CALL FOR A VOTE: Updated Bylaws proposal (2019-02-13)

[Annabelle Backman]

Please find attached an updated annotated bylaws proposal. I realize we still have some open items (notably the question of appointed PCO membership start date), but in the interests of having something to include in a report to the membership tomorrow, I'd like us to vote on recommending each article in this draft.

Please respond with a Yes/No vote on recommending each of the following changes presented in this draft:

1. Changes to Article 1
2. Changes to Article 2
3. Changes to Article 3
4. Changes to Article 4
5. Changes to Article 5, with incorporation of former Articles 7, 9, and 10.
6. Changes to Article 6
7. Changes to Article 11 (now Article 8)
8. Changes to Article 12 (now Article 9)
9. Changes to Article 13 (now Article 10)
10. Changes to Article 14 (now Article 11)
11. Changes to Article 15 (now Article 12)
12. Changes to Article 16 (now Article 13)

I will hold voting open independently for each item until 5:00 PM tomorrow, February 14th, or until we receive a clear majority of votes in favor or against for that item.

–

Annabelle Backman

Vice Chair for Technology | Washington State 43rd District Democrats

https://www.43rddemocrats.org/

[Annabelle Backman]

Hello Committee members,

Please take some time this evening to reply to this call for a vote. If the committee does not vote to recommend any changes, then we have nothing to report to the membership and no recommendations to present at the meeting.

–

Annabelle Backman

Vice Chair for Technology | Washington State 43rd District Democrats

https://www.43rddemocrats.org/

[Annabelle Backman]

In the spirit of my previous message, I vote:

1. Changes to Article 1 Yes
2. Changes to Article 2 Yes
3. Changes to Article 3 Yes
4. Changes to Article 4 Yes
5. Changes to Article 5, with incorporation of former Articles 7, 9, and 10. Yes
6. Changes to Article 6 Yes
7. Changes to Article 8 (now Article 7) Yes
8. Changes to Article 11 (now Article 8) Yes
9. Changes to Article 12 (now Article 9) Yes
10. Changes to Article 13 (now Article 10) Yes
11. Changes to Article 14 (now Article 11) Yes
12. Changes to Article 15 (now Article 12) Yes
13. Changes to Article 16 (now Article 13) Yes

Note: I accidentally left out "Changes to Article 8 (now Article 7)" from the initial email. Please vote on whether or not to recommend those changes as well.

–

Annabelle Backman

Vice Chair for Technology | Washington State 43rd District Democrats

https://www.43rddemocrats.org/

[Brad Bell]

On Wed, Feb 13, 2019 at 7:29 AM Annabelle Backman <abackm...@gmail.com> wrote:

Please find attached an updated annotated bylaws proposal. I realize we still have some open items (notably the question of appointed PCO membership start date), but in the interests of having something to include in a report to the membership tomorrow, I'd like us to vote on recommending each article in this draft.

Please respond with a Yes/No vote on recommending each of the following changes presented in this draft:

1. Changes to Article 1 Yes

1. Changes to Article 2 No - (Yes to everything except 2.3)

1. Changes to Article 3 Yes
2. Changes to Article 4 Yes

1. Changes to Article 5, with incorporation of former Articles 7, 9, and 10. No - (Yes to everything except 5.3.3)

1. Changes to Article 6 Yes
2. Changes to Article 8 (now Article 7) Yes

1. Changes to Article 11 (now Article 8) Yes
2. Changes to Article 12 (now Article 9) Yes
3. Changes to Article 13 (now Article 10) Yes
4. Changes to Article 14 (now Article 11) Yes
5. Changes to Article 15 (now Article 12) Yes
6. Changes to Article 16 (now Article 13) Yes

I will hold voting open independently for each item until 5:00 PM tomorrow, February 14th, or until we receive a clear majority of votes in favor or against for that item.

–

Annabelle Backman

Vice Chair for Technology | Washington State 43rd District Democrats

https://www.43rddemocrats.org/

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[Brad Bell]

Resending without quote nesting for clarity

[Amy Madden]

My votes and thoughts, below. Apologies for my lack of participation the last few weeks; I’ve been pretty ill. At this point my priorities for items that haven’t had significant discussion are the preamble motion I sent out earlier and my suggested modification for section 2.1.c.

Changes to Article 1

Annabelle:  Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes

Changes to Article 2

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: No - (Yes to everything except 2.3)

Amy: No on sections 2.1.c, 2.2.a, and 2.3 (see notes below); Yes on everything else

2.1.c: As I stated in last year’s 43rd RBC committee, I’m struggling with the language here. It’s my understanding that we do not require our members to sign some sort of oath declaring themselves to be Democrats when they sign up, which is partly why I don’t think we need language this strong in our bylaws. I’m also concerned we’re out of compliance with our bylaws if we don’t make people somehow go on record about their declaration.

