ACA Response 8-13-2007
August 13, 2007
Today I received a response from Beth Wrenn-Estes concerning my letter. I have posted the letter and her response here: ACA Response 8-13-2007. This has answered some questions, left some yet to be answered and brought up a few more. I’ll follow-up on those. As my letter was directed to the President of the ACA, I do feel a response from Fran Summerhill would have been more appropriate.
I also received a phone call today from Scott Mares, the new Vice President of the ACA. We had a discussion about what I was doing, the motivation behind it and the timing of it. As I have stated before, I am not pointing fingers at anyone. I am looking at the structure, procedures and processes of the ACA, and have asked my questions to better understand how the ACA functions. The events of the RMO and the subsequent resignations were a part of my decision to bring this to everyone’s attention. To have some very good people leave the ACA under these circumstances was a concern for me.
However, what is not a concern for me, is how this affects my business. I am comfortable with the questions I have asked and the method of doing it. Scott Mares expressed concern for my business, voicing that concern by saying he would hate to see this have a negative impact on it. I appreciate his concern for my business, however, I do not see the merit in being quiet about these important issues.
Scott went on to say that I do not have the right to ask questions to the Executive Committee. I must present those questions to my club president, who in turn must present them to the EC. I have read the ACA policy manual and the Bylaws, and have yet to see where it states that I have no right to ask questions. There is a clear procedure for enacting change within the ACA. This is through the Club Council and is outlined in the 2007 ACA Policy Manual. I encourage anyone interested to read that and to understand what the procedure is if they want to try and make changes. As a member organization, it certainly would seem that the thoughts, concerns and comments from constituents would be graciously received and encouraged.
I cannot tell the ACA what to do. I cannot demand changes. I cannot submit new legislation, change existing rules and policies. This has to be done through the Club Council. However, I can ask questions and look for answers, which I am hoping will give me a better understanding of the ACA. If I think there are areas that need to be changed, I will propose legislation through my club.
Finally, I find it unfortunate that Beth feels that she has to defend herself personally (The Small-minded), when I addressed my concerns to the ACA only, and did not accuse any individuals of any wrong doing. I have questioned the responsibilities of a few of the positions within the ACA, but not the individuals. It does not matter who fills the positions. If the proper checks and balances and oversights are not in place, there will always be the possibility for the ACA to function in an inefficient manner.
Joe DePaemelaere