(Full disclosure: I’m working with LAB Reform in an effort to put some reform-minded candidates onto the League’s board of directors. We’re asking LAB members to sign the petition to put John Brooking, Eli Damon, and Khal Spencer on the upcoming ballot.)
The League board changed their bylaws in July this year. The change permits 7 of 15 board members to be appointed rather than elected by the membership. This weakens the members influence.
LAB Reform, a loose coalition of like-minded bicycling advocates, believes this is unacceptable in a membership organization. They’re working to support John Brooking, Eli Damon, and Khal Spencer as candidates for the board. Their goal is to make all board positions elective and responsive to the members. They believe that LAB has been ineffective in supporting cyclist’s rights and representing members interests.
Hans van Naerssen, Chair of the League Board, wrote that the increase in board members is intended to “encourage a greater diversity of opinion, skills and perspectives.” While this sounds nice, it doesn’t help make the board more accountable to the members or responsive to their needs. LAB needs more transparency and that doesn’t come from unelected board positions.
Currently, the board determines who may be on the ballot. They’ve accepted only one reform candidate, Bill Hoffman, who is currently serving. John Brooking, Eli Damon and Khal Spencer must collect over 1000 petition signatures to get on the ballot.
Please sign the ballot petition. You can find it at: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/0league0/petition.html
If you want more information and especially if you would like to help collect signatures, please see http://www.labreform.org/campaign/
I would love to sign this. I am a LAB member, but I have NO idea what my membership number is or where I can find it. I joined several months ago, but never received any info… any thoughts on where one might be able to obtain this information?
G.E., have you tried calling or emailing the membership contact? membership@bikeleague.org or 202-822-1333.
Thanks much! I actually just emailed our local group and got a very quick response from them, so I’m off to sign it! Thanks again.
Thanks much! I actually just emailed our local group and got a very quick response from them, so I’m off to sign it! Thanks again.
Thanks much! I actually just emailed our local group and got a very quick response from them, so I’m off to sign it! Thanks again.