From: Porter, Newport, Wrabley, Lindner

To: Members of Current Board

The four of us, as well as a significant number of other residents of the community, have substantial concerns about the recent Civic Association Election---concerns that are sufficient to call into question the legitimacy of the results. The solicitation of proxy ballots from select members with a “preferred” list of candidates violates any rational standard of fairness, is not described in the Bylaws, and has no precedent in previous elections.  There are a number of fair methods to allow participation by members not able to attend an annual meeting, but this certainly is not one. In addition, we understand that several individuals who submitted resumes for consideration as candidates were rejected by the nominating committee for non-payment of dues, which is not mentioned in the Bylaws (which simply state that one must be a current member to serve on the Board, not to be a candidate for the Board). Finally, although the Bylaws are silent on the timing of dues and the election, they are crystal clear on the requirement that a resume be submitted by “any person interested in being a member of the board of directors”. This clearly was not done by all of the preferred candidates. These 3 issues, but especially the first, go against the principles of  inclusivity, fairness and non-partisanship which the Civic Association stands for.

Frankly, we were very surprised, not to mention a little taken aback, by such blatant political maneuverings.  We are serious about our involvement in the community and continue to believe that we will bring new ideas and energy to the Association’s efforts.   Therefore, we feel these concerns must be dealt with as soon as possible—at the very latest as the first item of business on Jan 10. Without attempting to negotiate specifics in this email, the four of us do not see how there could be a fair resolution that does not involve amending the Bylaws and  holding another election.

The amendment of the Bylaws would seem best and most fairly accomplished by an ad hoc committee composed of an equal number (perhaps 3 or 4)  of representatives of both major parties (members of the Association, perhaps not Board members). Their goal would be to clarify the entire mechanism for elections from selection of candidates through voting. Again, we do not put forth specifics here, as these should be arrived at through negotiation and consensus. However, we would like agreement that Bylaws changes need to be made, and made through a bipartisan approach. The membership would of course need to vote on these changes.

A number of possible changes have already been discussed among parties. We take particular note of a proposal put forth by Donald Weiss to expand the number of Board members, thereby allowing a new enlarged slate to be put forth containing all interested parties. Also proposed was having local party chairs participate on the board ex officio and not as regular members. The election could be held by mail to allow complete participation.

We are far from alone in the community in our line of thought regarding the manipulations of the recent election and, in fact, don’t believe the entire board supports the current situation.   It would be unfortunate, not to mention unacceptable, if the Civic Association begins its New Year without a resolution of this situation. With that in mind, we look forward to working with you to resolve this situation and would appreciate a response prior to the meeting confirming its addition as the first agenda item to be discussed on the 10^th.  

Thank you.

Rob Porter

Gregg Lindner

Matt Wrabley

John Newport