I swore last year that I wouldn’t do this if I had to run a campaign to be on a committee. Well here we are, guess I got some explaining to do. But first let me remind you of last year
I wrote a series about my experience that basically ended up being 4 blog post(below).
Nom-Com Part 1 (Just getting started with the reading)
Nom-Com Part 2 (Discuss application ranking)
Nom-Com Part 3 (Details to what the NomCom was asked to do)
Nom-Com Part 4 (Summary and a request for changes to be made)
The committee last year didn’t have to run as only 3 people threw their name in the hat. That made that committee no less functional and they completed the task at hand. One great thing about the group was that we all agreed this process was broken and needed to be revisited. A couple of us offered to be “advisors” on such an election review committee to make sure that our concerns were heard. I believe we even tried to compile a list of items for review. I am not sure what PASS has planned, but this year they announced that the Nom-Com would also serve as ERC (Election Review Committee). I am sure the past President and board member from last year will make themselves available to answer questions, but I am not 100% certain that this will retain the momentum it had before. Think about it–many of the folks running have no idea what is involved in the process and may not even run into some of the issues we did as a nom-com.
The Explanation
Why did I decide to run? I have only been asked that once, so I guess here is my opportunity to tell you why. The election process has swung like a pendulum and it has landed too far in the opposite direction. The great election scandal that caused the last ERC made the new process meaningless. The Nom-Com is to determine yes or no if a person is 1)Current PASS member 2)Previous PASS volunteer experience beyond speaking 3)Works in some capacity with SQL Server. If they answer yes then that person is clear to run for the BoD. The rankings are not used by the majority; don’t argue with me: look at the voting out come from last year–women hold a strong advantage in this process. These are only the of 2 biggest things that I see needing attention and I want this to have a positive note.
The Plan
I am planning on sitting here quietly, not making a bunch of noise, not reminding you to vote, not making phone calls, no emails, and I am not kissing babies. But if elected I plan on using my big mouth to get those big ideas heard. Program committee is not elected…why is NomCom? Rankings mean nothing as there is no value associated with them. For instance if I tell you getting pulled over in the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane means you get a ticket you might be concerned. But when I tell you it’s only $50 and doesn’t count against your license or insurance you probably have a different attitude. My list of ideas don’t just sit in my head, I try to vet them out with other people whom I respect. No one has called me crazy just yet.
If I don’t win, all I ask is that the pendulum not swing too far the other way; please find middle.
Leave a Reply