| Board of
Directors Negligence Embarrassing?! By NM Leland Fuerstman Over the past year, this author has reported upon the many ridiculous policy changes which have taken place within the NCCA? In almost every case, not only did "virtually appointed" dictator, Rudy Abate, neglect to communicate his intentions to the members before he instituted those brilliant changes, but he failed to produce the minutes of executive meetings that supposedly took place, which would have indicated how each officer voted!? Since then, it has been brought to my attention that the other officers were not necessarily "all in line" with each of those changes? Still, no one stopped him... In my opinion, Abate has only served to destroy the fabric of an institution which had survived for almost 80 years? On one hand, he increased the budget and put great emphasis on promoting an "all girls" tournament which was won by a 1400 player who lost rating points, and on the other, not only did he completely neglect the 2013 Invitational, but subsequently moved to reduce the budget for the event by almost 40%?? He levied fees for local organizers to post information about upcoming events on the NCCA website, but mysteriously neglected to collect membership dues at major NCCA events? And, he stated in a private E-mail to one member that, at an executive meeting which (he claims) took place in Statesville on June 22, 2013, NM Leland Fuerstman was declared "a member NOT in good standing with the NCCA?" However, no report of such was included in the minutes of that meeting which were published on the internet? (Never mind his actually officially notifying me?!) One must remember that I have not violated any USCF rule nor civil law. All I have done is exercise my First Amendment right to freedom of speech. Probably due to the dictator's inexperience and lack of intelligence, he doesn't seem to take criticism very well... and continues to hold a personal grudge. (The CCC currently has 75 paid members. On January 2, 2014, the prediction is that the CCC will have more paid members on the rolls than the NCCA, since most of them will have expired the day before!??) As most NC chess players know by now, a very important member of the North Carolina chess community recently passed away; FM Ron Simpson. The following statement, with a link to their "Forum," was ALL that was posted on the front page of the NCCA website: "It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of North Carolina NM Ron Simpson." And, of course, no image to accompany it... First of all, I am proud that Ron and I each achieved the Title of National Master in November of 1984; but Simpson's chess prowess far exceeded mine! Since his rating had eclipsed the 2400 mark, he earned the USCF Title of Senior Master, but even more distinguishing is his International Title of FIDE Master! He preferred to be addressed as FM Ron Simpson. Beyond that, Ron was the first African-American State Champion in North Carolina history! Why those facts were ignored is inexcusable. But even more disconcerting is the fact that not one member of the Board of Directors of the NCCA showed up at FM Ron Simpson's viewing. (One officer did show up at the party which took place after...) And, even more "startling," is the sad fact that not one of them posted a single message on the NCCA "Forum"??? (Maybe they haven't been around long enough to have known Ron?!) He was just the 2nd highest rated and one of the most active players in the entire State and probably the most well liked champion that North Carolina has ever known! The NCCA President should have naturally recognized the loss of this great gentleman. The incompetence and negligence of the NCCA officers continues to be an embarrassment to everyone. They should be ashamed of themselves... I remain, NM Leland Fuerstman |
