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P.O. Box 160223 Nashville, Tn 37216-0223 615 262-1119 - Office
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"The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated" The title of this article is actually a quote by Mark Twain. Although the reports of my resignation were not exaggerated, they were at least premature. Let me explain - a little. Obviously I won't be able to get everything into this article. Did I resign? I turned in a letter of resignation effective at the end of the Board of Directors meeting on 9/12/2004. My workload both in my chosen profession and in CMT/ABATE have been increasing. I stated in my letter that this was a reason for my resignation. Was my employment the only issue that concerned me? No. I alluded to other issues concerning some of the leadership that seemed to be on a different page and our visions for this organization seemed to be diverging. Did I elaborate in the letter? No. Blasting people and burning bridges leaves little hope for progress and healing. This organization was facing some very serious and potentially divisive issues concerning its direction at this BOD meeting. My letter was a way of trying to defuse the situation and allow the group to move forward. (It's tough to have a fight when one side goes away.) Additionally, there were some insinuations and accusations and so a little bit of frustration also came into my decision. Considering these factors, as we approached this meeting I thought it best if I simply resigned and then I could state my case concerning these issues with nothing to lose. The meeting was well attended and all sides were represented. Everyone got the chance to speak their minds. In the end the discussions were calm, rational and informative. And the vote on these sensitive issues was not even close. I should not have doubted the level headedness and wisdom of the collective body. Furthermore, ever since my letter was made public and all during the meeting I was approached by many people to reconsider my decision. These individuals made many good points about consistency in leadership, progress in the last few years and about other things. I took them to heart. Late in the meeting, a motion was made to delay the effective date of my resignation. At that time I could have pulled out the old Lyndon Johnson quote, "If nominated I will not run. If elected I will not serve." (Actually, that had already been used in this meeting.) I decided that with the unity this organization had shown concerning the important issues it had dealt with earlier, with the encouragement I had received from others to remain and with offers of help that people had now been giving concerning some of the workload that I would turn the meeting over to a different presiding officer and let the organization decide what it thought was best. [One item that no one knew about at that time was that I had been able to secure a commitment from my employer that I would be able to schedule some of my work travel to coincide with some of the travel I would need to do for this position within CMT/ABATE. This will be most helpful.] So, the board went about its business discussing the motion. While sitting outside I heard a couple of big cheers. That is all I know about what went on in that room and that is all I want to know. When called back in, John Pierce informed me that the desire of the board was that I remain as Director and he spoke eloquently about the unity of the organization going forward. I decided to accept the decision of the board and remain in my position. Will this be easy? No. I wish we were like Iowa or Indiana where the officer positions are fulltime salaried positions where someone can devote their undivided attention to the goals we are trying to achieve. Believe me, there is nothing better that I would like to be doing. Will some people be disappointed that I am still the director? I suspect so. Some of them were probably in that room. I know, however, that everyone wants what is best for this organization and hopefully will put aside personal feelings so that we can move forward with that sense of unity that was spoken of. I hope this answers a lot of questions that people have with regards to this last month. I am truly sorry that I put us through this. For that I apologize. I will be happy to discuss this issue with any member who wishes further information. Please feel free to contact me directly. Now get out there and work for the candidate of your choice, vote and be active in the campaigns. We need all the friends we can get in Nashville when the legislature comes back into session in January. Also, be sure to turn in your legislative survey. We need to know what is important to you. Remember to do your wiring harness preventive maintenance, Steve |
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