[Foundation-l] Florence and the election

[Michael Snow]

First of all, let me join the chorus of thanks for Florence and her hard 
work serving on the board. I look forward to seeing her at Wikimania and 
expressing my appreciation in person. While I regret that she won't be 
standing for reelection, I hope we can take advantage of this and let 
the open election be a positive experience.

To that end, several people have asked about whether I would run in this 
election. Before the restructuring that designated chapter-selected 
seats, it was expected that my seat would be up for election as well. 
Even after deciding on the restructuring, the board looked long and hard 
for a way to have more than one seat open in this election. However, 
without requiring others to shorten the terms to which they had already 
been elected, this was not feasible, to my disappointment. The board did 
discuss the possibility that a sitting board member, appointed in some 
other fashion, could vacate their seat and run in an election for a 
different seat. (For example, if Jimmy did this, his seat would 
disappear, as the bylaws provide; if I did it, my seat would be vacant 
until the chapters select a replacement.)

I would not have thought of running against Florence, so this 
possibility didn't even arise until she made her decision. After 
pondering it, I have decided that I will also not be a candidate in this 
election, but will remain in the chapter-selection track for now. 
Instead I would like to offer some general observations about this 
election (not about any particular candidate).

It will be interesting to again have an election in which there is no 
incumbent running. From the reaction, it appears the candidates are 
looking forward to that, and I hope we get an abundance of good 
candidates. While only one board member will be chosen in this election, 
the process has also helped other good people become better known in the 
community prior to serving on the board.

I am puzzled by one thing, though. Historically, female candidates have 
tended to do quite well in our elections, both for the board and on 
various projects, and yet not a single woman is running so far. I can 
certainly think of a few I would consider excellent candidates. Now I do 
not mean to suggest that because Florence is a woman, she should be 
replaced by a woman, or some other quota-like arrangement. But I do want 
to strongly encourage more thoughtful people who care about Wikimedia, 
whether or not they are female, to take advantage of this opportunity 
and make themselves available. (Again, this does not reflect on any of 
the current candidates, I simply want as many good options as possible, 
and figure the voting system will help us make a strong choice.)

--Michael Snow