[Foundation-l] Wikimedia Board Elections

[Jussi-Ville Heiskanen]

On 9/16/06, GerardM <gerard.meijssen at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hoi,
> I doubt that you have asked Angela or Daniel Meyer if they want to be a
> "life board member" of the Wikimedia Foundation. I think floating such an
> idea is irresponsible. Given that Angela decided that she no longer wants to
> be a board member should be respected. By pressing her to accept such a role
> it can also be considered a vote of no confidence on the people who are
> still on the board.

No, I have not asked either Daniel or Angela. I indeed hope this comes
as a complete surprise to them :-)

What I think would be irresponsible was if we candidates were to
remain totally silent about our _thinking_ of what real names should
be considered for future consideration of the composition of the
board, and we were to only discuss the matter _after_ the election in
the retreat, away from the prying eyes of the community.

> Given that you are a candidate for exactly the position that Angela vacated,
> I think you have shot yourself in the foot.

I hope it is the left foot.

> You are aware are you not that
> there will be this thing in Europe where the WMF considers how to look at
> it's future? I think that would be a much better platform to discuss issues
> like how to replace Tim.

I most profoundly disagree. It would be irresponsible to ask the
voters to buy a pig in a poke. It is vital that they know our (the
candidates) real thoughts on this matter. The retreat will be the
place where the *differences* of our opinions will be discussed, but
*my* opinion I will, in the interests of transparency, and an informed
electorate, definitely state.

> At this moment it is exclusively for Jimmy to
> replace him if he so chooses to do this.

He will not be replaced at this moment.

> Given that there is to be this thing in Europe, you will be part of it when
> you are chosen to be there. The worst thing that can happen is if there is
> going to be a bout of infighting now that there is this opportunity to
> create some clarity and focus about the organisation and how it functions.

Infighting should indeed be avoided.


-- 
--
Jussi-Ville Heiskanen, AKA. Cimon Avaro

Candidate for Board of Trustees of the Wikimedia Foundation in the
September 2006 elections.