So far, I know of two candidates for the ARRL board of directors who have stepped up in the wake of this past year’s controversies (1, 2, 3). I have interviewed Ria Jairam, N2RJ, on my new podcast, the No Nonsense Amateur Radio Podcast. I will be interviewing Mike Ritz, W7VO, in the near future. Both candidates feel that the board should be more transparent and that the membership should be more involved in important decisions.
Both candidates have set up GoFundMe pages to help defray campaign costs:
Although both candidates have raised more than their targets, a little more can’t hurt. I’m donating a small amount to each candidate. And, each candidate will be donating any money left over to amateur radio causes. N2RJ will donate any unused funds to the ARRL Spectrum Defense Fund; W7VO will donate excess funds to the ARRL Mary Lou Brown Scholarship Fund.
For more information, visit their campaign websites:
John Johns says
The ARRL is a non-profit organization supporting a hobby. Why on earth would there be campaign costs? Something is fundamentally wrong.
Dan KB6NU says
Unlike other nonprofit corporations, directors are elected to the ARRL board, not appointed. This is to ensure that the organization is representative of and responsive to the members. Elections are inherently political, and as a result, there are campaign costs. It’s expensive to travel around a division, send mail to members, set up a website, etc.
Bob, KG6AF says
I thought your interview with N2RJ was great. I wish I were still living in the Hudson Division so I could vote for her.
Posting interviews with ARRL director candidates is a real service to the amateur radio community.
Ria Jairam, N2RJ says
I’m always open for any questions, comments and issue positions. AMA is my policy.
Bill K7WXW says
When I spoke with W7VO, he told me there were five reform candidates running, all in divisions represented on the “Ethics” Committee. If members are going to regain some say in how their organization is run, they have to know about, and be willing to vote for, reform candidates. I’d love to see you do an updated blog post that I can share with other members to encourage them to take action. The sad truth is the probably fewer than one in four ARRL members will take the time to cast a vote. 73 de Bill K7WXW