Kevin Hendrick: In My View
41st DAA Needs New Directors to Make a Quorum
Last week I commented on the 41st District Agricultural Association (41st DAA) failure to meet at regular and predictable times. This week I will provide a partial explanation for why this is occurring. It is not enough to complain about a problem; it is also important to try to solve it.
I understand from a conversation with Kim Floyd, CEO of the 41st DAA, that the Board of Directors has three vacancies. They are allowed a total of nine Directors but only have six. They are required to have a quorum of five Directors to do business, which is challenging with only six Directors available.
I have helped get new members appointed but historically it has been difficult to fill all the Director positions on the Board. The Governor makes the appointments for the 41st DAA along with many other Boards and Commissions. Sometimes you must be a squeaky wheel to get his attention.
The Governor’s website still lists three Directors that are no longer on the Board. I sent an email to the Governor’s Appointment Secretary to ask that they update this list to show that there are, in fact, three vacancies. This is the first step before proposing new members.
The Del Norte County Democratic Party has voted to help find new Directors. We are looking for Democrats who can help us correct the restrictions on free speech that the current Board adopted, but more importantly find people who can commit to attending meetings and helping the District succeed.
We have no beef with the current Directors and are not advocating they be replaced. We encourage them to continue with the added benefit of three more Directors to share the load. The 41st DAA Board is a working board, and each member has a specific set of skills that should complement one another.
When there is a problem with a government agency it seems like some people’s first response is anger. Unfortunately, every board occasionally is subjected to abuse by members of the public. This has led to a trend where fewer people are willing to serve on elected or appointed boards.
For example, no one filed to run for the First District School Board position. This is the district which was represented for many years by Don McArthur. We thank Don for his service to our children and our community. He was an extraordinary School Board member, and his shoes will be hard to fill.
When addressing a local agency board, I encourage you to be polite. These people are mostly volunteers doing the best they can. Before speaking, read about the subject so you know what you are talking about. Clearly state your position. If you have a concern or disagreement, suggest a solution.
The government is not separate from “we the people.” Officials are elected or appointed to represent our interests, but they do this better when members of the public responsibly and respectfully participate in the process. Everyone has a right to speak for three minutes near the start of every government meeting.
The next regular meeting of the 41st DAA should be on Tuesday, August 25 at 5PM. Go to dnfair.org to confirm this. Find the menu (upper right). Click “ABOUT” and then “41st DAA” to find their agendas.
If you have an interest in serving on the 41st DAA Board of Directors or if you have any questions, please contact the Del Norte Democrats. [email protected]