Colleagues:
We discussed possible
changes on term limits at a prior EC meeting, though I doubt that
all requirements of 7.1.6.1 were fulfilled. Out of fairness to all,
if we are going to change this, it should be resolved by November 2005 at
the latest.
I want to try to
determine the preferences of the EC on this matter before advocating any
specific change in March.
At present, the
specific text within 7.2.2 reads:
"An individual who
has served as Chair or Vice Chair of a given Working Group for a total of
more than eight years in that office may not be elected to that office
again."
One common rationale
would be the desire to retain the services of a willing and capable
officer rather than that officer being arbitrarily forced out. There is
less than universal agreement on what approach to take for this, but I
remember four clear alternatives:
1. Leave term
limits as is.
Rationale: Term
limits do open up leadership opportunities for people. It is too
difficult to overcome the power/influence of incumbency without term
limits.
2. Strike the
entire paragraph.
Rationale: The
rules allow replacement of WG officers at any plenary meeting
(7.2.2). Working Groups in the past would have liked to have kept a
term-limited Chair.
3. Change to
read: "An individual
who has served as Chair of a given Working Group for a total of more than
eight years in that office may not be elected to that office
again."
Rationale: Term limiting the Chair only
still opens up leadership opportunities at the top, allowing either a Vice
Chair to move up or someone new to take the Chair position. A Vice
Chair may with to continue in his/her role rather than take the Chair
position. WGs with multiple Vice Chairs arbitrarily limit those
people by term limits even though they may be changing responsibilities
within the WG (Moving from 2nd Vice Chair to 1st Vice
Chair).
4. Change to read: "An individual who has served as
Chair or Vice Chair of a given Working Group for a total of more than
eight years in that office may only be eligible for election to that
office again as the result of a motion passed by 75% of the voting members
present."
Rationale:
Just as we currently grant the WG the ability to elect a new Chair at any
plenary session by 75% vote, the WG should have similar latitude to retain
a Chair independent of term limits.
My preferences
lean toward options 4 or 3. (Just to be clear, I find it
inconceivable that I personally will ever test the term
limits.)
Comments and
preferences appreciated.
--Bob
Grow
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