Re: [802SEC] Term limits
Even though last several emails on this subject seem to indicate that option #4
has a lot of appeal, let me offer another view.
As option #1 rationale stated "It is too difficult to overcome the
power/influence of incumbency without term limits", option #4 still does not
address this.
Since option #4 would be tested at the time a Chair/Vice-Chair is up for
re-election, the same "power/influence of incumbency" would be in action.
One way to address that may be to get some feedback from the WGs now without the
influence of an overhanging election of a Chair/Vice-Chair.
-ajay
On 2/11/2005 6:36 PM, Grow, Bob wrote:
> 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
> ---------- This email is sent from the 802 Executive Committee email
> reflector. This list is maintained by Listserv.
----------
This email is sent from the 802 Executive Committee email reflector. This list is maintained by Listserv.