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Post by schlager7 on Dec 24, 2007 7:47:50 GMT -6
Ah, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season seems to keep me endlessly behind.
For those curious, the Nominating Committee of the USFA has put forward a list (not a true slate, as everyone runs as an individual) of candidates for office at the next election. This has already appeared on Fencing Net and (no doubt) elsewhere. Their selections are:
President: Kalle Weeks Vice-Presidents: Jerry Benson Ro Sobalvarro Mark Stasinos Treasurer: Greg Dilworth Secretary: Brad Baker
It should also be noted that Tracy Hurley has stated:
Well, I'm sure many of you know that I am putting together a slate of candidates to run against the nominating committee's slate (although, technically, neither slate can run as a 'slate' according to the bylaws). For this past membership year, the number of eligible voting members was just under 9000. This translates into less than 200 signatures.
More about who is going to be on the 'slate' in a few weeks but it should be well established by the Atlanta NAC.
FYI, I would like to make it clear that I appreciate the contribution and work the nominating committee did in their task. I have nothing against them personally or any of the candidates they are putting forward. With that said, I feel that the membership needs a choice of qualified candidates as opposed to having the nominating committee's slate elected by proclamation. There are some tough and very pressing issues that this organization needs to face in the next 4 years and the membership should have a choice as to who it wants to lead them.
and
Ballots are supposed to be mailed by May 1 and to be returned (and received by USFA designated office) BEFORE 14 days preceeding the annual membership meeting which is usually around July 1. So to be safe, mail it back before the end of May.
Now might be a good time to see if the USFA has your correct mailing address and DOB.
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Post by fox on Dec 30, 2007 9:59:15 GMT -6
Since we don't yet have the "Hurley Slate" (just a designation, I realize it is not a true slate), what can anyone here tell us about the USFA Nominating Committee's list?
Anyone familiar with any of these folks?
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kb
Squire
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Post by kb on Dec 30, 2007 10:36:33 GMT -6
Anyone familiar with any of these folks? You don't know who Jerry Benson is?
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Post by JEC on Dec 30, 2007 17:39:56 GMT -6
Brad Baker is OIUYT who has posted in this forum and also at the FNet forum for several years. He is an Assistant Coach at Temple and a very good Saber and Epee fencer. He also is a very good referee.
He is very level headed and in my view, one of the best choices that the Nominating Committee suggested. I know Tracy Hurley is working on an alternative. Keep in mind that these are not mutually exclusive slates, but each position gets voted in.
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Post by schlager7 on Dec 30, 2007 19:56:14 GMT -6
Jerry Benson is based in Oklahoma. Like almost everyone here he has been a competitive fencer at one time or another.
Most of us down here know him as one of the highest rated referees in the Southwest Section and an FOC observer & instructor (that means he gives referee seminars, tests and observes you to see how well you are doing... possibly toward an improved ref rating).
I know he has refereed paralympic fencing events, as well, internationally.
I believe he may be a member of the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). I know he has done a fair amount of stage combat choreography.
IIRC, his United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) ranking is master.
He has worked national and international events as a referee.
He has also held sectional level office.
Did I miss anything?
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kb
Squire
Posts: 261
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Post by kb on Dec 31, 2007 10:43:45 GMT -6
Jerry Benson ... Did I miss anything? He has a sense of humor. (One of the qualifications I look for in a candidate)
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Post by DavidSierra on Jan 1, 2008 16:12:18 GMT -6
Jerry Benson ... Did I miss anything? He has a sense of humor. (One of the qualifications I look for in a candidate) Indeed he does. And the other candidates are similarly qualified both in humor, and in other qualifications. And in case anyone is not aware of it, I was the representative to the Nominating Committee from our Section. We worked long and hard at the process, and are confident that the folks we nominated represent a cohesive, visionary, and capable group. Indeed, they do not represent a "business as usual" slate. Certain details of the process and deliberations are confidential, but if you're interested, there are two discussions going on F.net: www.fencing.net/forums/thread34226.htmland www.fencing.net/forums/thread34317.html
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nemo
Blademaster
mobilis in mobili
Posts: 729
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Post by nemo on Jan 2, 2008 9:49:55 GMT -6
Way before my time, but I recall reading somewhere that Dillworth fenced at A&M.
