As suggested by Glen, I am submitting this position statement in response to my nomination for GNSO Council Vice Chair.

 

Let me start by saying that I fully understand that the role of vice chair is new to the Council and that it may not be continued in the future.  As I see it, this is a trial that will be evaluated by the Council and as such the position may go away at the end of the current term recently vacated by Bruce and now filled by Avri.

 

Until such time as the Council provides specific guidelines for the role of vice chair, I am assuming that it will entail these responsibilities, probably in the priority listed:

1.      Perform the role of chair when Avri is unable to do so

2.      At Avri’s direction, assist her in fulfilling tasks that are often assumed by the chair, thereby lightening her workload

3.      At the Council’s direction, perform other tasks as needed.

 

With regard to filling the role of chair in Avri’s absence, if and when that occurs, I am committed to doing so in a neutral manner that facilitates fully open and efficient debate on all issues regardless of my personal view points or the views of the Registry Constituency that I represent.  Whenever I express personal or constituency views I will always try to preface such remarks appropriately.

 

Regarding assisting Avri and performing tasks requested by the Council, I am committed to being as helpful as I can in contributing to the work of the Council as needed.  Hopefully, this will not be any different from the way I have functioned as a Council member to date or as I would function in the future if I am not elected vice chair.

 

For those who may not know me very well I think it is helpful for me to point out that I am a firm believer in open discussion of all points of view.  I like to try to identify competing elements of issues and enjoy others doing that as well.  I believe that the fuller airing we have, the better decisions we will make.  In doing that though, people sometimes think I am advocating for a particular position when I may in fact just be attempting to make sure we cover as many sides as possible.  Also, I like to use questions to encourage discussion and help uncover factors that might otherwise be overlooked.  I sincerely believe that disagreement is healthy because it helps each of us validate our own thinking and then work together to develop stronger positions.

 

Whether I am elected vice chair or not, I would request the following: if anyone ever is unsure about the intent of my actions, please ask me, and always feel free to disagree with me.