Steering Committee

Message from the Steering Committee

This bulletin contains much important information for the operation of the League of Women Voters of Schenectady County. The proposed Budget, the revisions to the Bylaws, and the Slate of Officers will all be acted upon at the Annual Meeting at the Turf Tavern in Scotia on June 13th. Please spend some time reading all of these documents, as each of them contains some changes that will affect our League in the future.

This is the first year that we have had a Steering Committee with a rotating leader instead of a President. This change appears to be working well, and will undoubtedly improve as we continue to gain experience with it. The slate of officers recruited by the Nominating Committee reflects this change, and we thank Joanne Tobiessen and the Committee for their hard work.

The substantial alterations to the Bylaws were prepared by Joan Elliott and Betsy Forkas to reflect the use of a Steering Committee, but also to allow a return to a presidential form if we should choose to do that. It is important that we allow ourselves that flexibility for the future. We thank Joan and Betsy for their work as well.

Lastly, the 2013-14 budget that is being presented is different because it brings our needed reserve fund just a bit lower than we would like it to be. This has made the work done by Vicki Bremer, Judy Middelkoop, and John Wilkinson particularly difficult and particularly appreciated. We will be asking for your opinions and suggestions at the Annual Meeting. We look forward to seeing you all!

Pat MacKinnon, Lead

The LWVUS Board established the following as Legislative Priorities for 2013: Money in Politics and the many facets of Election Reform. In addition, the following were included as a second tier of focus for 2013: Climate Change, Gun Safety and Immigration.

Other issues, such as Health Care Defense and Budget/Taxes may be acted on as opportunities arise for League action, if they do not interfere with action on an LWVUS priority, and it appears the LWVUS can make an impact.

The Board considered many issues and the responses from League members suggesting Legislative Priorities. The decisions were based on what issues are likely to come before the 113th Congress, the opportunities to make an impact, program decisions made by members at the last Convention, member interest, and resources available to manage these priorities effectively. The Board reviews these priorities throughout the year, making changes if necessary.

Connie Young Lead for September through November 2012

Carol Furman Lead for December 2012 through February 2013

Pat MacKinnon Lead for March through June 2013

Joan Elliott Lead (completed)

Newsletter Editor: Cheryl Nechamen 346-4820