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Post by Dan Gorman on Jan 2, 2008 12:33:13 GMT -6
He did -- graduated in '95 I believe. He was gone shortly before I came to Texas, but about everybody still new him. Cool guy and knows fencing.
I get along with everyone on the nominating committee's list that I've met. I think they're all good people and incredibly dedicated to fencing as a sport.
Dan
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 2, 2008 19:30:16 GMT -6
The so-called "Hurley Slate" (purely for want of another title) has been announced. LINKTracy A. Hurley, Ph.D. (President) Soren Thompson (Vice-President-Fencers) August Skopik (Vice-President-Coaches & Clubs) Bruno Goossens - (Vice-President - International Relations & Officials) Treasurer (TBA)
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nemo
Blademaster
mobilis in mobili
Posts: 729
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Post by nemo on Jan 3, 2008 18:08:02 GMT -6
Well, now.
I guess my choice will be easy.
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 4, 2008 9:31:18 GMT -6
Well, just in case the decision is more difficult for others, I have approached the Hurley/Skopik/Thompson/Goossen camp.
Their website has a place for a forum which they have not set up as yet.
This evening I will set up a sub-set of this forum that their page can point to and serve as their forum. You may then ask whatever of the candidates, directly.
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Post by fox on Jan 4, 2008 9:45:13 GMT -6
It might just make a difference for some. Good gesture on your part.
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Post by fox on Jan 18, 2008 9:19:53 GMT -6
Schlager7, while I really appreciate the area you set up for the US Fencers for Change group, I am not too sure any of them are actually checking by since katybades last response...
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 21, 2008 21:36:08 GMT -6
Actually, they now have their own forum. I'll leave that area of this forum up through next Monday for continuity purposes, but any new queries should go here: US Fencers for Change Forum
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Post by schlager7 on Jan 29, 2008 8:40:29 GMT -6
As previously stated, I have removed the temporary sub-section of this forum given over to US Fencers for Change. Their permanent forum is here: US Fencers For Change ForumIf you wish to ask questions regarding their platforms that would be the place to go. I note Jay has already posted there.
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Post by schlager7 on Feb 7, 2008 18:38:23 GMT -6
Found this in today's email...USFA Newsletter US Fencing Association News Blast In this issue, you'll read: Message A Message from the President Last July, the USFA Congress elected a Nominating Committee in accordance with the requirements set forth in our Bylaws. This Committee represented a geographical distribution of our constituencies, as well as bringing together the varied profile of our sport: athletes, coaches, parents, referees, administrators, etc. The members of the Committee took their task very seriously, approaching every potential candidate for a discussion of his/her qualifications and vision for the USFA. They met frequently to discuss the merits of each candidate. (A report from the Nominating Committee as to process and outcome is available to the membership.) The official list of nominated individuals from the Nominating Committee has been communicated and is on the USFA website. As set forth in the Bylaws, any position among the nominated individuals (President, 3 Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer) may be contested by following specified procedures by April 1 of the year when the election is to take place. Elections are in the air! Im happy to point out that the USFA nominating and election process does not take as long as our national elections do: the Nominating Committee is put into place at the meeting of the USFA Congress, usually in July, in the third year of the sitting administration. Their nominated individuals must be announced by the end of January of the following year. The new administration is confirmed at the next Summer Nationals and takes office on September 1 or at the conclusion of the Olympic Games, whichever comes earlier. Regardless of any activities between now and the time when the USFA administration takes office for the 2008-2012 quad, all members should evaluate their own place in our organization and help the USFA move forward to best serve us all. Through your clubs, your divisions, your sections, the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, or any other committees on which you might serve, you are invited to voice questions, thoughtful recommendations, and YES! even harsh criticisms that will help the new administration evaluate its priorities. It is your right and your responsibility! Please dont hesitate, at every opportunity, to approach anyone on the current Executive Committee, the nominated candidates, or anyone you know who is considering challenging those nominees. In addition, you can send your observations to suggestions@fencing.org and they will be forwarded to all of the above. Every one of your voices matters for the growth and quality of our United States Fencing Association! Yours in fencing, Nancy E. Anderson President United States Fencing Association ========================================== Just FWIW, I notice only Jay has posted on the Fencers for Change Forum. No one has questions? -- John
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Post by fox on Feb 27, 2008 9:16:50 GMT -6
I note the previously posted link for the website of US Fencers for Change is now a dead link. Their forum has been pretty quiet too.
