Chess politics - Schultz goes on the record

Author

Schultz goes on the record

chesstours

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

LARRY EVANS INTERVIEWS DON SCHULTZ ON RECENT BOARD MEETING

EVANS: My main question basically would be: What were the most important
motions passed over the weekend, is there an impending cash crunch, and what
are your candid impressions of where things now stand?

SCHULTZ: The exact wording of the most important motions will first appear at
the USCF website. Indeed I don't have it right now. Barb Vandermark our Exec
Assistant does, but let me answer your first question with the following:

A while back due to increased commitments at St. Johns Dr. Brady had to resign
his post as Secretary though he still remained on the Board. Nobody wanted the
job so I got stuck with it, at least that is what I thought.. having been in it
now for a little time. I like it because it puts me in a position to increase
communication, thus reducing rumor and misinformation. This interview is one
way. Reinstitution of the BINFO system is another, but let’s come back to
that later.

EVANS: Were all seven board members present?

SCHULTZ: Just six. Frank Brady had a recurrence of his back problem, but he did
engage with the group via teleconferencing. The meeting was completed in one
very long day. The discussions were very candid and much was accomplished.
Sunday night I had the group to my home for dinner and some further informal
exchanges.

EVANS: I take it the move to Crossville was the most important issue. How did
this vote turn out?

SCHULTZ: Four voted for it. Brady and myself abstained. So did Beatriz
Marinello because she was mentioned in it. Dr. Brady and I had the following
concerns:

(1) We don’t know the full cost of the move compared to other alternatives.

(2) The timing is bad, busy season.

(3) It comes at a time when we will be bringing our new computer system on
line.

(4) Because of the move we will be replacing virtually our entire staff. Even
in the best of times conversion of computer systems can cause horrendous
problems. Having all this happen more or less simultaneously could become a
nightmare.

EVANS: Did Beatriz resign as president and was she hired to supervise the move?

SCHULTZ: No. She will be supervising the move on the basis of an unpaid
volunteer.

EVANS: I wonder if all the flak on rgcp resulted in her decision not to step
down. At any rate, what more can you tell us about the move?

SCHULTZ: A great deal of work has been done. The temporary quarters in
Crossville have been equipped with new lighting. Crossville is paying for the
electrical wiring costs. The first Crossville employee Ms Pat Knight has been
hired and she is currently coordinating the move from the Crossville side.

Lots of cost saving ideas were adopted. For example the moving of files
and so forth from New Windsor to Crossville is very expensive. To reduce costs,
Beatriz is working with Harry Sabine in the recruiting of Crossville students
to drive to New Windsor and physically perform the move on a volunteer basis.

Decisions were made on managing the move and the USCF operations during the
next three months. Judy Misner will be located in Crossville and will manage
the Crossville complex including the hiring and training of new Staff. Beatriz
Marinello will oversee the operation for the next three months as Chief
Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist her.

EVANS: Who will be the interim Executive Director?

SCHULTZ: Until we hire one there won't be one.

EVANS: Some people worry about a serious cash crunch in a few months. What
about the construction of a new building and the $60,000 architect fee?

SCHULTZ: I don't know. Brady and I are concerned about these issues.

EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill Goichberg for his year of service?

SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact amount right now.

EVANS: Will Kalev Pehme remain editor of Chess Life?

SCHULZ: I hope so, but that wasn't discussed.

EVANS: I guess my final question is whether the comments and concerns voiced on
rgcp played a major or minor role in the discussions of the board?

SCHULTZ: A very minor role on Crossville. On the other hand I was concerned
about rumors and wrong information and told the Board that I would be putting
back in place the BINFO system which was dropped during the Defeis reign.

They expressed some concern to me about whether emails need be included
because of the volume of emails and asked me to check with Bylaws about the
procedure we plan to use. They also asked that I begin it now and not try to
fill in the blanks for the last several years -- which is fine with me because
the work to go back in time would be prohibitive.

Using BINFOs and making them available to delegates are required by
delegate vote -- there is a detailed explanation about them under "Items of
Continuing Interest" following the Bylaws in the 2003 Delegates Call. So I
would say rgcp was a factor in making me realize we needed to get the BINFO
system back in place.

EVANS: Thanks, Don. I'm sure most USCF members appreciate it.

