[NevadaARES] ARES/RACES Changes

[Matthew Parker]

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary..."

...sorry...wrong document.

For just over two years now since my appointment as ARES District Emergency 
Coordinator for this area, I have filled a dual roll serving simultaneously 
in the capacity of Emergency Coordinator for Washoe County by 
default.  Doing both of these jobs simultaneously is neither efficient nor 
desirable; however, during this time I have been unsuccessful in 
identifying a candidate possessing the appropriate qualifications who is 
willing to step up and fill the role of Washoe County E.C.  At the July 
NNARS Board Meeting, Paul and I discussed this situation and to what degree 
he could be involved in ARES now that he will be staying in this area.  I 
proposed two scenarios to him; the first being that I remain as D.E.C. for 
Northern Nevada while he be appointed E.C. for Washoe County, and the 
second being that he be reappointed as D.E.C. while I change hats to Washoe 
County E.C.  With consideration to the amount of time that Paul has 
available to commit to emergency communications, Paul's choice was to 
accept appointment as D.E.C. with my role changing to local E.C. (the local 
job is actually more time consuming than coordinating things at the 
district level).

After reaching this decision, we sent a proposal to Section leadership 
recommending that these changes be made in the interest of strengthening 
the ARES program in the Nevada Section.  All concerned agreed with our 
proposal, and so it is that Paul will be returning to the role of District 
Emergency Coordinator (a role he served in prior to handing the reigns over 
to me in 2000) while I will henceforth serve as ARES Emergency Coordinator 
for Washoe County.

Locally, the change will be virtually invisible.  I will continue to set 
the agenda for ARES related work and events as well as coordinate responses 
to requests for ARES communications support here in the Washoe County area 
as I have for just over two years now.  The change will be most noticeable 
in regard to coordination between the ARES units in this district as well 
as between the Northern and Southern Districts.  With this responsibility 
now separtated out and in Paul's hands, this coordination will occur more 
quickly and efficiently than it has during this time when such activities 
have frequently had to wait while I attended to ARES concerns specific to 
Washoe County.  Again, note that these changes will have no significant 
effect in regard to how ARES is operating locally in this area.

Another change taking place is Russ' decision to resign from the position 
of Washoe County RACES Officer.  Russ cited personal concerns as his reason 
for desiring to make this change.  He is involved in many other activities 
outside of ham radio and therefore, although I regret the loss of his 
leadership qualities, I fully understand and support his decision.  We are 
fortunate that Russ will continue to be involved in NNARS at the 
operational level and will serve out the remainder of his term as NNARS 
Vice-Chairman, although he has already expressed his intention to not run 
for re-election to this office in the coming year.  In Russ' place, Washoe 
County Emergency Management Program Manager Press Clewe has approved Paul 
as the new RACES Officer for Washoe County.

With this information, you are now caught up on the changes taking place 
within leadership of ARES/RACES emergency communications in our 
area.  There will, of course, be further discussion about these changes 
coming up at our third quarter 2002 business meeting scheduled for Sunday, 
August 25.  In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions or 
concerns you may have regarding these changes.

73,

Matthew B. Parker, N7TOD
Chairman, Northern Nevada Amateur Radio Services
http://www.qsl.net/nnars
ARES Emergency Coordinator - Washoe County