[Lnc-business] Fwd: Re: [COC 2018-20] Fwd: Re: Providing the recording of the June 15 Convention Oversight Committee meeting to the Executive Director

Tue Jun 23 11:44:03 EDT 2020

Mr Merced, I simply see no reason why policy cannot be followed.  The
resistance to simply follow policy is what is creating the issue.  You and
the chair should officially review and be done with it.

Those who want our adopted policy to be followed should not be made to feel
as if they are doing something wrong.

Let’s change the policy if it is bad.

I would like a simple answer to this.

Why can’t you and the chair simply review and follow policy?  This
insistence on involving the ED in contradiction to the policy has yet to be
explained.

This could have been over last week.  It could be over today.

I officially ask you and the chair to officially review and be done with it.

On Tue, Jun 23, 2020 at 9:34 AM Alex Merced (LNC Vice Chair) via
Lnc-business <lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:

> As has been stated I was at the meeting in question and have made and
> received many calls with everyone’s thoughts. In the off list discussion I
> had expressed my thoughts (which I express below).
>
> As no investigation has been initiated by the chair, my own calls are
> unofficial and have been an attempt to understand everyone and diffuse the
> situation which well... has been unsuccessful. So below are some surface
> level thoughts.
>
> - While I can only take what people tell me at face value and can’t read
> what’s in their hearts, everyone seems to creating a conflict where I don’t
> feel one is needed.
>
> - In regard to the technical review request, having seen the demo I don’t
> think anything was released or discussed that would be unwise to be viewed
> by the ED who has a long career as a developer himself. I just don’t see
> where the confidentiality issues would arise as Mr. Fishman is someone who
> probably better than most of us knows what is sensitive and what isn’t
> regarding software. I know this has been told to me as the primary concern
> for not releasing the tapes it just doesn’t register.
>
> - In regard to the potential policy manual violations, I don’t see how
> holding back the viewing of the video helps anyone but rather makes people
> on both sides more frustrated and less generous towards each other. Let’s
> play this out, you prevent the ED from viewing the tape that just results
> in the Chair making a request on his own behalf and viewing the tape and
> making everyone less generous towards the situation than they may have been
> if it wasn’t dragged out.
>
> I don’t want to get further into the details in this forum. I don’t think
> the desire of either side is unreasonable nor do I think they are mutually
> exclusive.
>
> 1. The CoC wants to do their work with as little intrusion necessary as
> time is short and lot needs to be done.
>
> 2. The ED wants to carry through with the role of any manager should in
> following up with potential concerns to see if there is something to
> address.
>
>
> Bottom line is we should all as committee members, party members, staff or
> volunteers all strive to be better at creating an atmosphere in which we
> can all cooperate, communicate comfortably without hostility because it
> would be more productive.
>
> We should all on all sides be more open to conversations of where current
> discomforts exist, why the exist, and how we can coexist and resolve them.
>
> Which is why I encourage more people to pick up the phone to clear the air
> with each other more, and be humble enough to admit when we aren’t are best
> selves to each other and always be willing to try to do better.
>
> Coexistence is pivotal to our existence.
>
>
>
>
>
> Alex Merced
> Vice Chair of the Libertarian National Committee/LP
>
> > On Jun 23, 2020, at 10:20 AM, dustin.nanna--- via Lnc-business <
> lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
> >
> > 
> > I would like a copy of the video so that I can form my own opinions and
> ignore the chatter please.
> >
> > On Jun 23, 2020 7:41 AM, Sam Goldstein via Lnc-business <
> lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
> > Forwarded at Mr. Moellman's request.
> >
> > ---
> > Sam Goldstein, At Large Member
> > Libertarian National Committee
> > Convention Oversight Committee
> > 317-850-0726 Cell
> >
> > -------- Original Message --------
> >
> > SUBJECT:
> > Re: [COC 2018-20] Fwd: Re: [Lnc-business] Providing the recording of
> > the June 15 Convention Oversight Committee meeting to the Executive
> > Director
> >
> > DATE:
