[SCCC] Regarding the Code of Conduct

[Ken Widelitz]

Hi Mike,

 

I have read your email addressed to the Hudson Division members which has
been forwarded to a number of reflectors.

 

You have presented a well-reasoned argument that unfortunately misses a few
key points.

 

Code of Conduct section 7. b. regarding public statements states:

 

"Except where so empowered or authorized, a Board member speaking publicly
to ARRL membership or in any other public forum must ensure that his/her
statements are clearly identified as personal opinions and that he/she is
not speaking on behalf of the ARRL in any official capacity or expressing
the views or positions of the ARRL or any other ARRL Board Member."

 

My understanding is that Dick Norton did express that it was his personal
opinion that was the basis of his censure. However, since your deliberations
are confidential, no one except Board members know what evidence was
presented. 

 

Code of Conduct section 6. c. regarding Confidentiality states:

 

"Board member may not, in disclosing anything about the Board's
deliberations, discuss or disclose the votes of the Board or of individual
Board members (including his/ her own) unless the Board has previously made
the votes public."

 

How is it possible for a member to conscientiously vote to re-elect a
representative to the Board of Directors without knowing the positions he
has taken?

 

You write that the National Council of Nonprofits states "it's useful to
adopt a set of principles to guide a nonprofit organization's decision
making. might be called . 'code of conduct" and that your Connecticut
attorneys recommended adopting one. You stated "These are statutory duties."
Those and other statements in your well written email are very misleading as
they imply there is a legal requirement that the Code of Conduct contain
such principles as the ARRL has adopted. There is not. Loyalty need not be
blind. Confidentiality may have, and should have, limitations, perhaps
relating only to Executive Sessions.

 

Sunshine is the best disinfectant. The skies are very dark and cloudy over
Newington. 

 

Ken Widelitz, K6LA / VY2TT