Bylaw Amendment Would Bring MEA Back in Line

PROPONENTS SHUT OUT OF BALLOT PACKET

The MEA ballot packet contains only a statement against the bylaw proposal that would bring its election procedures in line with other utilities. MEA member Kit Jones said, "It just doesn't seem fair. MEA members deserve information from both sides." 

UtilityWatch invites people to examine both sides to make an informed decision.  View Analysis.  View Actual MEA Member Proposal.  

MEA Statement

Analysis and Fact

"...seating Directors within 7 to 15 days would undermine the campaign disclosure bylaw."	A board member, after s/he is seated can be removed per Article IV, Section 11g for failing to comply with Campaign Disclosure rules.
"Early seating means drug test results (as required by the Bylaws) would be unknown to the Board."	Drug test results are routinely obtained within 5 days, well within the 7 days required for election certification.  4 ½ months is way out of line.
"Proposed amendment contradicts other Bylaw provisions concerning election of officers."	If an officer vacancy should occur because of a board election, that vacancy according to Article VI, Section 2 can be filled by the Board for the unexpired portion of the term.
"Proposed amendment contradicts Bylaw provision on regular Board meetings."	The MEA board meets monthly even though the Bylaws only call for quarterly meetings. This year on the MEA calendar the Annual meeting is March 1, a special meeting is scheduled on March 3, and a regular meeting is scheduled on March 10. MEA bylaws call for certifying the election results with 7 days, so all requirements could be met.
"Waiting periods between the time candidates are elected and when they officially take office is common practice for local, state, and federal elections."	In fact the usual waiting time is for local elections is about two weeks. One of the longest waiting times is for U.S. President which is roughly 2½ months. MEA's waiting time of 4 ½ months is far out of line from any other similar election process. Please see chart above.
It allows candidates to "hide" potentially illegal or controversial campaign donations until after the election is concluded, and then be seated on the Board before anyone knows about it, and then be in a position to vote against any proposed disciplinary actions if violations are discovered.	In fact, a board member, after s/he is seated can be removed per Article IV, Section 11g for failing to comply with Campaign Disclosure rules. In addition, Robert's Rules prohibit anyone from voting on the motion who is the subject of that motion.

Source for MEA Quotes: MEA 2008 Annual Meeting Publication