In Reply To:
Mandy,
Thanks for offering another point of view. Here in lies one of the problems. In the minutes, it stated the candidates were not to handle others ballots, yet the vote right after that, stated it was overturned. Overturned to what? That is my question. My opinion of this whole sorted mess, is that the minutes do not accurately reflect what transpired. I'd still like to know what was in the board packets in regards to the bylaw changes.
As for incumbent, you can find many definitions for the term, but I would say the general usage of that term refers to a specified office. To me, it would mean running as a BOD member for the same region. Let me give you an example. Congress. It is made up of Representatives and Senators. If a Representative runs for a Senate seat, they are not considered the incumbent, they would only be considered an incumbent if they were running for the same Representative seat again. So, I can see how the nominating committee would not consider Val Gattis an incumbent if she was running for a spot other than the one she had been serving.
It seems to me that the bylaws of the entire BOD should be looked at and evaluated by people other than the board members. Because, from where I sit, it seems most everyone on the board has an agenda, be it intentional or not, and wants to vote for what is best for them and not the greater whole. It really is rather sad to see. I think greater disclosure of what goes on at these meetings should be in order too. I will say this, as a USAT member, I don't want my money being spent on litigation of an election that can in no way insure it's integrity, whether it followed the bylaws or not. The other real kicker is, that the board was warned, and for whatever reasons they had, chose to ignore this. On this point Dan is right on, and it's time to pay the piper!
I surely hope all of the board members have the integrity to stand up and do the right, honorable thing here.
As a new board member I am almost rabid to hear more opinions from the athletes we represent. Please take the time to either voice your opinion in forum or to Board members directly. Personally, I ran for the BOD because I had gotten disgusted with my many years of complaints but no true help for solutions. My only agenda is to serve without a personal agenda...if that makes any sense. So speak up while there is time, the ears are listening.
Kevin Carter