Posted by Kenny Ferguson
on 9/24/2002, 11:21 pm
Hi Andy
I was one of those at the centre of the Slugain affair. One who was very much against the proposals.I was amazed at the content of the last newsletter. The chairman blatantly and in my opinion unfairly used the news-letter to influence the membership in the election. Surely the Slugain debacle should have highlighted a number of issues that need sorted out within the MBA not least democracy. Our chairman (the one who must be obeyed)has obviously not learned anything from this sorry episode in MBA history. Colin Scales' diatribe in the last newsletter was clearly undemocratic and i have to say typical as he attempted, again, to ride rough-shod over the rest of the membership.He shows himself in his true colours in the annual report where he states "I have some concern that apparently worthwhile projects are being considered at area level and being rejected". Well forgive me but I thought this is how democracy in the MBA was meant to work. Obviusly the Doctor feels the area commitees should keep their veiws to themselves ,do as they are told and simply get on with the work.Andy I and many of us within the MBA appreciate what you and others do for the MBA in your own time with Iam sure little thanks. However you did accept the responsibility that came with the job as editor.Until now i have had no problem with the job you have done. However I strongly feel that you got it wrong in the latest news-letter. Colin Scales should not have been given the oppertunity to influence the election. Alll the candidates were given the oppertunity to attract votes through their election statements. Colin Scales interfered with this process by not only recomending who the membership should vote for but went futher by suggesting a pattern of voting "If we are to move forward and have a strong committee, then my inclination would be to select from one group or the other,but not to cherry pick both." Surely all the candidates were standing as individuals on their own merits. Andy do you not have a responsibilty as editor, to ensure there is fairness within the organisation. I beleive you should and could, have told the Doctor he had no right to use the news- letter for electioneering and exerted stronger editorial control in this instance.I feel the news-letter should be used much more by the high-heidyins in the MBA to let the rest of us know what is going on with regards to meetings, proposals,projects etc. All to often we are told little or nothing about important issues until very often it is almost too late and things are presented to the members as a done deal.
All the Best
Kenny Ferguson (Elgin)
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