We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.
– Thomas Jefferson
And now for something completely different…elections! The consensus of opinion expressed at the August General Membership meeting is that AWCC should not conduct our election during an in-person meeting this year due to risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised election plan, which will be discussed at the September meeting and finalized by the October meeting for a November 10th election is as follows:
- AWCC Members will vote during a window of time on the evening of November 10, 2020. Much thanks to Ed Menzer, owner of the Parador Inn on Western Avenue, who generously offered the use of his wheelchair accessible ballroom space as our polling place.
- The polling place will open prior to the vote so that any late nominations (“from the floor”) can be submitted. Members who come to vote will see a ballot with the Nomination Committee slate, as well as from the floor nominations that can be written in if desired.
- Sergeant-at-Arms Sara Sweeney is responsible for the orderly operation of the election process. Sara will serve as Chief Judge of Election, and, along with two appointed Assistant Judges of Election (TBD) will collect, count, recount, and certify the election. The results will be announced via a Zoom meeting after the polls close on November 10th.
- Also on November 10th, per the by-laws, we should select the members of the 2021 Nominating Committee. The first job of the Nominating Committee is nominating the Neighbor of the Year in April. The Executive Committee recommendation is to delay the selection of the Nominating Committee until February or March.
The Nominating Committee is hard at work preparing the slate for the November 10th election. If you are interested in serving on the 2021 AWCC Executive Committee, please contact Tim Zinn, Nominating Committee Chair, me or any of the current Board members. To be eligible to vote in the AWCC election on November 10th, you must pay your membership dues by October 10th. (More information.)
For extra fun, we’re going to conclude the September 8th Informational Meeting with the First Ever AWCC Trivia Contest. It’s open to everyone and there will be prizes! Think you know a lot about Allegheny West? Think again. Side-betting and trash-talking are encouraged. Hope to see you on the 8th.
Ann Gilligan
President, AWCC