Friday, October 6, 2006
Kris Carlstedt
Dear NBUA Members:
It is a pleasure to be running for a position as your representative on the NBUA board of directors. The 2006 season marks my eighth season umpiring with NBUA. During this past season I was a member of the finance committee and assisted with training. I also have officiated basketball with the Pacific Northwest Basketball Officials Association for the past four seasons.
I have a strong educational and professional background that will help me serve as a board member. I am a graduate of Western Washington University with a combined degree in economics and accounting and have passed the CPA examination. I am a Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service, auditing small business and self-employed taxpayers. My experience as an auditor has given me the opportunity work with many types of business, from start-ups to established business with revenues in excess of several million dollars. I have other board experience as well, serving as the Vice President of the Current Condominium Association where I live.
Your board of directors has worked hard and had many accomplishments this year. For the most part, I agree with the way they have run the association. I would like to share some of my thoughts on issues that I think are important and will benefit the membership.
- Written policy statement for game assignments. I think it is important to have a formal and written policy that addresses how we are to receive game assignments. This includes the time frame for submitting availability, receiving assignments, picking up games off the open game list, emergency situations, etc. To facilitate the timely assignment of games, we should impose a late fee on all customers who submit their schedules late.
- Formation of an ethics and grievance committee. I advocated for this committee last year and will again this year. The purpose of this committee is a place for the association to deal with administrative and personnel issues within the membership. The membership will be able to appeal fines, file grievances, etc. Other associations our size have a system like this and we need one too. The Membership Liaison was a good idea and a good start, but not quite what I think we need.
- Better communication between the board and membership. We have the technology in place for communication between the board and the membership. This is one area where I think the board could improve. I think the general membership should have a chance for more input (but not necessarily decision making) on important policy decisions. Meeting minutes should be updated on a regular basis and board meetings should be open for all members to attend. I think that it is important to have the representation from the general membership on all important committees that are formed.
The board of directors has a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interest of all NBUA members. Sometimes this means making decisions that aren't always beneficial in the short run, the most popular or benefit you directly. Should I be elected to the board I will consider all decisions carefully and consider the impact on the membership.
Thank you for taking the time to read my candidate statement. I hope that everyone participates in the online candidate forum and I look forward to answering any questions you have. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions you have about my candidacy. I hope that I can count on your vote this year.
Yours in umpiring,
Kris Carlstedt