[NJARC] Re: Term limits

[Alex Magoun]

Nick et al.,
    I fully agree that the club is doing wonderfully well and that we have a
group of selfless, skilled, cooperative individuals doing great works on its
behalf.  Consider this radio-related example of the philosophy of, if ain't
broke, don't fix it: the Victor Talking Machine Company was in a similar
position at the beginning of 1924.
    If we think about the past, present, and future of the club, term limits are
part of a strategy for continued health and growth for any organization.
Staggered term limits have a short-term and a long-term utility to the function
of a flourishing organization like the NJARC.
    In the short-term they encourage
    A. development of a broader group of leaders.  This assumes that there are
new candidates willing to serve if elected (Whether they are able is up to the
voters), and that outgoing officers would help mentor incoming officers and be
able for advice.
    B. rotation of current leadership from one position to another.  That is,
any current officer, after serving a term limit, can run for another officer's
position.  This encourages the retention of experience and administrative
versatility in case of a catastrophic event to, say, the treasurer.
    C. electoral competition.  The reality is that in any small organization
newer members interested in participating in administration are reluctant to
upset the applecart of the status quo.  Who wants to hurt feelings or bruise
egos in what can amount to a popularity contest?  Term limits enable incumbents
to pass on the baton, and their experience, in a dignified way without the
bitterness associated with a contested election.
    In the long term,
    A. As incumbents continue in their positions, it will be that much harder to
convince them to step when it becomes apparent that the spirit is willing but
the body or mind is weak.  We can all say that we'll know when to pass on the
reins, but we all know at least one incumbent not in the club (hint: initials
are DS) whose extended departure did much to ruin a great organization.  It's
also worth pointing out that after a two-year term out of office, a former
incumbent can run again.  We're not talking about putting officers on an ice
floe.
    B. Regular transfers of power ensure a dynamic leadership that can reflect
the changing membership and broader cultural or social interests in radios and
electronics.  The club has celebrated 10 years of existence and solid growth.
It's worth asking what will it look like in 10 and 25 years from now, as the
Baby Boomers grow long in tooth and large(r) of waistline.  How will the club
maintain its relevance and the increasingly historic nature of broadcast radio
to the next generation?  Contested elections will encourage candidates to think
about their two years in office will help maintain the club's current successes
and develop the club for the future.
    Term limits are one part of a broader strategy to prepare for future,
long-term changes.  All organizations face this issue and it's worth discussing
and considering in preparation for changes we can control and those we can't.
    best,
Alex

--
Alexander B. Magoun Ph.D.
Executive Director
David Sarnoff Library
CN 5300
Princeton NJ 08543-5300

609-734-2636
f: 609-734-2339
amagoun@davidsarnoff.org
http://www.davidsarnoff.org/