[Businessmtg] FW: Questions for the Chair

[Steve Rankin]

Thanks Jerry.
As you so eloquently understated, it is not unusual for just one member to
stand for a position.  In fact, unless we consider no one standing, having
only one stand is the norm.
Theoretically, we have a little over a week of "free" time this month which
allows us some flexibility.  Additionally, our established policy allows for
the polling period to extend after the Should another member submit a resume
for this position, then, to be fair, I would probably extend the Q&A period
accordingly.  Similarly, should a member submit a resume for one of the
OTHER vacancies, I would look at extending the Q&A period to accommodate
their resume and Q&A period.  Nothing prevents us from having a contested
election (two candidates for the same position) or two separate elections.  
While there is never a deadline for tendering a resume - we have a history
of accepting resumes whenever we receive them - there is always a time frame
affecting when a resume will be presented to the membership in the Business
Meeting.  Since I just presented Alison's resume last night and this Q&A
period is open, it follows that another resume could be presented to the
members now.  However, if we complete this Q&A period without another member
volunteering and submitting their resume, then the meeting will proceed to
the polling period without it being presented to the members.  
I agree with Jerry that it is a healthy sign when more than one person
stands for a position.  I will add that we have more than one service
position open, so that is another consideration for anyone thinking about
standing for a position. 
Yes, politicking is frowned on.  That said, the line between appropriate
questions and comments and politicking can be fuzzy.  My take is simple and
similar to our policy on cross talk.  We frown on cross talk at ASP, yet it
is perfectly OK to thank a member for their share, or make a simple friendly
positive comment about their share.  An extensive glowing description of the
person would probably cross the line into politicking.  
Negative comments and challenges are trickier.  For example, we've had
members who had done zero service at ASP and were therefore not qualified to
serve as an officer on the Steering Committee.  Their resume was rightfully
challenged, which unfortunately resulted in some hard feelings.  I've also
seen resumes that I thought were misleading and exaggerated.  But as the
Chair it is my job to guide the meeting and challenging a member's resume -
even if warranted - might be considered politicking.  
Love and SERENITY,
Steve 



 

-----Original Message-----
From: Businessmtg On Behalf Of Jerry
Sent: Monday, November 8, 2021 8:25 AM
To: steve at serenitysys.com
Cc: ASP Business <businessmtg at asp-afg.org>
Subject: [Businessmtg] Questions for the Chair

It is not unusual here at ASP to have just one person standing for an open
position. Reading the Chair's announcement of the resume received and the
deadline for questions related to it I got the impression that, should other
resumes be received, the opportunity for questioning a second or third
applicant would be truncated.

~ Should other resumes be tendered will the Q&A period be extended?

~ Is there a cut-off date for tendering resumes?

I'd like to speak to all who might be considering this service position for
a moment: should your program lead you to stand for this GR position - or
any other position in the future - please follow through with your resume.
Having two or more applicants for positions is a sign of a healthy group,
and in no way an affront to others who are moved to also apply.

A reminder, too, for those who have slight service experience: Politicking
is frowned upon in Al-Anon. Advocating for or against a candidate is to be
avoided. Resumes and answers to any questions posed, as well as the
volunteers' sharings over time, lend sufficient info for each of us to make
independent decisions.

In service,
Jerry
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