[CC-ARES-RACES] Re:[K3SMD] CCARC

Tue, 19 Feb 2002 21:25:22 GMT

Hi Bob,

     I feel it only fitting and reasonable to finally offer a few of my thoughts regarding the alleged 'dark shadows' that you have cast upon the CCARC organization. Typically, I prefer to air such concerns off of the reflector, however your widespread audience is now feeding on your diatribe. It makes a good book hihi. And please understand that I offer my comments in the spirit of friendship, goodwill, and common sense. You did, in fact, solicit comments. And, for the record, I am running for no position on the Board of Directors for CCARC.

     As President, I am obligated to defend that for which we have all worked so hard and diligently. CCARC is a wonderful organization consisting of a myriad of personalities, technical expertise, and varying levels of participation.  However, each member has something to offer in one or many related areas.  The true test of any organization's leadership derives from one's ability to offer balance among those diverse entities.  I have been affiliated with many organizations in my term as an adult, and each and every group has had similar concerns and perceived problems associated with those various types of personalities and levels of ego. You simply cannot please everyone.....however there are tactful means and methods for delivering the message of disagreement or concern while maintaining due respect.  The problems with our Club, be they truly inconsequential and insignificant, are simply related to ego.  And we all have one of those things.  Some egos are more sensitive th!
an others and some egos dictate the essential need to make its host look good by making others look bad. It does not work.  If you are elected President, we (my wife and I are a team) will offer you the same level of zeal and amateur radio excitement that we have offered since the beginning.  And I truly hope for our continued friendship. I'll say again that I honostly enjoyed our time spent during the recent technician's classes and resulting VE session. However, I cannot simply lie back and remain unresponsive to a few of your written comments.  Spceific concerns are:

1.    The slate of nominations was developed by a Nominating Committee chosen by me, the President. Our VP made the request to the Membership (you included) for volunteers to handle this function.  There were no takers.  As President, I felt it prudent and in proper order to personally solicit volunteers for this task. 

2.      I personally see no harm or misrepresentation of and to the Club for members of the Nominating Committee nominating themselves.  This is especially true when our exhautive efforts were fruitless and fruaght with little interest. 

3.       I see no 'conflict-of-interest' with a husband-wife team on the Board of Directors.  Here are two individuals ready to dig in and fulfill the obligations for which they are nominated.  I am more concerned about the matters of fulfilling the position's job-descriptions than I am about a "husband-wife" team.  Fact is, I consider that arrangement a plus.  Amateur Radio is a wonderful, family-oriented, fun thing to do.  

4.        W3TOM is a Section Manager.  A bonus if he happens to be our Club's President.  He is quite busy, as is everyone on the current Board of 
Directors, and those nominated for new posts.  Again, further proof of our similar commitments to CCARC.  Respecfully, it is none our business as to how many offices Tom can hold. 

5.        W3TOM has offered more of his time, efforts and equipment for Club-related functions than you may be aware.  This is not my effort to convince you that Tom is God's gift to amateur radio, but you should publish facts.

6.        KA3GRW is also involved with many other amateur radio-related functions.  Again, more power to him and I appreciate his undaunted efforts.

7.        N2OMC has already successfully proven his abilities as a Board Member.  He offered his time and efforts, and I applaud his commitment.

8.        I never understood the division between the ARES/RACES folks and the regular Club folks, or why there is a requirement for such a division.  If the Club has majority interest in ARES/RACES, so what? There is a requirement within the Constitution and By-Laws for emergency-type communication's efforts via CCARC. The Club Award, which is seen on the cover our of Webpage, is a proud part of our organization.  Oddly, nearly all of the members that check into the ARES/RACES nets are the same folks that check into the Membership nets.  Simply, we are all interested amateur radio.

9.       One of your final comments reads "....requires input not only from its Board of Directors, but also its members."  I fully agree. All members are routinely and cordially invited to all Board Meetings.  There are no covert or secret handshakes, meeting locations, or masked languates among us.

10.      I do not feel that CCARC will die without you as President. However, you will get my full support if you are elected as President.

And finally, in response to Don Munson's follow-up, reflector-wide email in support of your letter, all Board Meetings have always been held at the Charles County Government Office Building in the same offices and/or conference room of the Department of Emeregency Services.  My Presidency did not come with any baggage, malice, or intentions of secretly providing support to anyone or anything other than CCARC.  The move to Tuesday night Board Meetings is also one of those moves to suit the majority of the Board, which has been done in previous years.  Thus, nothing was altered to suit or negate efforts or participation of others.  

      Again, many of the comments you made are direct slams to my efforts with CCARC, however I offer my return comments respectfully. Historically, I have remained quiet while observing and listening and now feel compelled to offer a position. I wish you luck with your endeavors toward the position of President of the Charles County Amateur Radio Club.

Regards and 73,

Lee Flick,  N3YWZ
President, CCARC