Runner Triathlete News [ return ] From Message Jack Weiss   11/29/2002 23:56:26 Subject: USAT South Midwest Elections IP: Logged Message: USAT South Midwest Regional Elections by Jack Weiss I know this is going to get some hot responses but I have to say it. Not along ago, several candidates for the Regional Board posted their platforms on DTG web site and that's great. That's what democracy is all about. However one of those candidates running, Chris Phelan told us all how he would represent us and "give balance to the Board". I am not questioning Chris's intentions but I am questioning his commitment. See, Chris has failed to attend at least 2 of 4 regional board meeting this year and even though they were held here in the Metroplex. I have been a member of the USAT National Board of Directors for 6 years and my term ends Dec 31. In those 6 years, we had 18 Board meeting and I never missed one, not one! That's because active representation is one of the most important duties an elected representative can provide his constituency. If one is to represent the membership adequately and fairly with knowledge and sensitivity, then that person needs to be present at the Board meeting. This is NOT the case with Chris. He continually fails to meet this obligation, making enough meetings both last year and this year to avoid being removed from office by the By-Laws. And the meetings he does attends, he normally arrives late and leaves early. Well now we as his constituency have a chance to correct that situation and vote for others, more responsible and sensitive to our needs and concerns. I will not tell you who to vote for but I would say this, if you want active, progressive, sensitive and responsive representation, do NOT vote for Chris Phelan. There are many more and qualified folks running for office and the other incumbents have made the effort to attend all of the meetings. Let's give them and the new folks running for office a chance. Based on Chris's past attendence record they certainly can do no worse. Sebastian Rodrigano   12/01/2002 17:48:35 RE: USAT South Midwest Elections IP: Logged Message: Jack: I've been a triathlete in the SMW region for the last 5 years. I'd first would like to thank you and all the other people involved in the national and regional levels of USAT. Next I'd like to voice a couple of concerns regarding the SMW region's state of things. Im an avid reader of all regional triathlon publications and I feel that there are several key pieces of information that are not readily available. For example, the 2002 regional championship schedule was printed in RTN but not easily available elsewhere. Also information about the SMW board activities and objectives (other than the meeting minutes posted much later than the meetings)is very difficult to come by. These may be topics that i should address to Brad, but Im sure that if you recognize any merit to them you'll do so much more efectively than I could. My point is that such lack of communication between the members and the governing body cause disinterest and lack of participation. For example the fact that Brad (not lacking merit)ran unopposed to replace you in what is if I'm not mistaken the second largest USAT region represented in the national board, is in my oppinion a sad manifestation of uninvolvement by the membership. I think that if the channels of communication were improved between the USAT-SMW and it's membership, the region would see a lot more participation and interest which would bennefit us all. Best regards, Sebastian Rodrigano USAT 155223 triathlete 12/02/2002 08:54:52 RE: USAT South Midwest Elections IP: Logged Message: Doesn't the regional president get to write a column each month in RTN? Wouldn't this be a good place to exchange information and keep the athletes up to date? Bronda Starling   12/05/2002 17:07:25 RE: USAT South Midwest Elections IP: Logged Message: The last day to vote is December 31. I am one of the newcomers who is wanting to be elected to the board. My main goal, if elected, would be to closely work with the individual who calculates the tri & du rankings & also keep in contact with the race directors to make sure the results are sent in a timely fashion. This past year there were some problems with the rankings & many of you were frustated with how they have been handled, including myself. In the November issue of RTN there was a letter written on why I thought I would make a good board member. Please read it & vote for me...Bronda Starling. P 1

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