door to grants from the ARRL and the City of
Alexandria that would enable the Club to make ham radio contributions to
public education and to improve support to the City. It would also allow tax
deductible contributions to the club.  My opponent, the club accountant,
opposes tax exempt status under 501(c)3) for the club, and has done so for
many years.

The Club has made several inroads in its relationships with the City of
Alexandria during the past year.   These inroads have led to several
"firsts" for Alexandria Radio Club with the City.  These inroads would not
have been possible without stronger involvement with City leadership, the
City's Citizens Corps Council, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
leadership that I led.  Our club 2023 Field Day accommodations at Chinquapin
Park was a byproduct of my efforts with the City.  If you found Chinquapin
Park a better location for Field Day, I am asking for your vote.  My
opponent has no record of leadership in these areas.

Like Don, I believe this election is truly a cross-roads for Alexandria
Radio Club - continuing to go forward or going backwards. That's why I am
also asking for your vote.  

> > Yes we are at a crossroads.  Do you want your club run by a BOARD OF
DIRECTORS or do you want a vote.  Are you part of a CORPORATION or a CLUB?
I see the move to take control of the club from the membership and place it
in the hands of a Board of Directors.  Note: nothing in the charter says
that BOD meetings are PUBLIC and have not been.  YES,  I want to take a step
back.  I want this club to be a social organization, that applies its
talents to support the city.  

73 Rick
N4ASX

 

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