Andrew Bennett writes in his blog about two important ‘polls’ that are currently under way at Nominet: Special Resolutions & Board election.
Apparently, this year Nominet has rather surprisingly sent out a letter to all members telling them to vote against three of the candidates: download letter here. As you can see, Angus Hanton (elected non-executive) hasn’t signed the letter. Mr. bennett believes this is because he sticks by his 2007 election statement: “I am in favour of control of the board staying with the members”.
Also on the 24th April 2008 the three candidates appeared on The Register as a “trio”: see article here
The ONLY reason the trio were linked together at all by Nominet was because they disagreed with special resolution 6 even though they gave valid reasons why in their election statements (see below). Finally there has been a false rumour circulating on nom-steer about Jim Davies, that was based on incorrect information (please see his additional statement below).
The candidates have therefore provided additional statements as requested by Nominet:
- Dickie Armour - Election Statement - Additional statement
- Adam Beaumont - Election Statement - Additional statement
- Darren Brown - Election Statement - Additional statement
- Jim Davies - Election Statement - Additional statement
- Gordon Dick - Election Statement - Additional statement
- Robert Fox - Election Statement - Additional statement
Andrew is personally against Special Resolution 6 for the following reasons:
- The members should be electing any new board members: Nominet is a member-based organisation;
- Allowing appointed members would take away majority of board control from the membership;
- Non-members with the relevant skills can already be elected according to current rules;
- This measure has the potential to allow Nominet to seize voting control on the board;
- Election is more likely to throw up genuinely independent board members;
- The members haven’t been properly consulted on this particular proposal even though there have been more general consultations on governance;
- During an election there will be 6-8 candidates to choose from - when Nominet appoint two directors your choice is only yes/no at the AGM.
- Do turkeys vote for Christmas? Think of the future if this resolution is passed - Appointed PAB? Appointed trustees?
Andrew Bennett urges you to vote AGAINST Special Resolution 6 and vote for ANY of the above candidates.
Please vote because it is important!
Andrew Bennett
Source: Submitted to DomainNews.com by Andrew Bennett on April 28th, 2008 - Reprinted with Permission - Original Post on his blog
Chief Editor