In response to Avri's request for others to speak up on this issue, let me enter the discussion. I sent a message to the RyC list today for the purpose of finding out what RyC members thought about ICANN funding all Councilors travel expenses to ICANN meetings. There has already been a pretty good response. Understanding, though, that a lot of RyC members have not yet responded, let me share some of the thoughts that have been communicated: 1. "I am in favor of support for only those councilors that can show a financial need to the assistance, but not a blanket rule providing for giving assistance to all. There is no requirement for all councilors to be at every meeting face to face. It is helpful, but not required." 2. "To me the battle line needs to be accountability. If someone is going to an ICANN meeting on ICANN's dime (or more appropriately gTLD registry, registrar, and registrants fees) then these disbursements should be made public." 3. "I oppose this. . . . Perhaps the money to be used should be put to use in getting each Councilor a webcam and investing in some videoconferencing software." 4. "Having participated in GNSO matters from afar I fail to see the need to spend money in this fashion." 5. "The IETF does not pay for IESG members (Area Directors) to attend IETF meetings. This is sort the parallel of the council in the IETF." 6. "If the duties of the GNSO position require full-time attention, then I could be in favor of travel reimbursement to ICANN meetings. To my knowledge, only the Chair position could be seen as requiring the equivalent of full time attention to GNSO duties. So I would be ok with ICANN reimbursing travel expense for the GNSO Chairperson. I would be strongly opposed to the idea of ICANN reimbursing travel expense for non-FTE GNSO councilors." And now a few questions of my own, motivated by some of the thoughts quoted above from other RyC members. How concerned are we about an ever growing ICANN budget? What responsibility should we in the GNSO assume for managing expenses wisely? Is funding travel to ICANN meetings a higher priority than other funding needs? If we are going to be sound managers of the policy development process, shouldn't we start by getting more information (e.g., cost estimates) before we broadly request that travel expenses be reimbursed for all Councilors? I haven't yet answered all of these questions for myself, but I do think that they are worthy of consideration. In the end, if the RyC has a consensus position, I will support that. In the meantime, I hope that we will avoid the temptation to just become big bureaucratic spenders without good justification. Chuck Gomes "This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized use, distribution, or disclosure is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify sender immediately and destroy/delete the original transmission."
-----Original Message----- From: owner-council@gnso.icann.org [mailto:owner-council@gnso.icann.org] On Behalf Of Avri Doria Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2007 10:18 AM To: Council GNSO Subject: Re: [council] Funding for travel
Hi,
I have no issue with writing a note to Paul Twomey, but I have not yet heard form the entire council on this, not even from all of the constituencies. So before I do write a note that says the entire council is asking for something I would like to hear from others.
I will add this to the agenda under AOB. In the meantime, I am sure that Denise knows that at least part of the council thinks of this as priority. And also, I would like to ask those who have not spoke up to give some indication of how they feel about this.
Thanks
a.
On 4 dec 2007, at 00.32, Philip Sheppard wrote:
I agree with Robin too. This is exactly the intent. Support no less and no more than nom com. All equal in the sight of the CEO.
We hardly need more discussion on this. Council's intent is clear. Lets cut to the chase.
Avri, as our elected Chair, please e-mail Paul Twomey CEO and ask him directly for full funding for Delhi.
Philip