bid for Section Chairperson

[hpfencing]

At this time, I would also like to publicly announce and solicit the support for my bid as Section Chair. I have been working closely for the past two years with the Section and have a very good understanding of the section chair responisiblities and have always been very active in the section.

I remained one of the RMS sections “allies” when almost everyone in my division decided to succeed for the RMS to the SWS. During last years divisional meeting when the division spoke and voted to look into the section moving process I pushed for us to get in and help our current section and fix things instead of just leaving it. That is my goal, to help fix the section while the officers for the Plains Texas continue to strengthen and grow the Plains Texas Division. Aaron Clements, Julie Hunt, and Chuck Slaughter have made it very clear to the Plains Texas Division Nominating Committee that they wish to continue office in the division and with that team together adding Jay they will be able to continue to grow the Plains Texas Division and do not need me for this. We need their leadership here in Plains Texas. Although I cannot be much help there because of personality conflicts, I will be great as a section officer.

I beleive I can hlep turn our section around if elected as chair.

In the past year I have worked very hard to increase communications between all the divisions and have worked on setting up the RMSC trial run. I am constantly in the NM, AZ, CO, and PLTX events. Those that know me know I ALWAYS try to help set up and tear down at all the events and I will always help referee when needed or asked.

I hope the members of this discussion board will support my bid for the Section Chair in the election this year.

[Mr Epee]

So you want power?

What is it exactly that you intend on doing with it?
What would you do better than those who currently have it?

You list your qualifications as being a hard working communicator, but administrating a section is very different from the skills required to set up strips.

[hpfencing]

I have been involved since 1999 as a member of my division's LOC/DEC in some shape or form and have held the following division positions: Club rep. Division Chairperson, Division Vice-chair person. I am also a rated referee and have helped orgainize and run many very successful local level and section level events. I was the primary orgainizer of teh 2002 Sectionals in Amarillo.

Professionally I am a Instructional Technology Specialist for the Amarillo ISD and deal with parents, families, kiddos and the public on a dailey basis as well as dealing with limited budget to get the most bang for our buck. My IT job is my 40+ hours a week job but fencing is my passion.

As far as communications: This past year I set-up the Rocky Mountain discussion board on proboards and then had it moved to this better location on www.fencing.net. I am very good at returning calls and e-mails and have good relations with those working in the national office. During the past year I helped set-up the RMSC which has been DEAD for many, many year as a trial run so that we have ideas of what to do to make the circuit better. I have been the "chair" of this committee and have been in contact with all the various divsions and many of the clubs throughout the year.

As far as travel: Our section is VERY spread out and I have made a big effort to be in MOST of the different divisions major events for the past few years. I am ussually found at the bigger events in AZ, CO, NM, and PL TX. I am trying to get up to the more northern divisions as well and will get to them if elected.

As far as orgainization skills: I started the very successfull Plains Texas Division Cup and help coordinate the 2004-05 RMSC trial run (which has a lot of bugs). When something is over my head I am very good at finding the resources to help slve the problem. I use to run the local Boy Scout Camp, as teh summertime program director before fencing took over my life. I understand the basic orgainization/structure skills.

People Skills: I work well with almost anyone and work hard to make sure others are invovled with discussions and deciding what is going on. I am a TEAM player because Together Every Achieves More. I know how important is is to delegate and not try to do everything alone, it's not about me-it's about helping the section.

Yes you'll see me in the trenches setting up the strips, hauling them around taking care of them, sometimes I'm at the armor table others at the bout table, sometimes as a coach and sometimes I even fence. I believe the Section chairman must be able to do and understand all the positions of fencing from the beginning fencer to the advanced FOC rep. I am not afraid to get my hands dirty and do what is best for the section and help out any way I can. I am committed to the job.

[pacer]

And how do you like politics? (between the clubs?)

[hpfencing]

Hate them personally, think everyoe should work together for the interst of fencing, not their own personal benefits.

Individuals, clubs, divisions should all want to work together to make fencing the best it can be.

[jaleod]

I was unaware that I was officially stepping down.
I am certain that it was not general knowledge.

The actions that Matt has taken with starting a new thread and immediately soliciting for votes may be off-putting to some.

Some may even consider it a misuse of authority running the discussion board.

It is my hope that all fencers come to the Section meeting and listen to the issues that are discussed on this forum.


Good luck to all potential candidates.

[hpfencing]

I was unaware that I was officially stepping down.
I am certain that it was not general knowledge.

The actions that Matt has taken with starting a new thread and immediately soliciting for votes may be off-putting to some.

Some may even consider it a misuse of authority running the discussion board.

It is my hope that all fencers come to the Section meeting and listen to the issues that are discussed on this forum.


Good luck to all potential candidates.

I'm sorry, I though you had officially made an announcement and that it was public knowledge. I didn't mean to step on your toes. I did not know till this past weekend and thought everyone knew, please accept my apology.

Anyone can post here, I don't know how that could be considered a mis-use of authority. Anyone can join and post threads and respond.

I have never tried to hide any intentions I have and am open with any issues that wish to be discussed. I like to be up front about things and let everyone know where I stand on every issue and let everyone know my plans.

I too hope that many, may people will attnd the section meeting this year; and every year. Most the time there are only about 10-15 people in the meeting and that is a shame. Hopefully the discussions here will make people want to get invovled and attend the section meeting this year.