[17442] in APO-L
Re: Elections
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (The Rogue Scholar)
Mon Oct 27 12:04:19 1997
Date: Mon, 27 Oct 1997 11:02:58 -0600
Reply-To: The Rogue Scholar <macke@HBAR.WUSTL.EDU>
From: The Rogue Scholar <macke@HBAR.WUSTL.EDU>
To: Multiple recipients of list APO-L <APO-L@VM.CC.PURDUE.EDU>
In-Reply-To: <9710271544.AA27449@physics.wustl.edu>
Hi.
I have input from two different chapters that run their elections quite
differently from each other.
At Alpha Chi (MIT, Cambridge MA) we elected our officers in such a way
that the candidates first gave a spiel, followed by a question and answer
session. When that was done, the candidates were kicked out of the room
and discussion was held under closed session. During this discussion,
generally the brothers worked toward a consensus of who would be the best
choice, not just for the best officer but for what would be best for the
candidates (ie extending leadership opportunities to those who have not
yet had much chance for it, etc). After discussion, voting by paper
ballot occurred.
(At least that is the way it has been done. Things may have changed while
I was away)
At Alpha Phi (Washington University, St. Louis MO), the candidates give
speeches of length specified in the bylaws. Then, there is a question
and answer session, where answers are usually also limited in length.
After Q&A, there is voting with no closed-session discussion.
Either way, elections is a long and tiring process, but I think that will
be true no matter the method. You simply cannot make an informed
decision unless you give it the time it deserves.
T.J. : I have also participated in elections for other (non-APO) groups that
run like you describe. I agree that they are not always the best thing.
There have been times when an otherwise okay person who may not be a good
candidate was damaged by the discussion. There have been times I thought
"I think we have said enough. Let's just shut up and go on already." and
truly felt pain from hearing what others had to say about the candidate.
It certainly wasn't in the spirit of brotherhood.
YiLFS,
---Bob Macke
AXcoAPO alum
Alpha Phi chapter active member
Life Member