I’d like to propose the following change, which I went over with a member of the Executive Board of the WA Dems:

Replace section (c) with:

“(c) aligns with the Democratic Party platform and values; and”

2.2.a: Again, as I stated last year, I think it’s especially important that we allow more flexibility with non-voting members. If they can’t vote on anything, why would our org not be willing to accept their financial and other contributions, regardless of how they might identify? I think we should consider just striking section a, unless there is some reason that it’s best if non-voting members align with our platform and values.  

2.3 I agree with Brad that if someone steps in to do the hard work of serving as a PCO and is approved by the body, that they should get to vote as a member only while waiting for the county chair to sign their form. Hopefully we will also encourage folks to pay dues in the meantime, if they’re able. In fact, I wouldn’t mind considering something like “(b) If economic hardship prevents the payment of dues, the date when the 43rd LD Democrats approve their appointment as an Appointed PCO or Precinct Coordinator.”

Changes to Article 3

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes on everything but 3.6, which I think might still need some clarification.

3.6: This was what I thought was the suggested language from last Dec, below. I’d still like to consider something like it, because I think we need to make clear that this rule exists because of RCWs, and to make clear the period of time when we are not allowed to follow certain PCO appointment procedures.

“3.6 In accordance with RCW 29A.28.031, no PCOs may be recommended to the County Chair or appointed between the certification of the primary election in even numbered years and the election of the new Chair at the 43rd District Reorganization Meeting following the general election.”

RCW reference: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=29A.80.031

Changes to Article 4

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes on everything but 4.2.3.a

4.2.3.a I propose that we also include December in this rule, because we are most likely going to have to move the date of our reorg next term, and I think we should give ourselves more options. Proposed change in bold:

(a) in December of even-numbered years or January of odd-numbered years

Changes to Article 5, with incorporation of former Articles 7, 9, and 10

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: No - (Yes to everything except 5.3.3)

Amy: No on 5.2.5; not sure on 5.2.6; please note that there are two 5.3.3s, and I’m voting no on the 2nd 5.3.3; not sure about 5.5.5. Yes on everything else.

5.2.5 Another proposal from December that I’m not sure has been discussed by the newer committee: The language about SCC Members having to “notify the appropriate KCDCC Representative if they cannot attend a meeting of the WSDCC” doesn’t seem to fit the current practices related to proxies, which has allowed for any member of the 43rd to be named as a proxy. David named Alexa as his proxy for the last meeting, e.g. Also, the “notify the appropriate” rep language doesn’t allow for gender diversity. If we’re going to stipulate that KCDCC reps are the ones who should be given first crack at proxying, we may need to work out some kind of system for which KCD rep will proxy for the SCC rep.

The language being considered last Dec was:

(b) appoint a proxy to attend in their place if they cannot attend a meeting of the WSDCC;

5.2.6 Here are the suggestions I thought were submitted last December:

--Strike section (d) regarding serving as an alternate SCC member.

--(e): clarify “KCDCC Standing Committees” [same change for 5.2.7]

5.3.3 Again, note that there are TWO 5.3.3 sections. I’m talking about the 2nd one.

I think I would support this appointment being for a student of the UW who is either a UWYD member or is otherwise active in promoting the platform or values of the Democratic Party. Also willing to discuss/consider SCCC or high school students, and we should consider how we might be more inclusive of other talented young people in the 43rd who maybe cannot afford or otherwise access UW or other higher education but may be open to leadership roles.

5.5.5 I’m not clear on why we’re giving the Chair the power to remove the YD Rep at their discretion. I’m assuming we’re going to have other appointed roles, e.g. Policy Director, and I’m wondering if this rule would apply to them as well.

Changes to Article 6

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes but I’m hesitant on 6.2. If this hesitation on 6.2 would hold up recommending Article 6, please count my vote as a yes on the full article.

6.2 If our Chair were to appoint a Policy Director, Diversity & Inclusion Chair, or other similar roles, they’d play a vital role in the operation of the 43rd, and I’m not sure why they wouldn’t get an Executive Board vote. They’d still be subject to a vote of the body to get elected.

Changes to Article 8 (now Article 7)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: I need clarification about a few things, but I’m willing to vote Yes on this section.

7.3.a I don’t understand why the Treasury Committee is not a Standing Committee, especially considering that its Chair is elected at reorg.

Also, should we consider having the 43rd Vice Chair be the automatic Chair of the Code of Conduct Committee, so the community gets a say in who carries this vital role? (For reference: the First Vice Chair of KCD will be Chairing their CoC Committee.)

