On Fri, May 25, 2007 at 10:41:15AM -0700, David Wilbur wrote:
More importantly, I couldn't disagree more with John-Marc's suggestions about the State Party, especially his suggestion that there should be a massive resignation of the state representatives.
Actually, that specific suggestion came from somebody else. I'm in favor of reorganizing the state party to transfer most power and money to the counties, leaving only the essential elements. These "essential elements" would need to be defined, as Ray suggested, and this discussion will require a lot of plenary time. At a minimum, I would include: 1) elements required to maintain state ballot status (Treasurer, SoS liason) 2) elements required to facilitate inter-county communication (plenaries) 3) elements required to be a part of the GPUS (national delegates) 4) fundraising, since it's a net positive (making ~$50k on $7k spent) The reason I suggest having a long discussion at the GPCA is that others might disagree on what functions are better decentralized and which ones are essential to perform in the context of the GPCA. When I said "block all other agenda items" I didn't mean that literally, since a few of the other items (e.g., choosing a treasurer) are required for the minimal elements I describe above.
And the suggestion to reduce the state party to more of an "administrative role" would effectively mean there was no Green Party
I never used the phrase, so be careful with your attribution. I also think you misinterpreted my call to scale back the GPCA to mean I want to get rid of it completely.
If the consensus of the current CC and "active" SF Green Party members is to support a weakened state party,
My intent is to create a more effective GPCA by decentralizing many of its functions, thus hopefully ending the current paralysis. Much of the money raised by the GPCA could be more effectively spent by the counties. Take a close look at the GPCA budget and see if you don't come to the same conclusion. For example, it's nice to have a $6k/year press secretary issuing press releases (and governing by press release seems to work for Newsom), but that's probably not where the SFGP would prioritize spending our 8-10% share of that money if it were to be divided among the counties. A decentralized GPCA might look weaker on paper, but the reality of the current GPCA is that it's ineffective and paralyzed by infighting. Stop by the office tonight for the GPCA CC meeting, and see for yourself. JMC -- John-Marc Chandonia (jmc@sfgreens.org) http://sfgreens.org/