I think there is a newer link I stumbled across somewhere on Fencing Net to a newer site, sans forum.
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Post by schlager7 on Apr 16, 2008 17:16:40 GMT -6
Like a lot of you, I got the following in my email. I repeat it here for the benefit of those whom it may not have reached. Once again, this is not to be construed as an endorsement of any candidates.============================================== USFA Election LIVE Webinar Reminder! Join us for a LIVE Election Webinar this Sunday, April 20Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: www2.gotomeeting.com/register/973389096Please join the USFENCERSFORCHANGE candidates at a live Webinar scheduled for Sunday, April 20 at 7pm Eastern (6pm Central; 5pm Mountain; 4pm Pacific time). You will have the opportunity to listen to the candidates discuss the upcoming election, the issues that face the USFA, and their proposed solutions. In addition, you will be able to ask any questions that you may have. Technical Requirements: You need to have a computer (either Windows or MAC operating system) with an internet connection as well as a telephone with long distance capabilities. Participants are responsible for all long-distance charges (charged by your long-distance carrier) but if you have free weekend minutes on your cell phone or landline, you can avoid any toll charges altogether. In order to attend the Webinar, you must register (click on link, above). Once you register, you will be provided with an access code and link for the Webinar. We look forward to seeing you on April 20. Title:USFENCERSFORCHANGE Webinar #1 Date:Sunday, April 20, 2008 Time:7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.3.9 (Panther®) or newer More details about our Candidates, Priorities & Proposed Solutions are available on our website. Email: tracy@usfencersforchange.comWeb: USFENCERSFORCHANGE
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Post by schlager7 on Apr 18, 2008 22:37:40 GMT -6
on the other hand...========================================== Interim Report of the USFA Election Committeeoriginal postThe USFA Election Committee has recently made an important decision regarding the 2008 USFA National Officer Elections about which there may be questions and discussion. The purpose of this report is to set forth that decision and the reasons behind it. Petitions were submitted on behalf of several individuals seeking to run for USFA office against the persons nominated by the USFA Nominating Committee. The USFA Election Committee has unanimously voted to disallow those petitions, on the ground that they did not meet the requirements of the USFA Bylaws. The USFA Bylaws, which are readily available to all interested persons, prescribe the process by which candidates are nominated and qualified to run for the national offices of the USFA. Although the Election Committee determined that the submitted petitions satisfied all requirements regarding the number of signatures required, the membership status of the signatories and the necessary geographical distribution, the petitions were not accompanied by the agreement to submit all election disputes to binding arbitration, and none was submitted by April 1. The Bylaw in question (Article XIII, Sec. 10) reads as follows: Consent to Binding Arbitration of Election Committee. No person may be qualified as a candidate for office except upon first agreeing in writing, in such form as may be prescribed by the Election Committee, to be a candidate for the office nominated and to submit to binding arbitration by the Election Committee of all disputes arising out of the election as the sole, final and exclusive means of resolving such disputes. The signed agreement to be a candidate and to accept binding arbitration must be submitted to the National Office: by candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee, not later than three weeks after the submission of the Nominating Committee Report in which they were nominated; and by candidates nominated by petition, not later than April 1 of the year in which the election is to be conducted.The required arbitration agreement form was available for distribution, having been prepared by the USFA’s general counsel in December. The candidates nominated by the Nominating Committee had all supplied a signed form by the deadline established in the Bylaws. Before making a final determination, the Election Committee felt it was important to be sure that the failure to submit the required agreement was not the result of