Chair's Corner
2004-05 Business of the House
Valary Schulz
One of the largest and most important duties of the Chair is to populate our House committees with willing and eager volunteers (and sometimes even reluctant and acquiescent delegates). I’m pleased to report that this task is complete. My sincere appreciation goes to all of you for agreeing to help out in the House, and my understanding too, to those of you who were already hugely committed to other AAPG jobs, and unable to assist at this time. We have a great group of Committee chairs, and members – their contact information is listed here in the DV. Thank them when you see them, for their commitment.
The lion’s share of the work of the Nomination & Elections Committee (chaired by Eastern Section’s Brian Keith) has been completed with the presentation of the enclosed slate of candidates for House office. We are fortunate indeed that these individuals have the dedication to serve in the house. Take the opportunity over the next half year to get to know them, if you don’t already, and to thank them for their willingness. Kudos to Brian and his committee for a great job.
Additionally, the Honors & Awards Committee (chaired by the Gulf Coast Section’s Jeannie Mallick) has selected a stellar group of delegates who have made significant contributions to the House. Be sure to congratulate these hard-working colleagues. The committee has made a feverish effort to compile and select these awardees, which our Rules and Procedures dictate must be completed by the 30th of September. When we increased the size of this committee 2 years ago, we legislated representation from every section and region, which is most fair. Even with the considerable advantage of electronic communication however, it is increasingly difficult to fill this committee roster in time for those members to make meaningful contributions by the deadline. Neither is there a compelling reason to do so. There are a number of good reasons though why this date ought to be pushed back to a later time. To avoid potential conflict with officer candidates (since they are ineligible to receive an award while running for office), and to provide the committee more time to make their deliberations, we are proposing to the Rules and Procedures committee that they re-evaluate the requisite deadline for submitting these candidates to the officers of the house.
Another item which has arisen to be considered by the Rules and Procedures committee is to have the Chair Elect prepare a budget for the House to be presented to the Executive Committee for consideration at their first meeting of each year in July. Currently, monies expended for House business are covered under administrative line items. Having the Chair Elect responsible for preparing his budget would allow him (or her) to crystallize his thoughts for the upcoming year and would allow for a more transparent process, and ultimately, more independence and fiscal responsibility for the house.
I am sincerely enjoying my ‘tour’ of duty which takes me to Section and Region meetings around the US and Mexico. The House breakfast meetings allow us to be acquainted face to face, rather than solely by digital means. It is a rare privilege to meet you and to view the workings of your regional governance, and I thank you for your hospitality. Now, let’s get down to work, and find some grease.
Saludos