[Lnc-business] Sarwark pressuring COC chair

[Alicia Mattson]

I think the LNC needs to know about something that happened during the COC
meeting tonight.

The LNC is currently in the middle of email ballot votes, one of which
would determine whether Daniel Hayes is still a member of the COC, and
another of which would change the policy to transfer Mr. Sarwark's
COC-related powers to the LNC.

The new COC chair is being heavily pressured by the LNC chair, and I'm sure
that after seeing Mr. Sarwark remove the prior COC chair, Ms. Ryan feels
her head could also be on the chopping block if she does not comply with
Mr. Sarwark's demands.

Tonight Ms. Ryan asked the COC members to recommend someone to fill the
vacancy.  She did say she didn't want to bring it up, but she has been
painted into a corner and ordered by the LNC chair to do it.

Several of us explained that we do not intend to act until the LNC email
ballots play out.  I moved to postpone the matter until next week's
meeting, but because of Mr. Sarwark's pressure on Ms. Ryan she said she had
to disallow my motion because she's been ordered by Nick to get it done.
Ultimately the COC refused to act under such improper influence by Mr.
Sarwark.

The LNC policy change about COC appointments is poised to pass, and Mr.
Sarwark apparently wants very much to exercise his power before the LNC
reclaims it.

Only because the majority of us on the COC were appointed by the LNC are we
able to stand up to Mr. Sarwark's effort.  He is in no position to threaten
us.  No committee chair should should be made to feel that if she doesn't
disallow legitimate motions, she will likely be removed from her position.
Ms. Ryan must not be subjected to these intimidation tactics.

-Alicia