reliance on the statement of any official USFA spokesperson. Consequently, inquires were made and the Committee confirmed that none of the individuals for whom petitions were submitted had asked for a copy of the agreement from any Election Committee member, the USFA’s general counsel or any member of the USFA office staff, and than none of these people had been asked to advise the petitioners on the procedures or requirements of the petition process. The Election Committee does not have authority to ignore or change the Bylaws. On the contrary, the section of the Bylaws that creates the Election Committee specifically charges that group with responsibility for enforcing the Bylaws governing election procedures. Under the circumstances, the Election Committee felt that it had not legal option and invalidated the submissions. The Election Committee completed its validation of the petition signatures on April 5, 2008. It then advised Tracey Hurley, who was petitioning to be a candidate for USFA President, that the petitions had been approved. That notification indicated that necessary paperwork, specifically the arbitration agreement, would be provided at a later date. Then, after being asked to provide the arbitration agreement to the petitioners, the USFA general counsel brought the requirements of the Bylaw noted above to the Committee’s attention. While the Committee regrets perhaps having given the impression that it would supply the arbitration agreement, that fact cannot excuse the failure to submit the required documents or change the outcome. The notification came after the deadline had already passed. In other words, the petitioners could not have relied to their disadvantage on the unfortunate, but inconsequential, statement. Nonetheless, we regret the error. Respectfully submitted: USFA Election Committee Gerrie Baumgart (Chair) Charles Schneider, Esq. Dan McCormick Kathleen Pathi Eric Hansen (Athlete Representative).
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Post by schlager7 on Apr 18, 2008 22:53:14 GMT -6
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Post by Aldo N on Apr 19, 2008 18:10:06 GMT -6
I will presume the US Fencers for Change group is not particularly pleased...
I would be interested in hearing feedback from Ms. Hurley or Mr. Skopik...
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Post by katyblades on May 3, 2008 13:07:12 GMT -6
Tracy sent this email out today. Please find out where each candidate stands on the issues that are important to fencers. I will be happy to give my position on your questions. May 3, 2008 USFencersforchange USFA Election Update -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have you wondered whether the USFA election is ON or OFF? **** The Election is On!**** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Based on our philosophy of open communication, transparency, and accountability, we would like to update the members of the USFA on the latest election events. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Timeline April 5, 2008, the Election Committee votes to accept USFencersforchange petitions for candidates in the election for the Executive Committee of the USFA Board of Directors. April 18, the Election Committee voted to cancel the election for the USFA Executive Committee. April 23, the Election Committee voted to hold a reconsideration hearing on the matter. April 25, The Election Committee met in an open meeting to hear arguments about the re-consideration of candidates submitted by petition for the election. Our attorney argued various points and as a result of that discussion, it was discovered that the Bylaws had been violated in terms of the Election Committee "prescribing" the Letters of Arbitration and accepting them in a timely manner. The Election Committee voted 4-1 to recommend to the Executive Committee to accept all Letters of Arbitration and the petitions and to move the election forward (the chair of the Election Committee was the one person who did not vote in favor of the resolution). May 1, USFencersforchange were notified that the Executive Committee voted to uphold the Election Committee's recommendation to accept all candidates for the election and to move the election forward. May 8, Ballots will be mailed to all USFA members who were members and at least 18 years old on February 1, 2008. June 15, Approximate date for all ballots to be returned to the USFA for counting (official date will be included in the ballot). Members must complete the ballot, place in envelope provided, affix stamp, and mail to the USFA by the required deadline. