David, It is my understanding that the AOS proxy does not allow for a 'NO' vote. It allows only 2 choices:
1) return the proxy 'as is' to AOS which is a vote in support of the official slate. 2) withold the proxy by not returning it which is equal to not voting. A witheld vote or a 'No' vote is equal to not voting. I understand that there is an alternate slate and members can vote for that by signing a Nominating Form and A Proxy Form. These forms are available at: http://www.bedfordorchids.com/Howard_Bronstein_for_AOS_President.htm Since changes were recently made to the AOS bylaws, it's now necessary for 10% of the membership to sign a petition nominating an alternate slate. This has to be done by August 31 as the Secretary must have 1 month to count the names on the petitions and then verify that each signature belongs to a current AOS member. If not enough people sign the Nominating Petition then there is no alternate slate. Kathy Figiel Date: Tue, 3 Aug 2004 17:31:57 EDT From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Re Syd's question about the alternate slate of nominees for the upcoming election of officers. I know of no alternate slate, even though one activist was trying to assemble one -- a futile manoever in my opinion. The appropriate action for those who believe that either the process of selecting nominees was tainted with apparent self-serving rather than concern only with the best interests of the AOS or who believe that one or more of the individuals chosen for top positions on the slate does not have the qualifications needed to address the very serious financial problems of the society should vote against the entire slate, unfair though that may be to some of the excellent candidates nominated for some of the positions. If enough votes are cast to reject the slate in its entirety, that would throw the matter back to a new nominating committee. A new committee could repeat the nominations of the well-qualified and disinterested individuals and replace those who either are not qualified or have been criticized for abusing the process to serve their own narrow self-interest. I am sure that a repetition of the nominating process, with a somewhat changed compostion of the committee, would have to take into full account the numerous reservations and criticisms that have led to the present outrage and disillusionment of so many of the AOS menbers at a time when unity is needed. Even if the no votes are insufficient to defeat the present the slate, a healthy signal will have been sent to the new officers and to the 2005 nominating committee. David Grove ------------------------------ Kathy Figiel Illustrated Properties Real Estate 561-585-2499 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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