Nominating Committee Influence

[Right-Handed Lefty]

How much say do we the rabble have in influencing the national nominating committee on their choices? Do we get a say at this point in the process?

Personally, I'd like to see a clean slate. With that being said, I do not envy you your task!

[epeeforlife]

Well said Lefty! I was myself trying to influence some people on this very subject.

[Jay Young]

I'd think the best way to see if to ask someone on the committee. I know that some of the committee lurk on here from time to time. Perhaps they'll chime in, if appropriate and they have time.

[Peach]

They are asking people who are interested in being candidates to put themselves forward. Check out the USFA website where the committee list and some e-mail addresses have been posted: http://www.usfencing.org/usfa/content/view/2295/148/. Anyone who wants to suggest a candidate can do that as well, and you can also direct any questions about the process to the committee.

[Right-Handed Lefty]

I know the head of the committee is on this forum. I was just curious about the process as I've heard conflicting messages.

[Peach]

Originally Posted by Right-Handed Lefty

I know the head of the committee is on this forum. I was just curious about the process as I've heard conflicting messages.

As someone on the committee myself, I'd appreciate knowing what the messages were--seems like a pretty simple concept so far to me.

[Right-Handed Lefty]

I've heard that the committee is considering only a certain set of candidates. Those who don't have national credentials don't have a chance even if they'd be good for the job. That's why I'm wondering if the committee welcomes any input from the rank and file.

[Peach]

Originally Posted by Right-Handed Lefty

I've heard that the committee is considering only a certain set of candidates. Those who don't have national credentials don't have a chance even if they'd be good for the job. That's why I'm wondering if the committee welcomes any input from the rank and file.

You heard wrong. The committee at this point is considering any and all candidates who have been suggested or who have suggested themselves. We don't have many at this point, despite the front-page posting on the USFA web page. If you have someone to suggest, e-mail one of the people who have provided their e-mail in the lists online. The committee is made up of people from all over the country and from every area of the sport, as you can see from the list, and there isn't a single power broker in the bunch.

I'm not sure what you mean by "national credentials," though. While I happen to know to my chagrin that being named to USFA committees and task forces doesn't seem to require any inclination to participate nationally, I'm not sure the membership would support electing someone to the office of President who doesn't have any credibility or experience at the national and international level. Again, if you think you know someone who could overcome that deficiency, I suggest you nominate him or her.

[epeeforlife]

Originally Posted by Peach

Again, if you think you know someone who could overcome that deficiency, I suggest you nominate him or her.

I officially nominate Right-Handed Lefty!

Go Lefty....or is it Go Righty!

[JEC]

Originally Posted by Peach

I'm not sure the membership would support electing someone to the office of President who doesn't have any credibility or experience at the national and international level.

Although it is very helpful to have an organizational structure where one gets elected first or second vicepresident for a couple of years (to learn the ropes), there are occasions when is useful to bring a qualified individual from the outside to implement change. Now, change for the sake of change is not helpful, in general, but there might be some strategies that require significant change.

I would like to disclose that I am not seeking office, but that I support a local candidate after reading her platform. This individual has MBA and PhD degrees in business, was an elite fencer for many years being member of the senior US team, and has coached her daughters to become members of the senior US team. I believe that this individual has had a wealth of experience in many aspects of fencing as a member, coach and parent.

[epeeforlife]

Originally Posted by epeeforlife

I officially nominate Right-Handed Lefty!

Go Lefty....or is it Go Righty!

On a more serious note, the Nominating Committee has a very tough job. While I'm inclined to say throw them all out, I see how that may be difficult for the committee to do. So I would be OK keeping one of them and throwing the rest out!

[Right-Handed Lefty]

I've made my suggestions... and they don't include me. I was just wondering if my suggestions held any weight with the nominating gods.

[hpfencing]

After talking a little to the chairman of the nominating committee this past weekend i am not sure I know anyone that would be ready for office or quaified. Aaron, you and your team have yor work cut out for you. Good luck!

[epeeforlife]

Originally Posted by hpfencing

After talking a little to the chairman of the nominating committee this past weekend i am not sure I know anyone that would be ready for office or quaified. Aaron, you and your team have yor work cut out for you. Good luck!

I also don't know anybody "quaified", except maybe you hpfencing. I do know a few people that I would consider "qualified", but convincing them they need to run is not easy. I'm sure Aaron has plenty of "quaified" people lined up à lécher le cul.

[Jengar]

This would be a good thread for the Main Forum. It is kind of hidden away down here in the Rocky Mountain Section. Is there anyone in the Rocky Mountain Section?

[epeeforlife]

Originally Posted by Jengar

This would be a good thread for the Main Forum. It is kind of hidden away down here in the Rocky Mountain Section. Is there anyone in the Rocky Mountain Section?

OK with me! Maybe Craig can help.