[Durham INC] Correction: I see Tom DID list the candidates at Don's gathering

Thu Apr 12 18:32:56 EDT 2012

Just wanted to apologize for that oversight. I saw that Tom did list the candidates, but in retrospect, it would seem silly not to do so. If you're going to even consider going, you're going to want to know what the subject matter is.

Regardless, I didn't see his email as endorsing these candidates on behalf of INC or even some members of INC. I merely saw it as informing INC listserv members of the event. And I do not see how such information (maybe minus some of the 'great' language, etc.) would be inappropriate for the INC listserv.

That's it from me for today -- you can sigh with relief now ;-)

Melissa (Rooney)

________________________________
 From: Melissa Rooney <mmr121570 at yahoo.com>
To: INC <inc-list at rtpnet.org> 
Sent: Thursday, 12 April 2012 5:59 PM
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] Partisan Political Posts on the INC Listserv

WRT the marriage amendment...if the INC were to remain out of any political issue simply because it is viewed as divisive across party lines, then there would be little reason for the INC to exist. In general, Republicans support the Billboard legislation, the 751 South rezoning/development, watering down of the environmental protections, etc. Like the marriage amendment, these are issues that immediately affect our county, and the INC has every right and obligation to weigh in on such issues.

With regard to Tom's email announcing the meet-and-greet of BOCC candidates... Tom did not even indicate who these candidates are. He just informed us all of a great opportunity to meet great candidates (and 'great' could be used to describe any of those willing to run for public office). 

I don't find any harm in announcing the date/time of an open/public gathering whose purpose is to enable the public to meet any one, two, three, or 14 candidates.

If there were a public meet-and-greet scheduled for the public to meet Jon Stewart and it were announced on this listserv, would we say that we shouldn't allow it because Jon Stewart is left-leaning? How about a meet-and-greet to meet one of our current state legislators who is running for re-election?

For those who are against the particular person/candidate, there is all the more reason to take advantage of an opportunity to meet them in person. As the old adage says, "Keep your Friends close and your enemies closer."

The important thing is that this listserv enables us to be informed of all the issues -- no matter which way they lean.

Melissa (Rooney)

________________________________
 From: Christine Chamberlain <christinebbd at yahoo.com>
To: inc listserv <inc-list at durhaminc.org> 
Sent: Thursday, 12 April 2012 5:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Durham INC] Partisan Political Posts on the INC Listserv

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 democrats were unable to co-exist peacefully with my Republican views after I disagreed with the decision to speak publicly 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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_______________________________________________
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