ASCACHESS

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

>EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill Goichberg for his year of

quote:

>service?
>
>SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact amount right now.
>

What? Our free ED is costing us money?
Isn't that called deferred compensation?
When was the decision made to compensate the free ED?

quote:

>I was concerned
>about rumors and wrong information and told the Board that I would be putting
>back in place the BINFO system which was dropped during the Defeis reign.

I guess Don could start with the right information on who dropped the ball on
the BINFO system.
Those of us present in Reno 1999 will remember that there was no BINFO package.
So, maybe it was Mike Cavallo who dropped the binfo system. Oh yeah, Don was
just ending his term as the President.

Richard Peterson

StanB

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

A fascinating interview. From Larry's softballs we learned Billy G. will be
paid a secret sum, Beatriz will not be, and the BINFO propaganda tool will
be reinstated. Unanswered is will Sam Sloan be censured; who will be the CFO
in Crossville; will Billy G. continue to look for an alternative site in NY;
why did the ICC contract not happen; and, what board member leaked info to
and financed Sloan?

"chesstours" <chesstours@cs.com> wrote in message
news:20041220200730.10314.00001480@mb-m25.news.cs.com...

quote:

>
> LARRY EVANS INTERVIEWS DON SCHULTZ ON RECENT BOARD MEETING
>
> EVANS: My main question basically would be: What were the most important
> motions passed over the weekend, is there an impending cash crunch, and
> what
> are your candid impressions of where things now stand?
>
> SCHULTZ: The exact wording of the most important motions will first appear
> at
> the USCF website. Indeed I don't have it right now. Barb Vandermark our
> Exec
> Assistant does, but let me answer your first question with the following:
>
> A while back due to increased commitments at St. Johns Dr. Brady had to
> resign
> his post as Secretary though he still remained on the Board. Nobody wanted
> the
> job so I got stuck with it, at least that is what I thought.. having been
> in it
> now for a little time. I like it because it puts me in a position to
> increase
> communication, thus reducing rumor and misinformation. This interview is
> one
> way. Reinstitution of the BINFO system is another, but let's come back to
> that later.
>
> EVANS: Were all seven board members present?
>
> SCHULTZ: Just six. Frank Brady had a recurrence of his back problem, but
> he did
> engage with the group via teleconferencing. The meeting was completed in
> one
> very long day. The discussions were very candid and much was accomplished.
> Sunday night I had the group to my home for dinner and some further
> informal
> exchanges.
>
> EVANS: I take it the move to Crossville was the most important issue. How
> did
> this vote turn out?
>
> SCHULTZ: Four voted for it. Brady and myself abstained. So did Beatriz
> Marinello because she was mentioned in it. Dr. Brady and I had the
> following
> concerns:
>
> (1) We don't know the full cost of the move compared to other
> alternatives.
>
> (2) The timing is bad, busy season.
>
> (3) It comes at a time when we will be bringing our new computer system on
> line.
>
> (4) Because of the move we will be replacing virtually our entire staff.
> Even
> in the best of times conversion of computer systems can cause horrendous
> problems. Having all this happen more or less simultaneously could become
> a
> nightmare.
>
> EVANS: Did Beatriz resign as president and was she hired to supervise the
> move?
>
> SCHULTZ: No. She will be supervising the move on the basis of an unpaid
> volunteer.
>
> EVANS: I wonder if all the flak on rgcp resulted in her decision not to
> step
> down. At any rate, what more can you tell us about the move?
>
> SCHULTZ: A great deal of work has been done. The temporary quarters in
> Crossville have been equipped with new lighting. Crossville is paying for
> the
> electrical wiring costs. The first Crossville employee Ms Pat Knight has
> been
> hired and she is currently coordinating the move from the Crossville side.
>
> Lots of cost saving ideas were adopted. For example the moving of
> files
> and so forth from New Windsor to Crossville is very expensive. To reduce
> costs,
> Beatriz is working with Harry Sabine in the recruiting of Crossville
> students
> to drive to New Windsor and physically perform the move on a volunteer
> basis.
>
> Decisions were made on managing the move and the USCF operations during
> the
> next three months. Judy Misner will be located in Crossville and will
> manage
> the Crossville complex including the hiring and training of new Staff.
> Beatriz
> Marinello will oversee the operation for the next three months as Chief
> Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist
> her.
>
> EVANS: Who will be the interim Executive Director?
>
> SCHULTZ: Until we hire one there won't be one.
>
> EVANS: Some people worry about a serious cash crunch in a few months. What
> about the construction of a new building and the $60,000 architect fee?
>
> SCHULTZ: I don't know. Brady and I are concerned about these issues.
>
>
> EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill Goichberg for his year of
> service?
>
> SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact amount right now.
>
> EVANS: Will Kalev Pehme remain editor of Chess Life?
>
> SCHULZ: I hope so, but that wasn't discussed.
>
> EVANS: I guess my final question is whether the comments and concerns
> voiced on
> rgcp played a major or minor role in the discussions of the board?
>
> SCHULTZ: A very minor role on Crossville. On the other hand I was
> concerned
> about rumors and wrong information and told the Board that I would be
> putting
> back in place the BINFO system which was dropped during the Defeis reign.
>
> They expressed some concern to me about whether emails need be included
> because of the volume of emails and asked me to check with Bylaws about
> the
> procedure we plan to use. They also asked that I begin it now and not try
> to
> fill in the blanks for the last several years -- which is fine with me
> because
> the work to go back in time would be prohibitive.
>
> Using BINFOs and making them available to delegates are required by
> delegate vote -- there is a detailed explanation about them under "Items
> of
> Continuing Interest" following the Bylaws in the 2003 Delegates Call. So I
> would say rgcp was a factor in making me realize we needed to get the
> BINFO
> system back in place.
>
> EVANS: Thanks, Don. I'm sure most USCF members appreciate it.
>

