During four of the eleven years I have been a member of NMMS, we have approached the annual election with uncertainty about who would serve in certain offices during the following year: specifically the offices of President & Vice-president. Somehow we have managed to fill these positions at the last minute, although we did begin one year without a VP, and during some years one person has filled multiple officer positions.

In years past, there has been a tendency to view this reluctance to volunteer as a precursor of the club's ultimate doom. Although it is unfortunate we have such a small number of members willing to contribute time to club responsibilities, the perception of crisis is a bit extreme. I believe that even without President and/or VP, the Board can continue governing the club, but it is necessary to modify the Bylaws to provide for this contingency. At a recent meeting of the NMMS Board, the Officers agreed unanimously to suggest the following change to the NMMS Bylaws.

Under "Article V - Officers and Elections," we would delete the line:

"In the event of death, resignation, or inability to perform the duties of any office, the Board of Directors shall select a successor for the unexpired term."

1. "If an elected position is unfilled, the Board of Directors shall delegate the responsibilities of that position to a member or members for a period up to 1 calendar year." (This statement charges the Board of Directors with the responsibility of ensuring the continued functions of the club.)

2. "If an elected position is unfilled, or if a member serves in more than one officer position, the current Board may appoint a member or members to fill the vacancies on the Board." (This statement would insure that we maintain the full number of members on the Board, even if this means more that one Board member is not an elected official.)

David Wallis
2006-09-18