| 8-18-12 "Hidden" List of NCCA Candidates; Not Exactly Household Names!? By NM Leland Fuerstman Finally, a slate of prospective officers has been posted on the NCCA website... Uh, for those interested, right now, it's the 7th message down from the top of their "Forum" page? Why it is not posted directly on their front page seems intentionally deceptive to some? Newsom goes on to elaborate about each candidate and recommend them as officers. However, according to NCCA rules, each candidate should be "properly" vetted prior to the election. Such a process would include a thorough background check including credit report, arrest/conviction records and sexual offender's lists. (Before I worked at Providence Day School in Charlotte as the Chess Instructor for 5 years, all of those checks were made, as they should be for every instructor or potential officer of the NCCA). Becoming an officer in the NCCA had always been considered as a "position of honor" which was generally reserved for long time members who have proven themselves over the years. Considering the paucity of interested candidates this year, less experienced members may be the only resolution. More disconcerting, however, is that fact that, not only have no images of these candidates been posted, but not one of them has actually posted a single message introducing himself to the members and describing his goals? (in his own words, unedited). Members should have a right to observe their communication skills, or lack thereof. And, then ask questions about future policies or changes prior to their election!? Now, with less than 2 weeks remaining, that may be difficult to do. Apparently, promotion of the two costly upcoming tournaments is far more important?! Even though most Charlotte area members have not completely forgotten about his spontaneous "privatization" of the Queen City Chess Association (See Msg 436) nor his continued excessive profiteering from the Reverse Angle events (See Msg 457), it would be presumptuous to suggest that outgoing NCCA President Gary Newsom or his new chess company, Carolinas Chess Initiative, stand to profit from these events, or that some covert arrangement has been made in order to allow him to organize events for the NCCA next year (or for the next 10 years, for that matter?) Therefore, without any tangible evidence of such, it should not be assumed. But, it surely would be good to hear it directly from the horses mouth. The most important issue associated with this entire election is the following question: "Will the incoming President allow 'any' member his/her right to observe and study the NCCA books including previous checkbooks? Yes or No? (After all, if there were no past improprieties, then what are they worried about?) If by some miracle the answer is "Yes"!!! ...once that is allowed and the findings are analyzed, NM Leland Fuerstman goes away!! On the other hand, if the answer is, No? and the next administration decides to operate with the same veil of secrecy and lack of transparency as the current one, you might as well get used to my name, and my criticism. _______________________________________________ I would now like to take a moment to acknowledge and sincerely thank Rudy Abate, Shawn Spencer, Brad Dill and Tom Kabasakalian for their good intentions in volunteering for the cause of chess in North Carolina! Whether they observe the democratic process and become fair and effective future leaders remains to be seen. ______________________________________________________________________ One more note; there is at least one other extremely qualified organizer from Asheboro who would be a perfect Secretary/Treasurer. Maybe you guys could encourage him to run for office. His E-mail address is chess@triad.rr.com I remain, NM Leland Fuerstman Write-in Candidate for NCCA President |