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- USFencersforchange Candidates: Tracy Hurley - President Soren Thompson - Vice-President Bruno Goossens - Vice-President August Skopik - Vice-President Sharol Pestotnik - Treasurer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more election information and to find out more about our priorities and plan for the future, please visit our website: www.usfencersforchange.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks to ALL! We would like to thank everyone for all of the advice and support we received over the last couple of weeks! On April 25th, we fought for YOUR right to VOTE for the next leaders of the USFA. We will continue to fight for the rights of all USFA members and the sport of fencing. Pleaese forward this email to others and to pass the word along... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Web: www.usfencersforchange.com Email: tracy@usfencersforchange.com Phone:
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Post by DavidSierra on May 21, 2008 16:50:17 GMT -6
Dear Friends, By now, those of you that are voting members of the USFA have probably received the ballot for the once-a-quadrennial officer election. There are two groups of people running for office - one nominated by the Nominating Committee of the USFA, and the other nominated by petition of approximately 3% of the voting membership. As many of you know, I served on the USFA Nominating Committee, and believe that the hard, detailed search we undertook resulted in an excellent slate of officers who are prepared to lead the USFA into a new era of exciting developments. They have prepared a website detailing some of their plans here: usfanominees.com/. Running against them is the US Fencers For Change group, whose positions can be found here usfencersforchange.com/. This group is the brainchild of Tracy Hurley, who, when she was not included in the slate of officers proposed by the Nominating Committee, went out and recruited other individuals to run with her. I want to go on record as supporting the first group I mentioned, composed of Kalle Weeks (President), Jerry Benson, Mark Stasinos, Roberto Sobalvarro (Vice-presidents), Greg Dilworth (Treasurer) and Brad Baker (Secretary). This group is committed to transforming the USFA into a responsible, professionally administered organization - AND they have the expertise, contacts and competence to pull it off. They have a history of exceptional service to the organization in a multitude of capacities, and understand the nature of the systems that they are trying to change. These qualities are not shared by their opponents. When you receive your USFA ballot, I urge to you vote for these six individuals and mail it into the National Office. Please don't delay! Your vote is extremely important, as the USFA stands upon a critical juncture. Once again, their names are Kalle Weeks - President Jerry Benson - Vice-president Mark Stasinos - Vice-president Roberto Sobalvarro - Vice-president Greg Dilworth - Treasurer Brad Baker - Secretary Regards, David Sierra P.S. This endorsement and recommendation was made entirely of my own volition. I have received no compensation, consideration or "quid-pro-quo" of any sort or manner. Whatever decision you make, make sure you VOTE! YOUR VOICE COUNTS!
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Post by schlager7 on Jul 5, 2008 10:38:58 GMT -6
I what will likely be the post ending this thread, I am advised that the candidates from the Nominating Committee "slate" won the election.
Kalle Weeks, president Mark Stasinos, VP Jerry Benson, VP J. Roberto Sobalvarro, VP Brad Baker, secretary Greg Dilworth, treasurer
Aaron Clements posted his notes of the vote counts on Fencing Net:
President Kalle, 893 votes Tracy, 600 votes
Vice Presidents Jerry, 858 votes Mark, 806 votes Ro, 784 votes Bruno, 644 votes Soren, 632 votes August, 536 votes
Treasurer Greg, 885 votes Sherol, 552 votes
10 ballots rejected as postmarked late 1 empty ballot envelope received 38 ballots having no signature/names/double votes (i.e., multiple ballots in the same envelope), or other reasons
They have unique problems to resolve (USFA finances, the USOC issue, etc) as well as unique opportunities to improve our organization.
Ladies, Gentlemen, Good Luck
PS: Also in are elections to the USFA Board of Directors. The winners are...
David Blake Aaron Clements David Mecanik Evan Raines
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