> > 2020-06-23 01:47
> >
> > FROM:
> > Ken Moellman <ken.moellman at lphq.org>
> >
> > TO:
> > Convention Oversight Committee <conventions at hq.lp.org>
> >
> > CC:
> > Sam Goldstein <sam.goldstein at lp.org>
> >
> > If someone would be so kind to post it to the list, since I am not an
> > LNC member, my response is as follows:
> >
> > I did just now, at 23:58 Eastern Time, see the email from the Chair,
> > sent at 10:10 Eastern Time.
> >
> > I worked my regular job today, spent 4 hours volunteering to build
> > servers for the Jorgensen campaign, and then 3 hours (and completed just
> > after beginning this message) on the COC call this evening.  I was
> > alerted to the chair's request while working my way backward through my
> > email and noticing an email from Sam responding to the chair's email, on
> > which I was copied.
> >
> > I then went to the LNC-Business archive and saw that the chair posted at
> > 14:00 Eastern Time that he had made his request, and was apparently
> > annoyed I did not respond in less than 4 hours.  Sorry, but I was a
> > little busy today.
> >
> > The video was recorded at the COC meeting held from 21:00 on June 15th
> > until 00:28 on June 16th. Multiple LNC members were in attendance (Alex
> > Merced, Caryn Ann Harlos, Tim Hagan, and TJ Ferreira at a minimum).
> > Among many other things covered in that meeting, there was a
> > presentation by two developers of convention tools. The COC chose one of
> > those two options; the developer of that option specifically mentioned a
> > few things about the tool, one of which was asking that the development
> > progress not be made public at that time. There was also discussion of
> > contracts and other convention-related items.
> >
> > On the morning of June 16th, I was asked to provide the video recording
> > to Dan Fishman from BetteRose Ryan, via email. I noted I was not able to
> > provide that information until later. I was told it wasn't an emergency,
> > and it was okay. And honestly, I forgot about it because I have a few
> > other "minor" things going on.
> >
> > The following day, I received an email from Mr. Fishman and a voicemail
> > from BetteRose Ryan about the video. There seemed to be a desperation to
> > obtain the video, and something seemed "off". The purpose presented to
> > me was so that Mr. Fishman could share the presentation on the remote
> > participation options. As noted above, the developer asked that we not
> > share details at this point. But I also knew that Mr Fishman knows how
> > to contact TJ, since he's a member of the LNC, and while considering why
> > this felt "off", I recalled that TJ had told me he had spoken with Mr.
> > Fishman about the software development. Given what came next on the LNC
> > list, and given the background, I believe that this initially-provided
> > rationale was an intentional attempt at perpetrating a fraud -- a NAP
> > violation -- as the "demo" was clearly never the intent of the release
> > of the video.
> >
> > It was at this point that I contacted the rest of the COC, as we are a
> > committee, to ask for their opinion on release of the recording.  The
> > COC decided to not release the video to Mr. Fishman.
> >
> > Today's email from the Chair specifically asked that I release the video
> > to Mr. Fishman. I do not believe this complies with the Policy Manual.
> > Policy Manual Section 2.07(5) states:
> >
> > > _MEMBERS OF THE LNC AND THE AUDIT COMMITTEE are entitled to inspect
> and copy books, records (including electronic records) and documents of the
> Libertarian National Committee, Inc. to the extent reasonably related to
> the performance of the member's duties to the corporation, including those
> duties as a member of a committee, but NOT FOR ANY OTHER PURPOSE OR IN ANY
> MANNER THAT WOULD VIOLATE ANY DUTY TO THE CORPORATION. Prior to obtaining
> copies the member shall execute a standard nondisclosure agreement. If the
> member requires an OUTSIDE PROFESSIONAL to assist in reviewing and
> analyzing the materials, that individual shall also execute a standard
> nondisclosure agreement prior to receiving the materials. _
> >
> > _ _
> > You may note that throughout the Policy Manual, staff is directly
> > referenced when staff has a particular duty or right. No such duty or
> > right exists for an internal record to be disclosed to a member of
> > staff.
> > _ _
> >
> > I have been a consistent advocate for inviting the members of the LNC to
> > the COC meetings.  As our parent body, I believe it is important to have
> > the LNC monitor and review the process. As noted before, multiple LNC