Changes to Article 11 (now Article 8)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes, but I still think a 14 day requirement around resolution submission is too restrictive. A large number of the members I’ve known who’ve wanted to submit a resolution have had to be told that it’s “too late” unless they want to bring the resolution from the floor. I would support a proposal to lower this number, and think we need to look into more ways to discuss and even vote on resolutions online. (I also think a strong Resolutions Committee could really help streamline the process, but that's a separate conversation.)

Changes to Article 12 (now Article 9)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes on everything but 9.1, which I need to give more thought.

9.1: I know the KCD RBC has put a lot of work and thought into their proposed CoC policies, which you can read here (search for “code of conduct”): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ONVRcyp2rlDHUvfVJb-5ox5xCUXXUmr_jpn0ZHrYSl4/

I’m going to try to revisit this later today.

Changes to Article 13 (now Article 10)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes on everything but 10.4. However, if a no vote on just 10.4 would hold up passage of the rest of Article 10, please disregard and count my overall vote for 10 as a Yes.

10.4 I’d rather the e-board stay out of weighing in on endorsements before the full membership votes. This was flagged by a few of us last December as a problematic clause. I would support striking 10.4.

Changes to Article 14 (now Article 11)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes*

(*though I’m wondering if any of this would have to change if we decided to set up a PAC again.)

Changes to Article 15 (now Article 12)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes

Changes to Article 16 (now Article 13)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes

Amy Madden

Washington State Democratic Central Committee Member, 43rd LD
Western WA Vice Chair, Economic Justice Caucus of the WA State Democrats

At-Large Board Member, Environment and Climate Caucus of the WA State Democrats

(206) 633-4617 ⚬ wsdc...@43rddems.org

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[Annabelle Backman]

The changes being voted on here are those found in the Annotated Bylaws Proposal dated 2019-02-13 (attached at the beginning of the thread and available on Google Drive here). None of the further alterations or regressions discussed in other ongoing threads are up for consideration in this thread. I am putting together another draft taking those discussions into account, but I don't want to put it out for voting until we've at least reached quorum on the current vote, so we have a sense of whether there are any other issues people are in disagreement over.

I am ok to vote yes on everything that had already been decided...

Literally nothing has been decided. I've put together several draft proposals, but we have not reached quorum on any vote to recommend any portion of any draft. If you are voting yes on the proposals in the aforementioned draft, please reply to say so (this won't help us get to quorum, but it'll make me feel good 😛).

We should get our report out today to meet the 5 days notice deadline. 

As of this moment, the committee has no recommendations and nothing to report. This is why we need committee members to reply with their votes one way or another.

–

Annabelle Backman

Vice Chair for Technology | Washington State 43rd District Democrats

https://www.43rddemocrats.org/

On Thu, Feb 14, 2019 at 10:44 AM Scott Alspach <uwsal...@gmail.com> wrote:

I am having a hard time determining what is up for a vote with the various side conversations and new proposals being made in various threads. I am ok to vote yes on everything that had already been decided and whatever the resolution of the PCO/Young Dem open questions is.

If there are small changes being proposed like fixing the State Committee Member Proxy I would be in favor of that, but don't think I have time to dive into new proposals today. 

We should get our report out today to meet the 5 days notice deadline. 

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[Annabelle Backman]

Replies inline.

–

Annabelle Backman

Vice Chair for Technology | Washington State 43rd District Democrats

https://www.43rddemocrats.org/

On Thu, Feb 14, 2019 at 10:19 AM Amy Madden <amye...@gmail.com> wrote:

3.6: This was what I thought was the suggested language from last Dec, below. I’d still like to consider something like it, because I think we need to make clear that this rule exists because of RCWs, and to make clear the period of time when we are not allowed to follow certain PCO appointment procedures.

“3.6 In accordance with RCW 29A.28.031, no PCOs may be recommended to the County Chair or appointed between the certification of the primary election in even numbered years and the election of the new Chair at the 43rd District Reorganization Meeting following the general election.”

Per David McDonald's comments on an earlier thread, the RCW reference is unnecessary. The only other difference between your proposed text and what is in the proposed text (which I highlighted in red above) does not comply with Article 9 section B of the WSDCC bylaws.

5.5.5 I’m not clear on why we’re giving the Chair the power to remove the YD Rep at their discretion. I’m assuming we’re going to have other appointed roles, e.g. Policy Director, and I’m wondering if this rule would apply to them as well.

 

To be clear, this isn't a change - the Chair has that power today. We could strike this provision, but it would be a change. The question about other appointed roles is a good one; this isn't specified and it needs to be. I'd be comfortable with a change to allow the Executive Board to vote to remove an appointees to positions created under §6.2.

Changes to Article 6

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: Yes but I’m hesitant on 6.2. If this hesitation on 6.2 would hold up recommending Article 6, please count my vote as a yes on the full article.

