Cognition Issue 15

SFBMA Elections - April 13th
Our third annual SFBMA elections are coming up. In order to maximize member involvement, ballots will be distributed by Paul Kazemi (Prime Mover) the day before. You may vote by leaving your ballot in the ballot-box that will be placed in the SFBMA newsbox at the Wall, during normal business hours on Wednesday, April 12, and Thursday, April 13, or make sure it arrives at the meeting April 13th. Or you can simply show up at the SFBMA general meeting, April 13th, get your ballot, and vote then.. Ballots must have your name and messenger company on them to be valid.
The SFBMA has existed without any officers for eight years. Officers were chosen simply because they are legally required to obtain non-profit status. Officers do, when effective, facilitate decision-making processes and disperse information. Titles also mildly impress outside officials and newspaper reporters; however, we should remember that the SFBMA is a rank and file organization and all active members have equal power and standing. A title does not grant any power, nor should lack of title prevent any courier from becoming as involved in the SFBMA as much as they care to.
Previously SFBMA elections have simply been a popularity contest. This year only couriers who have been actively involved in the SFBMA have been nominated, and a candidates debate wil take place on Tuesday, April 4 at 255-9th at 7pm. Feel free to write-in candidates as long as they have worked in the courier industry in SF in the last year.
Votes will be counted at the April 13th meeting. Whichever individual receives the most votes for the given office wins. If candidates receive an equal amount of votes, a run-off election will quickly be held. -A

President
de jure responsibilities: The President shall represent the best interests of the membership to the general public. If there are responsibilities to be delegated, it is the Presidents job to do so, as well as to organize and submit necessary budgets to the Board of Directors for approval.
de facto responsibilities: give public speeches, meet with union organizers, outreach to community, check SFBMA mail and phone messages
Rick Cochran (Ultra)
Paul Kazemi (Prime Mover)
Damon Votour (First Legal)

Secretary
de jure responsibilities: The Secretary shall keep minutes of every General Meeting, make them available to any member with reasonable notice, and periodically post them in a conspicuous location.
de facto responsibilities: take minutes of general meetings, edit Cognition
Paul Kazemi (Prime Mover)
Stephan Kizziah (Ultra)
Howard Williams (Ultra)

Treasurer
de jure responsibilities: The Treasurer is responsible for collecting and accounting for dues and other funds, and shall report these records at each General Meeting, as well as make these records available to any member with reasonable notice.
de facto responsibilities: collect monthly dues, disperse funds, keep books, oversee fundraisers
Rak Alfonso (Ultra)
Bill Bridges (ProMess)
Natasha Dedrick (DMS)

Executive Director
de jure responsibilities: The Executive Director is required to fill in for any of the above offices with reasonable notice. The Executive Director is the Principal Officer.
de facto responsibilities: facilitate meetings, coordinate shop stewards, oversee elections
Angel (Ultra)
Kwai (ProMess)

Proposals
Eliminate Board of Directors, replace in Constitution with Board of Shop Stewards.
Consolidate offices into fewer positions.

Vote for SFBMA Anthem:
Back in Black by AC/DC
The Bummy Song by the Cheesy Trolls
Secret Agent Man by theVentures
Don't Stop Believin by Journey

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