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Insight Driver
Member
| Joined: | Sun Aug 27th, 2006 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 15 |
| Mana: |    |
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Posted: Sun Feb 4th, 2007 10:03 am |
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I read with some alarm the comments made by Kermit Lee Albritton.
He contends that the club account balance should be near zero at the end of the year. He clearly does not pay attention to the financial reports given at every board meeting. There is a clear history of club income and debits. There is good reason there is an amount in the club account that he mentioned at the end of the year: many bills come due in January for the club. In fact, due to budget estimates it was decided to raise the dues for the club this year. In spite of that raise, this club requires less dues than other clubs in this state. And it is sound practise to have a reserve on hand to cover unexpected expenses. Insurance, for instance came due January 8th and was nearly $6000. Our first event of the year requires money spent before we get income on things like porta potties, insurance, powder re-imbursments and advertising.
He contends there is a pro-federal bias in the Courier. When I read through the November issue that he drew his conclusion from I saw it was actually balanced, if not showing more articles referring to the confederates. He also contends that the board is pro-federal. He fails to notice that the board was, last year, made of up two confederates, one civilian and one federal. This year the only reason why it is two civilians is because William Entriken became a father and switched to civilian due to this blessed event. He also must not realize that articles are always desired and wished for by our esteemed editor. In fact, quite often our editor puts out a request for more club input, from anyone. If there is any bias it is only conincidental. As a member of the board I can speak for the entire board saying that we have the well-being of the entire club as our mission. We are not prejudiced toward any side of this club.
Another point he contends is that the club would be better served if it was broken up into two clubs, the confederate and the federals. He did not mention anything about the civilian corp, though. Any miltary commander will advise that you do not split your army in half. There is strength in numbers.
He also contends that there is blatant discrimination by the board toward those who are not, "federally inclined." I would point out that the board always wishes more members of the club would come to meetings to voice their concerns. Decisions we make are based on the merits of the issues, with the club as a whole in mind. We, as the board are also bound by the club by-laws, club rules and state laws.
I would end with this: this club is a reenacting club and we are all free to choose what impression we would like to do. There is no true division between federals and confederates; we are all doing our part to educate the public. With the decline in interest of Civil war history by the public at large, and the declining membership of all the reenacting clubs around this entire country, if there are problems in this club, it would not help to tear the club apart in an attempt to, "fix," them. If there are problems that Kermit feels are not addressed, I would encourage him to bring his concerns to the board meeting. If there are any others who feel the same as Kermit, let them speak up and voice their concerns. We should all strive to make this a better club for all members. I would further encourage all members to speak up with concerns they have. Working together we can solve things more easily.
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