StanB

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

quote:

>
> LARRY EVANS INTERVIEWS DON SCHULTZ ON RECENT BOARD MEETING
>
> EVANS: My main question basically would be: What were the most important
> motions passed over the weekend, is there an impending cash crunch, and
> what
> are your candid impressions of where things now stand?
>
> SCHULTZ: The exact wording of the most important motions will first appear
> at
> the USCF website. Indeed I don't have it right now. Barb Vandermark our
> Exec
> Assistant does, but let me answer your first question with the following:
>
> A while back due to increased commitments at St. Johns Dr. Brady had to
> resign
> his post as Secretary though he still remained on the Board. Nobody wanted
> the
> job so I got stuck with it, at least that is what I thought.. having been
> in it
> now for a little time. I like it because it puts me in a position to
> increase
> communication, thus reducing rumor and misinformation. This interview is
> one
> way. Reinstitution of the BINFO system is another, but let's come back to
> that later.
>
> EVANS: Were all seven board members present?
>
> SCHULTZ: Just six. Frank Brady had a recurrence of his back problem, but
> he did
> engage with the group via teleconferencing. The meeting was completed in
> one
> very long day. The discussions were very candid and much was accomplished.
> Sunday night I had the group to my home for dinner and some further
> informal
> exchanges.
>
> EVANS: I take it the move to Crossville was the most important issue. How
> did
> this vote turn out?
>
> SCHULTZ: Four voted for it. Brady and myself abstained. So did Beatriz
> Marinello because she was mentioned in it. Dr. Brady and I had the
> following
> concerns:
>
> (1) We don't know the full cost of the move compared to other
> alternatives.
>
> (2) The timing is bad, busy season.
>
> (3) It comes at a time when we will be bringing our new computer system on
> line.
>
> (4) Because of the move we will be replacing virtually our entire staff.
> Even
> in the best of times conversion of computer systems can cause horrendous
> problems. Having all this happen more or less simultaneously could become
> a
> nightmare.
>
> EVANS: Did Beatriz resign as president and was she hired to supervise the
> move?
>
> SCHULTZ: No. She will be supervising the move on the basis of an unpaid
> volunteer.
>
> EVANS: I wonder if all the flak on rgcp resulted in her decision not to
> step
> down. At any rate, what more can you tell us about the move?
>
> SCHULTZ: A great deal of work has been done. The temporary quarters in
> Crossville have been equipped with new lighting. Crossville is paying for
> the
> electrical wiring costs. The first Crossville employee Ms Pat Knight has
> been
> hired and she is currently coordinating the move from the Crossville side.
>
> Lots of cost saving ideas were adopted. For example the moving of
> files
> and so forth from New Windsor to Crossville is very expensive. To reduce
> costs,
> Beatriz is working with Harry Sabine in the recruiting of Crossville
> students
> to drive to New Windsor and physically perform the move on a volunteer
> basis.
>
> Decisions were made on managing the move and the USCF operations during
> the
> next three months. Judy Misner will be located in Crossville and will
> manage
> the Crossville complex including the hiring and training of new Staff.
> Beatriz
> Marinello will oversee the operation for the next three months as Chief
> Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist
> her.
>
> EVANS: Who will be the interim Executive Director?
>
> SCHULTZ: Until we hire one there won't be one.
>
> EVANS: Some people worry about a serious cash crunch in a few months. What
> about the construction of a new building and the $60,000 architect fee?
>
> SCHULTZ: I don't know. Brady and I are concerned about these issues.
>
>
> EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill Goichberg for his year of
> service?
>
> SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact amount right now.
>
> EVANS: Will Kalev Pehme remain editor of Chess Life?
>
> SCHULZ: I hope so, but that wasn't discussed.
>
> EVANS: I guess my final question is whether the comments and concerns
> voiced on
> rgcp played a major or minor role in the discussions of the board?
>
> SCHULTZ: A very minor role on Crossville. On the other hand I was
> concerned
> about rumors and wrong information and told the Board that I would be
> putting
> back in place the BINFO system which was dropped during the Defeis reign.
>
> They expressed some concern to me about whether emails need be included
> because of the volume of emails and asked me to check with Bylaws about
> the
> procedure we plan to use. They also asked that I begin it now and not try
> to
> fill in the blanks for the last several years -- which is fine with me
> because
> the work to go back in time would be prohibitive.
>
> Using BINFOs and making them available to delegates are required by
> delegate vote -- there is a detailed explanation about them under "Items
> of
> Continuing Interest" following the Bylaws in the 2003 Delegates Call. So I
> would say rgcp was a factor in making me realize we needed to get the
> BINFO
> system back in place.
>
> EVANS: Thanks, Don. I'm sure most USCF members appreciate it.
>

