[Lnc-business] Resignation of the Secretary

[Vicki Kirkland]

I concur with the procedure you've recommended.
Vicki Kirkland
Region 2 Rep LNC



On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 11:30 AM, Geoffrey Neale <liber8or at austin.rr.com>wrote:

> Last Sunday afternoon, I received a phone call from Ruth Bennett.  In that
> conversation she informed me that she was resigning, and that she would
> send notification to the LNC within “a few days”.  I asked her to get it to
> us by the end of the week.  Perhaps I’m over-stepping something here,
> because my assumption of “end of the week” meant by Friday, and I’m pretty
> sure I did NOT say “by Friday”.  However, I am also quite sure that “a few
> days” has passed without a formal non-verbal communication, and I need to
> be able to move things forward.****
>
> ** **
>
> Therefore, I am accepting Ruth Bennett’s verbal resignation as a formal
> resignation, and am declaring that the position of Secretary is as of this
> point open.****
>
> ** **
>
> I also am appointing Dr. James Lark as secretary pro tem.  For the record,
> Dr. Lark offered his services to the LNC in assistance of the Secretary at
> our last meeting, and there was no objection to this offer.  I do not
> recall a formal motion, and this was not an appointment.  Additionally, Dr.
> Lark has communicated to the members of the Executive Committee that he is
> willing to take on this duty in the short-term, until we choose a
> replacement, but is not interested in taking on the role formally.  He is
> also hopeful of being relieved of this duty as soon as possible, and would
> like us to fill the position before the next LNC meeting.  Therefore, his
> appointment is effective immediately, and will last until he resigns from
> the appointment, or until a new Secretary is chosen.****
>
> ** **
>
> It should be clear that there is nothing within our Bylaws that
> specifically grants me the authority to do this.  However, there is also
> nothing in the Bylaws that prohibits me from doing this.  In RONR, it is
> considered a normal action to do so, in order to keep the operation of the
> organization moving.  While some may question the authority to select a
> secretary pro tem, I think it is more of an imperative that we do so.
> Since I am not filling an LNC position, I believe my authority to appoint a
> volunteer (Dr. Lark) falls within the following: “The Chair is the chief
> executive officer of the Party with full authority to direct its business
> and affairs*, including hiring and discharging of National Committee
> volunteers* and paid personnel, subject to express National Committee
> policies and directives issued in the exercise of the National Committee’s
> plenary control and management of Party affairs, properties and funds.”***
> *
>
> ** **
>
> During our discussion among the EX members, it was mentioned that there is
> precedent for the EC making this selection, as was done when Bill Redpath
> was appointed treasurer pro tem by the EC upon the resignation of James
> Oaksun.  However, there is also precedent for the Chair making the
> appointment, as was done when Bill Redpath was appointed treasurer pro tem
> by the Chair upon the resignation of Deryl Martin (2003).****
>
> ** **
>
> It should be noted that the discussions between EC members about Dr. Lark
> filling this role came down to four in favor (Hagan, Redpath, Wiener and
> myself), one willful abstention (Dr. Lark) and one abstention by absence of
> stated opinion (Wrights).  Since we now have only six EC members, and one
> known abstention, a vote in favor of four members of the EC is more than
> sufficient to formalize the appointment of Dr. Lark.  We can still
> subsequently hold a formal EC vote to confirm my appointment, but my
> appointment is consistent with what the EC would do if it met, and I’d
> rather save the time inherent in scheduling and holding an EC meeting.****
>
> ** **
>
> Of course, I recognize that one or more of you could object to my ruling
> that I have the authority to make this appointment, and I respect your
> right to do so.  However, if you think I do not have the authority, I’m
> afraid we’re in a true Catch 22 scenario.  If you believe I have
> over-stepped my authority, you can get enough others to join in the request
> for a mail ballot, but such a mail ballot can only be submitted to the LNC
> by the Secretary.  If you do not accept this appointment, then who can
> submit the mail ballot to the LNC?****
>
> ** **
>
> So I hope that we all accept this appointment and get this train back on
> the tracks. ****
>
> ** **
>
> Now, as to procedure for replacement, I intend to send a notice to the
> State Chairs list and membership that we have an opening for Secretary, and
> solicit self-nominations.  I propose that we have a submission deadline of
> January 31, 2013 at midnight Eastern time.  As soon as possible after that
> time, the secretary pro tem will submit a mail ballot on voting for the
> replacement from the full list of nominees, with our normal mail ballot
> deadlines.  At first I thought this could take several votes, but I now
> think that this could be resolved in a single vote for the simple reason
> that any LNC member can change their vote prior to the deadline.  If
> supporters of one or more minority candidates see that their choice is
> trailing, then they will be open to change their vote to a subsequent
> choice.****
>
> ** **
>
> I want to send this email to the State Chairs no later than next Monday.
> If you have suggestions or feedback on better ways to proceed, please get
> them to me ASAP.****
>
> ** **
>
> Geoffrey Neale****
>
> Chair, Libertarian Party****
>
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>
>
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