> > members were on the call on the 15th.
> >
> > As the parent body, and in accordance with the Policy Manual, I will
> > release the video to any LNC member or member of the Audit Committee,
> > while explicitly noting that sections of the video are covered under
> > executive session (specifically, discussion around convention
> > contracts), under the same authority as the LNC under executive session
> > (Policy Manual Section 2.02(7)) and should not be shared publicly. And I
> > will do so, admittedly with hesitation, as there have been occasions
> > over the past two months where information, which should be held under
> > executive session, has been leaked to others and shared on social media
> > to fuel internal political squabbles.
> >
> > The COC meeting was recorded not for the sake of fuelling internal
> > political squabbles. The video was recorded so that good notes could be
> > made from the meeting. We have a massive amount of work ahead.
> >
> > There are now fewer than 16 days until the convention. I just spent
> > almost 2 hours writing an email to potentially "deal with" something
> > that will be automatically "dealt with" in 16 days.  It all seems a bit
> > petty to me.
> >
> > Ken
> >
> > On Mon, Jun 22, 2020 at 7:40 PM Sam Goldstein via Conventions
> > <conventions at hq.lp.org> wrote:
> >
> > > For those of you not on the LNC list.
> > >
> > > ---
> > > Sam Goldstein, At Large Member
> > > Libertarian National Committee
> > > Convention Oversight Committee
> > > 317-850-0726 Cell
> > >
> > > -------- Original Message --------
> > >
> > > SUBJECT:
> > > Re: [Lnc-business] Providing the recording of the June 15 Convention
> Oversight Committee meeting to the Executive Director
> > >
> > > DATE:
> > > 2020-06-22 19:39
> > >
> > > FROM:
> > > Sam Goldstein via Lnc-business <lnc-business at hq.lp.org>
> > >
> > > TO:
> > > lnc-business at hq.lp.org
> > >
> > > CC:
> > > Sam Goldstein <sam.goldstein at lp.org>
> > >
> > > REPLY-TO:
> > > lnc-business at hq.lp.org
> > >
> > > There were four members of the Executive Committee and several other
> LNC
> > > members/alternates on that call and not one has alleged any kind of
> > > Policy Manual violation.  This is entirely a tempest in a teapot which
> > > had died down for lack of interest until the Chair's belated attempt at
> > > involvement.
> > >
> > > Of course it is the Chair's prerogative to initiate an email ballot so
> > > we must proceed unless he withdraws his motion.   I would like to know
> > > the Chair's plan for an investigation of whatever is being alleged here
> > > since the Policy Manual makes it clear that the Executive Director has
> > > no role in such an investigation and there is no Chair of the Judicial
> > > Committee at this time.  (PM pg 23).
> > >
> > > Come to think of it, the motion of the Chair is actually out of order
> > > since he would be the one to receive the recording in question, not Mr.
> > > Fishman.  The COC is entirely within the Policy Manual to refuse to
> > > release a recording to someone not authorized to investigate this
> > > matter.
> > >
> > > ---
> > > Sam Goldstein, At Large Member
> > > Libertarian National Committee
> > > Convention Oversight Committee
> > > 317-850-0726 Cell
> > >
> > > On 2020-06-22 19:16, john.phillips--- via Lnc-business wrote:
> > >
> > > I didn't see anyone opposing an investigation.  I did see some people
> questioning what the correct path for investigation is, and whether that
> path included Mr Fishman, or should have been the chair and/or vice chair.
> > >
> > > I myself pointed out that given recent events, that impartiality from
> some might be difficult and suggested Mr Merced and perhaps the EPCC would
> be the correct path.
> > >
> > > Mr Merced has been investigating, and responded with some of his
> findings in the off list discussion on the subject.
> > >
> > > I would also point out that the chair has often of late taken up to a
> week to respond to things - this included, so creating an issue when
> someone has n).ot responded to an email sent the same day seems a touch ...
> questionable.
> > >
> > > If the motion becomes necessary after a reasonable amount of time,
> like 24-36 hours, then I would still suggest that the investigation be
> pursued by the people I mentioned above.
> > >
> > > John Phillips
> > > Libertarian National Committee Region 6 Representative
> > > Cell 217-412-5973
> > >
> > > On Jun 22, 2020 1:28 PM, Caryn Ann Harlos via Lnc-business <
> lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
> > >
> > > Or perhaps more appropriately, Mr. Moellman should send to you.  You
