[OSGeo-Discuss] Board election: no re-elections this year?

[Dirk Frigne]

I had the same reflection as Gert-Jan.

My comments & thoughts:

- I agree with Jeff, but I think we must keep things 'fun'. Reaching a
goal with an organisation (bringing it to a next level) can also be 'fun'.
- I think it is important that the board has different skills, can
develop a vision, can passionate the community to create a platform to
execute that vision.

- I personally think that a term of 2 years is to short to be a board
member. I think that for the continuity and stability of an
organisation, terms of 3 years are better, with every year an election
for 1/3the (or 3) board members.
This gives a good structure to transfer experience to newbies, and 2/3
continuity in the team.

- Re-election should not be the problem, if the skills of a certain
board member are still relevant for the organisation. The charter
members should decide if that is the case and re-elect that candidate.

- I don't follow the argument that rotation is necessary to get in new
and fresh idea's. I think board members should represent the whole
organisation and listen to what is happening in the organisation and
pick up good idea's.

- As Jeff is telling, a community like OSGeo is very 'demanding'. Many
people, many opinions, resulting in -1 votings. If we want to grow as an
organisation, we will have to accept to do things where we are not
always in favour of (but others of course are). Sometimes it is good to
trust someone, and be happy when we book a new milestone or success. And
we should have respect for these things wich turned out negative, stand
up again, and go on.

my 2c
D.


On 23-09-15 09:38, Jeff McKenna wrote:
> Hi Gert-Jan,
> 
> My own opinion is that the OSGeo community and its projects are maturing
> and we are facing new issues that might not seem as "fun" as in the
> past, such as: renewing bylaws, FOSS4G structure, financial, training,
> certification, sponsorship, relations with other foundations.  Sure all
> of those topics have existed for a long time, but suddenly they are
> becoming more important for the foundation.
> 
> As we/community members mature, we're more confident and speak our minds
> more, and that leads to the occasional "-1" in the voting, and this
> takes time to find another solution.
> 
> With Anne moving onto another life path and the other 4 members stepping
> down, I see this as a wonderful opportunity to expand our leadership, to
> give that stage to other members and let them grow.
> 
> I hope these
> (late-night/early-morning/my-body-has-no-idea-what-time-it-is) thoughts
> give a hint.
> 
> -jeff
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> On 2015-09-23 4:17 AM, Gert-Jan van der Weijden wrote:
>> Hello list,
>>
>> Preparing to cast my vote for the board election, I noticed that all 4
>> (Jáchym, Bart, Gérald, Jorge) board members who reached the end of their
>> 2-year term are not standing for re-election. (besides that: Anne
>> decided not to stay for her 2nd year of her 1st term)
>>
>> Some questions arise:
>> - Is the board membership such a demanding job that members always
>> resign after 2 years?
>> - Is this a good thing, to make sure we dont'have board members who are
>> tied to their seats?
>> - Or is this a bad thing, with board members switching too fast to reach
>> their goals?
>>
>> Respones from anybody are as always appreciated, but the 4+1 resigning
>> board members and the current candidates are especially invited to give
>> their humble opinion on this.
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Gert-Jan
>>
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-- 
Yours sincerely,


ir. Dirk Frigne
CEO

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