The 42nd National Convention
Aug 1996 Milwaukee, WI
by: Paul Wittmer

RESOLUTION 1-96

Resolutions posted in the April 1996 issue of POLARIS

RESOLUTION 1-96


Whereas, in the interest of fairness to and for the protection of the rights of each and every one of our members, we should not allow the counting of uncast votes (ballot box stuffing) to taint the results of our National Elections.
and Whereas, it has become an accepted practice in our organization to report the results of a chapter's (or a state's) Election in a "winner-take-all" fashion.
and Whereas, this method involves adding all minority votes and all uncast votes to the count of the majority vote; thus converting a majority vote into a unanimous vote.
and Whereas, this is in direct violation of the solemn rights of all who did not choose to vote in conformance with the majority.
and Whereas, every member in good standing in the US SubVets of VVWII has the solemn privilege of voting either aye or nay on every properly submitted resolution and our National Elections.
And Whereas, every eligible member likewise, has the privilege of remaining neutral or of abstaining from voting for any reason whatsoever.
And Whereas, no one else has the authority to usurp these privileges.
now, therefore be it resolved, that only votes that have actually cast either aye or may be considered in determining the results of our National Elections; Further, be it resolved, that all uncast votes be recorded as "abstentions."

Respectfully submitted,
Howard C. Smay, Life Member, Card #3993
President, San Diego Chapter

Richard McCready #3921
San Diego Chapter

 

RESOLUTION 1-96

COMMENTS BY LES HEWETT,
NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN

Apparent intent of the resolution is to amend Art. XIll of the Constitution, but it does not so state.
Neither does it carry a designation of the type of majority required for adoption (Sec. 2, Art. IX, Constitution). As much
As anything else, it reads like a complaint against vote counters. In my opinion, the resolution should not be accepted for consideration because it is not properly constructed. Note: The Chapter President's declination to endorse the resolution is irrelevant. The State Commander did.

 

RESOLUTION 2-96

RESOLUTION ON NATIONAL MEMORIAL
TURNOVER

(Withdrawn)

 

RESOLUTION 3-96

Whereas: The Standing Rules of the Constitution and By-Laws of the US SubVets of WWll do not restrict the frequency of submitting defeated Resolutions to the voting body, it is suggested that the following subsection be added to Standing Rules:

Standing Rules
No. 7 Resolution Submittal - Resolved:
To Wit:

E: Any subject matter framed in the form of a resolution that has been submitted to the voting body at a National Convention and subsequently defeated shall not be resubmitted pending the passage of three (3) years.

Respectfully submitted: Michael C. Geletka (5512)

Concurred:
9587 - Ralph M. Knight, Maine & NH State Commander
9414 - James D. Watson, President - Squalus Memorial Chapter
Forwarded/Concurred:
9414 - James D. Watson, President - Squalus Memorial Chapter
3416 - Louis C. Vanderstreet - Northeast Regional Director

 

RESOLUTION 3-96

COMMENT BY LES HEWETT,
NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARIAN

The resolution does not include an indicator of the kind of majority required for adoption (Sec. 2,Art. IX, Constitution). Depending on how strictly you want to apply that rule (and any precedent from years past), the omission could cured by addition of a simple sentence showing a simple majority vote is required. Note: Inclusion of a statement showing perceived need for the change would have been an improvement in the resolution, but it is not required.

 

RESOLUTION 4-96

A Resolution to make minor changes to Article X of the National Constitution and By-Laws is hereby presented.
Whereas: Article X of the Constitution states that a Memorial Fund shall be established, but does not describe how this Fund shall be utilized other than in general terms. It does not mention a National Submarine Memorial Fund, and
Whereas: Standing Rule 14 (resolved 1987) states there are two National Submarine Memorials; namely, one at Seal Beach, CA and one at Groton, CT.
Be it now resolved that the following corrections and changes be made to the National Constitution and By-Laws as described herein:
1. Article X of the Constitution, Title be changed to read,
"National Submarine Memorial Fund."
2. Article X of the Constitution, Section 1, be changed to read, "National Submarine Memorial Fund: instead of Memorial Fund.
3. Article X of the Constitution, Section 2, be changed to read, "a Director of the National Submarine Memorial Fund shall be appointed by the Executive Board annually.
4. Article X of the By-Laws Title be changed to read, "National Submarine Memorial Fund and Scholarship Fund."
5. Article X of the By-Laws, add a new Section 4 to read, "A Director shall be appointed for the National Submarine Memorial East and a Director shall be appointed for the National Submarine Memorial West by the Executive Board annually."
This Resolution bears no costs to the Organization and requires a two thirds majority vote for passage. With this change, all the money in the National Submarine Memorial Fund will be used only for the support of the two National Memorials.

Respectfully Submitted,
Leonard D. Greenwood, IPNP
Sponsor:
Alphens Weid Jr.
Florida State Commander

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