Since I am throwing my hat in the ring, I would like to take a short moment of everyone's time to discuss why I should be Vice President of the Jacksonville Linux User Group and why I would like to nominate Rob McKinnon as Commander in Chief. I joined the org I believe back in 2007 and I have been so grateful for its existence as it has taken me to a path of enlightenment regarding open source software and GNU/Linux. Back then our membership was strong and all of our past presidents have put the best efforts into educating the Jacksonville public regarding the use of Linux
in their daily lives. The LUG and all of its members filled me up with so much inspiration that from 2007 until around 2018, I went into computer construction and repair and guided my clients to trying Linux [Ubuntu] as their daily driver. I. know of a few people that still to this day use Ubuntu. I could never have done this without the Jaxlug. It gave me the confidence to do it and I want us to keep inspiring members and prospective new members to benefit from the use and dare I say even to do as I have done and evangelize the Linix Operating system, to all of their family, colleagues and friends. Call me a dreamer folks.
When the Meetup went up, the idea was to use this to grow our membership and I believe it has, but COVID-19 has not been easy. We all have stories regarding Covid. We all continue to have difficulties with it. I would like to continue to help in a higher capacity, to bring in more members and to develop a plan that would increase member participation, not only just fill seats. However, educating the citizens of Jacksonville on why Linux is a great alternative OS or why you should at least know about it, is the main priority, so fill seats we shall.
Michael Beck, who recently has expressed interest in the role of Secratery, has recently aided the Lug by creating an information site that one can go to when clicking on the hyperlink of the current Meetup. I wish to also nominate Michael Beck as Secratery of the Lug as he has shown a great fervor in trying to improve the sites. I believe and will also pledge to aide the leadership in creating a Permanent Site Presence that will store past presentations and allow them to be easily accessible for all to see at all times, with links found on the Meetup as well.
Most of you know me that I have done my best to provide support when needed and will continue to do so. I would be honored if I could receive your vote in the upcoming election and if you will all consider my nominations of Robert Mckennon and Michael Beck as the 2023 Board for Jaxlug. I am sorry Robert McKinnon and Michael Beck if I have presumed on your behalf and I hope that I have not stepped on anyone's toes.
Thank you my fellow JaxLuggers,
Your Friendly Lugee,
Ralph