by Valary Schulz,
Chair
Last
year in Houston, we were all grateful to conclude the business
of the House by midday on Sunday. It was a pleasant change after
the series of marathon sessions required to resolve a number of
contentious issues. Four resolutions and amendments were passed,
and two proposals were discussed. As of this writing, the current
committee has only four issues to consider.
1.
Electronic Ballot Amendment: The AAPG Ballot Committee has
made a formal request to the Executive Committee that our Constitution
and Bylaws be amended to allow for voting in Association elections
by electronic or other suitable means. This would require a number
of amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, and these changes
are being reviewed by the committee.
2.
AAPG Ethics Committee Amendment: The Ethics Committee has
requested an increase in the make up of the committee from three
to five members. There is concern that, if one or more of the
members should have to recuse themselves during an investigation
because of conflicts of interest, there would be insufficient
committee members to conduct the proceedings. The AAPG Executive
Committee passed this resolution on July 1, 2002, and the requisite
amendments are being reviewed by the committee.
3.
Advisory Council Experience Balancing Amendment: The Advisory
Council and the Executive Committee have approved a resolution
to establish staggered terms for Advisory Council members of the
International Regions. Multiple representatives to the Advisory
Council are being elected for their three-year terms in the same
year. This creates a majority of inexperienced members every third
year. A series of one-time corrections are proposed to stagger
the elections of the various International Regions with voting
rights and/or observing privileges, as defined by the AAPG Bylaws.
4. Additional Nominations Procedures: The committee has been
asked to review the current procedures for additional nominations
for office proposed by written petition. Under consideration are
the required number of signatures, the time line for submission,
the process, and whether limitations on Association positions
might apply. Depending on the outcome of the committee's review,
a resolution could be proposed in Salt Lake City.
The
committee invites comments from members and delegates on any of
the above items. We look forward to working with the other committees
and leadership of the House, and will be reporting back to you
as the year unfolds.
SEPTEMBER 2002