Hello Friends of Bicycling!
If you are a current member of the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin
you should have received your ballot for the BFW board of directors
by now. This is a pivotal election, so please,
1) Read the news release below
2) Go to http://www.betheengine.com
3) Fill out your ballot accordingly
4) Mail it in (deadline: Nov 2, 2007)
Thanks!
-Mike Barrett
P.s. Please forward this to all your bicycling friends!
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29th, 2007
CONTACT: Pam Barrett, 608-245-1059
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.betheengine.com
PAM BARRETT RUNS FOR BICYCLE FEDERATION OF WISCONSIN BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pam Barrett has announced her candidacy for the Board of Directors of
the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin (BFW). She is forced to mount a
write-in campaign because the BFW Board has chosen to exclude her
name from the election ballot mailed to membership last week.
As Ms. Barrett explains, "I believe it is wrong of the BFW Board to
exclude qualified candidates. The Board is purposefully withholding
information from BFW membership. This is yet another act that calls
into question the moral integrity of this board."
Bicyclists across the state have been questioning the leadership of
the organization for some time now, starting with the abrupt firing
of the Executive Director in January of this year. The ensuing uproar
was the subject of a front page Wisconsin State Journal story on
January 27, 2007.
Ms. Barrett, a long time BFW member and volunteer, was provided no
reason for her exclusion from the ballot. She was informed by the
nominating committee chair, Scott Arbit ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) that
one other applicant was also excluded from the ballot. The BFW board
refuses to release the name of that individual.
The ballot includes five names for five open board seats. Seven
candidates put their names forward. Two were excluded. "This election
process flies in the face of the basic tenets of democracy." Barrett
continues, "When applicants meet all qualifications and deadlines,
they should be placed on the ballot. The membership should have the
right to decide who sits on the BFW board."
Ms. Barrett's campaign is a grassroots effort. She is attempting to
reach all BFW members without the luxury of a membership database.
BFW Executive Director Jack Hirt denied access to the membership
database after a formal request earlier this month. Despite this
disadvantage Barrett will press forward. "Luckily, bicycle activists
and enthusiasts tend to be a very outgoing and gregarious lot. I'm
hoping my message will travel 'word-of-mouth' through email, bike
club discussions and on casual bike rides."
"For more than a decade, BFW has pushed for good bike legislation,
facilities and education. My candidacy represents a concerted effort
to inject new vigor and restore integrity to the BFW leadership."
For more information on the BFW board election process, visit
http://www.betheengine.com or contact Pam Barrett at (608)245-1059.
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