Don, as an interested observer of club activities I'd like to know why you "have difficulty with another current member of the board coming out in public support of one of them." Please don't take this as criticism. Just a friendly question.
As a democratic group, shouldn't any club member be able to discuss the club's direction and controversies at any time or place. In fact, this forum is the perfect place for discussions and as far as I know, access isn't controlled by anyone. In my mind, the only thing that's inappropriate is open hostility or personal attacks, which some debates have been known to degenerate into. Why should a board member be any less able to express his or her opinions here? As you said, they comment at their own peril. I agree that we should not become a politically polarized organization and that's always been a concern, whether it was dealings with the OCA, CCA, police, public perceptions of cyclists or local politicians. In the end, I just want to enjoy riding my bike with friends. Bob Simpson -----Original Message----- From: Carol and Don Friedlander To: OBC Sent: 10/18/01 10:30 PM Subject: Re: [obc] Annual General Meeting At the risk of starting a war, I have a problem with this message that I'd like to get off my chest. First off, I admit to having no knowledge of any political situation which may be unfolding here. I don't know what group is supposedly unhappy with the activities of the club, nor how/whether they plan to take over the OBC to suit their group's purpose. But I do have some knowledge of governance and volunteer associations. In the circumstance of two current members of the board running for the position of president, I have difficulty with another current member of the board coming out in public support of one of them, with veiled references to some other group hijacking the club. I don't personally know either Kevin Nelson, or Avery Burdett. I do admire their commitment as volunteers and sincerely appreciate their efforts, as I appreciate the efforts of the other OBC directors and committee members, on behalf of OBC members and cycling in Ottawa. But I also understand and respect that there may be other members who may see a different direction for the club. The last time I looked we still lived in a democracy. We ignore, or worse yet, slander, their opinions at our peril. I believe that comments of this nature by a current board member are a recipe for acrimony, future ill will, and promoting and polarizing political divisions. I wish to belong to a bicycle club, not a political party. If Kevin Nelson's purpose was to get more members out to the AGM, then in my case he's succeeded. I'm not sure he'll appreciate the result. Don Friedlander ------ To unsubscribe, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Club Office: [EMAIL PROTECTED], (613) 230-1064 Web/mailing list: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb Newsletter: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cyberus.ca/~obcweb/Newsletter ==^================================================================ EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?aVxiDo.a2i8p1 Or send an email To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] This email was sent to: [email protected] T O P I C A -- Register now to manage your mail! http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/register ==^================================================================
