[Vision2020] Co-op board's ousting of Bill Beck draws ire

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (April 13, 2016) Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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Co-op board's ousting of Bill Beck draws ire
Supporters criticize move, say policies violate free speech
Moscow Food Co-op's new board of directors were officially seated Tuesday evening but a group of former board members and longtime members left the meeting immediately after criticizing last month's board election as well as actions surrounding it.
The co-op's Nominations and Elections Committee alleged that Bill Beck, who was seeking another term as a director, violated two guidelines during last month's election by "aggressive campaigning" and "engaging in activities that would put the co-op in legal or financial jeopardy."
Beck, who had served as a board member for nine years before being accused of not following election rules, was ousted before the end of his term and not seated for another term.
He garnered more than 400 votes in favor of him serving again. So did the other three candidates. There were four seats available.
He read a statement Tuesday denying wrongdoing and questioning why board members based their decision to remove him on "false allegations."
He described the board's decision as being based on a rumor spread by co-op members affiliated with a local faith-based community, Christ Church. He said those members planned to vote against his re-election at the urging of another member who disagreed with his actions in 2015 to uphold the co-op's anti-discrimination policy.
He said co-op members from Christ Church have the right to continue to participate in the co-op's democratic process, but, he noted, there is "at least a decade-long history of controversy surrounding Christ Church" and that three church members were elected to the board last year. One of those three members stated he was going to advocate against Beck being re-election, Beck said.
"The real question is whether our board believes everyone has a right to free speech," he said.
Other speakers sided with Beck and said the board's action was disappointing and that it disregarded the opinions of owner-members who participated.
Tim Gresback, a local attorney, said he was concerned the board acted against Beck simply because they were concerned a controversy would endanger the co-op's plan to expand into Pullman.
Gresback questioned whether if Beck or anyone had done such a thing if would fit the description of aggressive campaigning. Debate is a cornerstone of campaigning, he said.
"Can a candidate espouse views with which you disagree?" he asked. If not, "the fox now charges the First Amendment henhouse."
Diana Armstrong was one of two members who asked why the ballot was set up with the option to vote "no" in an uncontested race. The board originally had five candidates seeking to fill open seats in the 2016 election, which took place March 5-13. One of the five candidates dropped out, leaving Beck, Idgi Potter, Laurene Sorensen and David Nelson on the ballot.
"It's confusing and upsetting to vote against a candidate," she said, "especially in an uncontested race."
She suggested it might have been better to ask voters to rank the candidates.
Board President Colette DePhelps will provide written answers to the questions raised before the next board meeting.

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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"There's room at the top they are telling you still.
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,
If you want to be like the folks on the hill."

- John Lennon
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