In the aftermath of the recent congressional elections, there’s been a sense of contentment among most party activists in the commonwealth as we prepare for the 2011 cycle and focus on retaking the State Senate (never any rest for the weary) We’ve taken the Governor’s mansion, kept LG and Attorney General, have great representation, swung to a majority congressional delegation with 2012 in the sight lines. Everyone must be pretty happy…right?
Cue the College Republicans (with emphasis added by yours truly):
Hello Everyone,
As a member of the CRFV Executive Board this year I have experienced all that the CRFV has to offer. Considering my interactions, I can honestly say that this offerings of this organization are minuscule at the best. After considering this information, I hereby advocate the complete abolition of the College Republican Federation of Virginia effective as of the next convention. As a principle sponsor of this organization’s Constitution I can accurately say that this organization accomplishes nothing and provides nothing more than a way for its members to enhance their personal resumes. This is not what a political organization should be about. We need to alleviate the RPV’s need to “babysit” us and completely disband as an auxiliary organization to the RPV. Our chapters can do more on their own than with the “guidance” of the CRFV (for reference please see the W&M CR’s operations record for the last 2 years). Please join me in voting for the abolition of the CRFV at our next convention in January and finally ridding our state chapters of this drain on their operations. Any questions on this motion can be directed at me directly at (540)-***-**** starting tomorrow at 10am.
In case you could not tell from this message, I hereby tender my resignation as Secretary of the CRFV. I hope that you all will join me in restoring sanity to the College Republican movement. Again, all questions should be directed at me directly.
Regards,
John Michael King
Ex-Secretary, CRFV
Brutal!
Provides nothing but padding of personal resumes? Calling for the abolition of the entire organization? Are these simply one man’s publication of his private concerns or an indication of something deeper?
Tonight, more trouble in the CRFV.
That resignation letter was sent Monday. With no action taken or announced after that letter, a formal complaint went out tonight to RPV executives regarding constitutional concerns. In it the ODU College Republican Chair calls for action regarding a half dozen constitutional violations and other ethical concerns.
In preparations for our upcoming annual convention and elections the executive board leadership of the CRFV has violated multiple articles of the constitution. When questioned by unit chairmen there has been resistance in trying to get the leadership to respond and comply with CRFV constitutional procedures. I’m requesting formal action be taken, including up to censure and temporary suspension of the CRFV, if these issues are not addressed within five business days.
Suspension? Censure? Oh my! All is clearly not well with the CRFV right now heading into their elections in January. While the CRFV helped coordinate volunteers with the congressional campaigns and apparently have been chartered new clubs, there’s some deep dissatisfaction amongst members of their leadership regarding communication at a minimum. Fellow BD contributor Josh St Louis has been coordinating with John Michael King (ex-Secretary above) and the current chair Lena Morrill for another article upcoming regarding these issues and some CRFV accomplishment.
In the meantime, the formal complaint letter below for your daily reading enjoyment and entertainment.
Chairman Pat Mullins
The Richard D. Obenshain Center
115 E. Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23219Dec 08, 2010
Notice of CRFV Constitutional and Ethical Violations
Chairman Mullins,
The College Republican Federation of Virginia held a constitutional convention this past summer. In preparations for our upcoming annual convention and elections the executive board leadership of the CRFV has violated multiple articles of the constitution. When questioned by unit chairmen there has been resistance in trying to get the leadership to respond and comply with CRFV constitutional procedures. I’m requesting formal action be taken, including up to censure and temporary suspension of the CRFV, if these issues are not addressed within five business days.
Specifically:
1. The Board did not determine the date and location of the Annual Convention at a Board meeting to have occurred before October 10, in violation of Article VIII, Section 2 (The Board shall determine the date and location of the annual Convention at a Board meeting to occur no later than October 10). Additionally, the Chairman did not appoint a Credentials Committee and a Committee on Standing Rules with committee membership subject to the approval of the Executive Board. An announcement was furnished from the Chairman to the Executive Board on December 1, 2010, fifty-two days late announcing a date and time without discussion by the Executive Board alleging a decision had been made over the summer.
2. Refusal to recharter existing clubs at the convention as stated in Article IV Section 6. (Each charter and rechartering is effective until the following annual Convention. When it must be renewed according to the procedures in Article VIII)
3. Minutes were not sent out to Club Chairmen from the constitutional convention, violation of Article V Section 6. (The secretary with keep the minutes of all Executive Board, Executive Committee, and Annual Convention meetings and send out copies via e-mail or certified main within ten (10) days of said meetings)
4. To date, the recent resignation of the Secretary this past Monday has not be announced nor has an election been scheduled. Such announcement is required within five days, an election via Executive Board meeting within fourteen days. The Executive Board meeting must be scheduled ten days in advance; with the Secretary resigning Monday evening the Executive Board is now again in violation of Article X, Sections 1, 3 and 4.
5. Have violated the oath of office to uphold this Constitution, a violation of Article V Section 8.
Ethical Violations
1. No Executive Board meeting or teleconference in over six months. The CRFV constitution does not call for a minimum number of leadership meetings, however given the crucial midterm congressional elections coordination and communication would have been mutually beneficial.
2. CRFV State Central representatives have not solicited/shared opinions or votes for State Central Committee motions, including most recent meeting regarding constitution or primary. Have not discussed or given explanation to Executive Board or Club Chairmen for their votes; had the meeting not been public with CRFV members in the room, no identification of the CRFV votes would have been known.
3. Multiple clubs have been chartered in the recent months without notice to Executive Board. Seven new clubs have been chartered and while not required for approval by the Executive Board, members of the Executive Board did not know these new clubs existed.
4. Congressional District appointments with no notification. Most recently the 3rd District representative was appointed without notification to the Executive Board. Again while not required, due to lack of communication the representative was questioned regarding his status.
I believe that you’d agree any constitution is to be taken seriously and the lack of communication creates opportunities that must be addressed. I’m requesting formal action be taken, including up to censure and temporary suspension against the CRFV Executive Board if these issues are not corrected within five business days. Any such suspension may be removed after proven compliance and correction of the issues contained herein.
I appreciate your time and assistance in correcting these unfortunate missteps. If you have any further questions you may reach me at 757-***-**** or via email at ****@odu.edu.
Respectfully,
Chris D’Ambra
Chairman – Old Dominion University College Republicans