6.2 If our Chair were to appoint a Policy Director, Diversity & Inclusion Chair, or other similar roles, they’d play a vital role in the operation of the 43rd, and I’m not sure why they wouldn’t get an Executive Board vote. They’d still be subject to a vote of the body to get elected.

 

As written, only the Chairs of the Standing Committees are voted on by the body, as they are the only ones with votes on the Executive Board. The Executive Board needs to be able to spin up new committees, but I'm strongly opposed to allowing the Board to arbitrarily change the set of people who have votes on Board.

Changes to Article 8 (now Article 7)

Annabelle: Yes

Brad: Yes

Amy: I need clarification about a few things, but I’m willing to vote Yes on this section.

7.3.a I don’t understand why the Treasury Committee is not a Standing Committee, especially considering that its Chair is elected at reorg.

Also, should we consider having the 43rd Vice Chair be the automatic Chair of the Code of Conduct Committee, so the community gets a say in who carries this vital role? (For reference: the First Vice Chair of KCD will be Chairing their CoC Committee.)

Treasury is a Special Committee to avoid confusion over the fact that the Treasurer is an Officer in their own right, but also would be as Chair of a Standing Committee. §7.4.9 already defines the District Vice Chair as the Chair of the CoC Committee.

9.1: I know the KCD RBC has put a lot of work and thought into their proposed CoC policies, which you can read here (search for “code of conduct”): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ONVRcyp2rlDHUvfVJb-5ox5xCUXXUmr_jpn0ZHrYSl4/

I’m going to try to revisit this later today.

 Please bear in mind that we need to have our report completed tonight. 

[frui...@tara-jamie.net]

Technically Amy's language does not violate the WSD bylaws; we can vote
on PCO recommendations late in the re-org meeting; they won't be
appointed until later.

Tara

>
>> 3.6: This was what I thought was the suggested language from last
>> Dec, below. I’d still like to consider something like it, because
>> I think we need to make clear that this rule exists because of RCWs,
>> and to make clear the period of time when we are not allowed to
>> follow certain PCO appointment procedures.
>>
>> “3.6 In accordance with RCW 29A.28.031, no PCOs may be recommended
>> to the County Chair or appointed between the certification of the
>> primary election in even numbered years and the election of the new
>> Chair at the 43rd District Reorganization Meeting following the
>> general election.”
>
> Per David McDonald's comments on an earlier thread, the RCW reference
> is unnecessary. The only other difference between your proposed text
> and what is in the proposed text (which I highlighted in red above)

> does not comply with Article 9 section B of the WSDCC bylaws [3].
>

[frui...@tara-jamie.net]

I vote yes on everything in the Feb 13 draft.
Let's move it forward, we can introduce amendments at the meeting if
needed.

Tara

On 2019-02-14 13:54, Annabelle Backman wrote:
> The changes being voted on here are those found in the Annotated
> Bylaws Proposal dated 2019-02-13 (attached at the beginning of the

> thread and available on Google Drive here [4]). None of the further

>> Amy: YES on everything but 4.2.3.A

>> [1]

>> Changes to Article 1 YES
>> Changes to Article 2 NO - (YES TO EVERYTHING EXCEPT 2.3)
>> Changes to Article 3 YES
>> Changes to Article 4 YES

>> Changes to Article 5, with incorporation of former Articles 7, 9,

>> and 10. NO - (YES TO EVERYTHING EXCEPT 5.3.3)
>> Changes to Article 6 YES
>> Changes to Article 8 (now Article 7) YES
>> Changes to Article 11 (now Article 8) YES
>> Changes to Article 12 (now Article 9) YES
>> Changes to Article 13 (now Article 10) YES
>> Changes to Article 14 (now Article 11) YES
>> Changes to Article 15 (now Article 12) YES
>> Changes to Article 16 (now Article 13) YES

>>
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>> [3].

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> Links:
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> [2]
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/43rd-bylaws/CACOE%2BxYVkb__Mj2Aw%2B6r7W32mjHqb0mM9U5MwE6ZD1Ss7nmOzQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=footer
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[Annabelle Backman]

In the interests of arriving at consensus on recommendations, I am closing this vote early in favor of the vote on the final draft proposal. As quorum was not reached, no decision was made by this vote.

–

Annabelle Backman

Vice Chair for Technology | Washington State 43rd District Democrats

https://www.43rddemocrats.org/

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/43rd-bylaws/6cdfc05f7f6198dbbf16135e7c2bc89a%40tara-jamie.net.

[Aidan Carroll]

Yes, this is why I agree with the 2.1.c language.  

-------------------------------------------

   Aidan Carroll (he/him/his pronouns)

University of Washington 2019 (Seattle, Duwamish Land)

    Major: Community, Environment, Planning

Administrative Assistant, Urban Native Education Alliance

206.816.9544

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