Candidate urges ‘no’for bylaws change

A “vote no” recommendation has been made by the Matanuska Electric Association Bylaws Committee on a proposed amendment appearing on the ballot for cooperative’s upcoming annual meeting. As a former chairman of that committee, I concur with its decision.

The newly proposed amendment would require seating of directors within seven to 15 days after the meeting. Not a good idea. It would return to a situation the courts have found to be unworkable.

In 2003, the bylaws committee was given the task of fixing a flaw revealed by a court decision. A successful candidate had not been seated due to violations of campaign disclosure rules. A lawsuit was filed on his behalf. The courts held that the bylaws in effect for the 2001 election required the seating of successful candidates at the next regular meeting of the board. In ordering that the violating candidate be seated, the courts refused to consider the fact that this ruling effectively nullified the campaign disclosure bylaw.

To remedy this problem, the bylaws committee proposed to extend the time between election and seating of successful candidates. By a very large majority, MEA members approved the fix that allows members an opportunity to assure that candidates comply with the rules.

I join in urging a “no” vote on the proposal to reverse the fix approved by members in 2003. To adopt the amendment would make campaign reporting meaningless and only result in more legal challenges because the bylaws again would be contradictory.

Lee Jordan

Chugiak

Editor’s note: Lee Jordan is president of the MEA board of directors and a candidate seeking re-election to the board.