[lnc-business] Motion to Extend Austin Padgett's Contract

[Adrian F Malagon]

Greetings All,

From the time that the Chair has taken over the duties of the Executive Director, monthly revenue has about doubled (from $74,000 per month to $148,000 per month). A big part of that success is directly attributed to the staffing choices she’s made and the aggressive fundraising plan she’s developed. Mr. Padgett is part of that plan. 

It should be clear to everyone on this Board (based on recent information) that over the last couple of months Mr. Padgett has: worked up a brilliant pitch with the potential to close additional major donors, knows the LNC's needs better than most, has over-delivered on fundraising by not only paying for himself, but by filling up the proverbial war chest, complimented staff’s efforts in stellar fashion with their full support, and done an excellent job hitting the phones (despite Civi’s embarrassing inability to generate accurate data or lists).

As Board members, it is our fiduciary duty to make financially responsible decisions for the LNC. This is one of the many reasons we were voted into our respective positions (or appointed) by the delegates. For all of the aforementioned reasons, and at the explicit request of director level staff, I request co-sponsors for the following motion:

I move that Austin Padgett’s contract be extended for 3 months from the initial contract’s end date.

This should be a sufficient amount of time for the Chair to find a permanent hire for this position, while ensuring that our successes continue uninterrupted.

Adrian F Malagon

At-Large Rep, Libertarian National Committee

Chair, Convention Oversight Committee

lp.org | adrian....@lp.org

Chair, Libertarian Party of California

ca.lp.org | ch...@ca.lp.org

[Adam Haman]

Sometimes economists make the error of boasting about excellent economic growth while measuring from the trough of a depression. 

While I must admit there is a tiny bit of that type of thing lurking in what Mr. Malagon wrote, I also agree that Mr. Padgett has done an excellent job in the brief time that was allotted him. I for one think our organization would benefit greatly by his continuing in that role for a while. 

I heartily co-sponsor this motion. 

Adam Haman

[Andrew Watkins]

I will cosponsor. The decisions that have been made and the subsequent actions taken over the past few months have clearly paid off. Let’s build on that momentum. 

Andrew Watkins
Vice Chair | Libertarian National Committee

Carota, apium, cepe, allium.

[Secretary LNC]

I would like to point out the Policy Manual on this, because I think there is a potential ambiguity on whether or not the actual contract would need to be disclosed to the LNC first or the fact of the agreement.  I can tell you as the author, my intent was not that the actual contract be given, but that the terms of the contract be disclosed, but I cannot say what everyone's intent was when they voted for it.  I would ask that the terms be disclosed privately be the LNC:

Any proposed contracts or agreements for financial renumeration with a closely related party (legal relative, domestic partner, business associate) to a sitting LNC member or staff member shall be disclosed to the LNC prior to execution and shall be approved by a 2/3 vote of the Executive Committee or a majority vote of the LNC. This relation shall also be disclosed on the LNC’s member’s listing of potential conflicts of interest.

I would ask that everyone to understand that no one is doubting the fantastic work that Austin is doing, and it is the related party portion that is causing discomfort and not to hold any disagreements against one another but to show grace.

___________________________________________________

In Liberty, Caryn Ann Harlos

LNC Secretary and LP Historical Preservation Committee Chair ~ 561.523.2250

[Angela McArdle]

I will forward the original contract to everyone. 

Angela McArdle, Chair

[Meredith Hays]

I will co-sponsor. 

Meredith Hays
Region 4 Representative, Libertarian National Committee
lp.org | meredi...@lp.org

[Secretary LNC]

Thank you Mdm Chair - 

[Meredith Hays]

I feel I probably should expand on why.

Aside from all the reasons Mr. Malagon stated, we cannot afford a dip in fundraising at this time. If you are uncomfortable with this for whatever reason, I encourage you to think practically about the dollars and cents. It is better to continue on this path for now, while searching for a suitable replacement, than to allow the financials to tank just to make a point. 

Meredith Hays
Region 4 Representative, Libertarian National Committee
lp.org | meredi...@lp.org

[Angela McArdle]

Mr. Haman's comment on economics is reasonable, considering the low points of the year. In October of 2022, revenue was $118K, for context. We are close to $150K this month.

Angela McArdle, Chair

[Secretary LNC]

I likely will not be able to start this ballot until much later.  My dog got very sick last night and I had emergency vet visit this am and thus am late to work and Friday is date night.  If I get lunch break today or other downtime I will start earlier.