[Durham INC] Partisan Political Posts on the INC Listserv

[Christine Chamberlain]

I agree, non-partisan messages are best.  Not long ago the list-serve was rife with strife when the marriage amendment was discussed.  For those who were mercifully spared,  Inc. decided to publicly announce that Inc as a whole, did not support the marriage amendment.  A move, in my opinion, that violates Inc by-laws stating they will remain non-partisan.  (Is the definition of non-partisan to be party positions or does non-partisan include political positions on issues such as the marriage amendment.  I can't keep them straight!)


Quite a few on the list serve were unable to co-exist peacefully with my Republican views after I disagreed with the decision to speak publicly against about an amendment I agree with.

 
Christine Chamberlain


________________________________
 From: Richard Ford <rbford at aim.com>
To: inc listserv <inc-list at durhaminc.org> 
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2012 8:33 AM
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] Partisan Political Posts on the INC Listserv
 

I think it helps INC's clout to be strictly non-partisan, since we work with many elected officials in the City and County.

Dick Ford
Downing Creek




On Apr 11, 2012, at 12:05 AM, John Martin wrote:

Hi,
>
>
>I've received an inquiry from a delegate about Tom Miller's recent listserv post (below) and I wanted to solicit your reactions.  
>
>
>INC is officially a non-partisan organization.  In addition, our articles of incorporation say the following:  "this corporation shall not participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office."
>
>
>It would appear to me that Tom's posting, which is advocating for certain candidates for office, crosses that line.  It entangles INC in the "distribution of statements. . .on behalf of  . . .candidate[s] for public office."  
>
>
>Some of you may see this differently, and that's why I am asking for your guidance.  But please bear in mind that we need a very simple principle that the moderators of the listserv can enforce equitably, and that everyone can understand.  One such principal would be to ask people not to put messages about partisan events on the listserv, and not to advocate for or against candidates.  
>
>
>If you prefer a different principle, please state it clearly, and explain why it doesn't contravene the passage above in our articles of incorporation.  
>
>
>Thanks.  I appreciate your help.
>
>
>John Martin, President
>InterNeighborhood Council of Durham
>
>
>
>--- On Tue, 4/10/12, Tom Miller <tom-miller1 at nc.rr.com> wrote:
>
>
>>From: Tom Miller <tom-miller1 at nc.rr.com>
>>Subject: [Durham
 INC] This will be fun! Don Moffitt's Meet the Candidates Rally
>>To: inc-list at rtpnet.org, inc-list at durhaminc.org
>>Date: Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 2:28 PM
>>
>>
>>Dear Neighbors:
>> 
>>
>>Here is an event that should be great fun.  Don Moffitt is having a rally to support what will be a truly great ticket for the May 8 elections.
>>I plan to be there and I hope you will come too.
>> 
>>
>>The right decisions start with the right elected officials.
>>Come out to meet, greet and support great candidates for the Board of County Commissioners and State Senate!
>> 
>>
>>Sunday, April 15
>>4:00 to 5:00 pm
>> 
>>
>>The Green Room, 1108 Broad Street, Durham
>> 
>>
>>Fred Foster - Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
>>Wendy Jacobs - BOCC
>>Ellen Reckhow - BOCC
>>Will Wilson - BOCC
>>Mike Woodard - State Senate
>> 
>>
>>It'll be fun AND informative.
>> 
>>
>>Doors open at 3:45
>>First hundred people in the door get a free beverage of your choice!
>> 
>>
>>Sponsored by Don Moffitt
>> 
>>
>>Thanks, Don!
>> 
>>
>>Tom Miller
>>-----Inline Attachment Follows-----
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>Durham INC Mailing List
>>list at durham-inc.org
>>http://www.durham-inc.org/list.html
>> _______________________________________________
>Durham INC Mailing List
>list at durham-inc.org
>http://www.durham-inc.org/list.html
>

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