The most significant election in CARA history and due to an early AGM out of sync with membership many of us are excluded. One year short by three months due to calling this meeting early is not right. The idea was to give the board time to transition in but what about the members time to vote? I would have three years consecutive when membership renews in September so anyone else getting shorted on the most significant election in the club's history?
"At the last meeting of the CARA Board of Directors, the Executive officers and other Board members all expressed their wish not to stand for re-election at the upcoming elections. Elections will occur at the General Meeting on Tuesday, June 28th starting at 7:30PM at the Calgary Sports Car Club.
For CARA membership this election is a challenge as well as an opportunity.
The challenge is to attract new leadership to ensure the future of the Calgary Amateur Radio Association. The opportunity is for the re-examination and affirmation of the club’s continued existence.
Club by-laws are available for viewing on the CARA website (www.caraham.org). They mention two important things regarding election of Directors:
1) Article 26(1) states:” The number of Directors shall not be less than 3 or more than 9, or such number as may be determined from time to time at a general meeting.”
2) Article 26(7) states:” No person shall be qualified as a Director unless at least 18 years of age and unless they have been a full member of the Society for the preceding three (3) years.”
A list of eligible members was published in the current (June) issue of KeyKlix.
Of note and perhaps worthy of some discussion prior to the election of new Directors is the number of Directors required and the fact that there has not been a contested election of Directors since the adoption of these bylaws (2010).
One of the CARA leadership challenges is meeting the requirements of quorum to have a Director’s meeting. This is perhaps a reflection of the busy lives of those who take on leadership roles in their communities, families, and work settings resulting in difficulties finding a common time for meeting. Secondly, the previous application of article 26(1) has been that unless there are more than 9 nominees, no vote is required.
It may be a good idea to have a discussion about these issues prior to the election of Directors to see if a motion to set the number of Directors at a level that facilitates scheduling and requires approval of the Director nominees by those present at the meeting.
This may be the most significant election in CARA's history. As such it deserves the attention and hopefully the participation of every member of the club. All are encouraged to take part in this activity."