> can
> > > then do with it as you wish.
> > >
> > > *In Liberty,*
> > >
> > > * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome
> > > (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect inter-personal
> > > communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas.  If
> anyone
> > > found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social
> faux
> > > pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
> > >
> > > On Mon, Jun 22, 2020 at 11:27 AM Caryn Ann Harlos <
> caryn.ann.harlos at lp.org>
> > > wrote:
> > >
> > > I will start that ballot after I get off work.
> > >
> > > For the record, you had not weighed in before.  Now that you have, I
> > > believe Mr. Moellman should release the tape.  Agree or not with  your
> > > decision, you do have the authority to request release of the
> recording
> > > IMHO.
> > >
> > > *In Liberty,*
> > >
> > > * Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome
> > > (part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect inter-personal
> > > communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas.  If
> anyone
> > > found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social
> faux
> > > pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *
> > >
> > > On Mon, Jun 22, 2020 at 11:00 AM Nicholas Sarwark via Lnc-business <
> > > lnc-business at hq.lp.org> wrote:
> > >
> > > Dear All,
> > >
> > > The Convention Oversight Committee met one week ago, on June 15 via
> Zoom.
> > > Mr. Moellman arranged the Zoom meeting room and recorded the
> proceedings.
> > > All LNC members were invited to attend the meeting, along with
> Libertarian
> > > Party staff.
> > >
> > > Following the meeting, the Executive Director, Dan Fishman, made a
> request
> > > to the Chair of the Convention Oversight Committee, BetteRose Ryan,
> for a
> > > copy of the recording for his review, as he was not in attendance on
> June
> > > 15. Ms. Ryan requested that Mr. Moellman provide the recording to Mr.
> > > Fishman. Mr. Moellman did not provide the recording as directed by the
> > > Chair of the Convention Oversight Committee, but instead asked other
> > > members of the Convention Oversight Committee whether he should
> provide
> > > the
> > > recording. Members of that committee objected to providing the
> recording
> > > and it was not provided.
> > >
> > > There are concerns that there was a Policy Manual violation during
> that
> > > meeting, something the Executive Director is required to inform the
> Chair
> > > of the LNC about and investigate in as confidential a manner as
> possible.
> > > If Mr. Fishman had received the recording, it would allow for that
> > > investigation to proceed appropriately. Without the recording,
> > > investigating is much more difficult.
> > >
> > > Earlier today, I sent an email as Chair of the Libertarian National
> > > Committee directing Mr. Moellman to send the recording to Mr. Fishman.
> Mr.
> > > Moellman has not done so, nor responded to my email. My understanding
> is
> > > that members of the Convention Oversight Committee would rather nobody
> be
> > > able to review the recording and are claiming some right of
> > > confidentiality
> > > over its contents, though there is no legal, bylaws, or policy manual
> > > authority that has been put forward that has been offered to support
> this
> > > claim.  Even if confidential contract information was discussed, the
> > > Executive Director is privy to those details by virtue of his role.
> > >
> > > Since members of this LNC seem determined to prevent the investigation
> > > from
> > > going forward without action from the entire Libertarian National
> > > Committee, I am asking the Secretary to distribute the following email
> > > ballot:
> > >
> > > The Libertarian National Committee directs the Convention Oversight
> > > Committee to provide the recording of the June 15, 2020 Convention
> > > Oversight Committee meeting to the Executive Director for his review.
> > >
> > > Yours in liberty,
> > > Nick
> > _______________________________________________
> > Conventions mailing list
> > Conventions at hq.lp.org
> > http://hq.lp.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/conventions
> >
> >
>
-- 

*In Liberty,*

* Personal Note:  I have what is commonly known as Asperger's Syndrome
(part of the autism spectrum).  This can affect inter-personal
communication skills in both personal and electronic arenas.  If anyone
found anything offensive or overly off-putting (or some other social faux
pas), please contact me privately and let me know. *