StanB

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

"ASCACHESS" <ascachess@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041220202740.21623.00002009@mb-m12.aol.com...

quote:

> What? Our free ED is costing us money?
> Isn't that called deferred compensation?
> When was the decision made to compensate the free ED?

Easy Dick, look at the bright side. It is less then half of the prearranged
amount. He can't reveal the exact amount just yet. You see, he has to wait
until much later when it is less likely to cause a brouhaha on the
newsgroup.

Tom Klem

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

Ah yes, Klink & Caballo. The gift that keeps on taking.

Tom Klem
"Sheesh-ain't even close"

"ASCACHESS" <ascachess@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041220202740.21623.00002009@mb-m12.aol.com...

quote:

>
> What? Our free ED is costing us money?
> Isn't that called deferred compensation?
> When was the decision made to compensate the free ED?
>
putting[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> I guess Don could start with the right information on who dropped the ball

quote:

> the BINFO system.
> Those of us present in Reno 1999 will remember that there was no BINFO

package.

quote:

> So, maybe it was Mike Cavallo who dropped the binfo system. Oh yeah, Don

was

quote:

> just ending his term as the President.
>
> Richard Peterson

Chessdon

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

>He can't reveal the exact amount just yet. You see, he has to wait

quote:

>until much later when it is less likely to cause a brouhaha on the
>newsgroup.

No Stan, the reason is that we want to get information out quick, the meeting
only ended last night. I don;t think it a good idea for Bill to find out the
amount from rgcp. It make more sense for an officer like Beatriz to tell
him.and I don't know whether she did.

Spam Scone

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

StanB wrote:

quote:

> "ASCACHESS" <ascachess@aol.com> wrote in message
> news:20041220202740.21623.00002009@mb-m12.aol.com...
>
year of[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> Easy Dick, look at the bright side. It is less then half of the

prearranged

quote:

> amount. He can't reveal the exact amount just yet. You see, he has to

wait

quote:

> until much later when it is less likely to cause a brouhaha on the
> newsgroup.

Classic ChessDon. It's a crime only if you get caught.

Spam Scone

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

StanB wrote:

quote:

> A fascinating interview. From Larry's softballs we learned Billy G.

will be

quote:

> paid a secret sum, Beatriz will not be, and the BINFO propaganda tool

will

quote:

> be reinstated. Unanswered is will Sam Sloan be censured; who will be

the CFO

quote:

> in Crossville; will Billy G. continue to look for an alternative site

in NY;

quote:

> why did the ICC contract not happen; and, what board member leaked

info to

quote:

> and financed Sloan?

Did you expect the source of Sloan's funding to be revealed by Evans?
He and Parr are sucking at the same teat.

Parrthenon

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

< fascinating interview. From Larry's softballs we learned Billy G. will be
paid a secret sum, Beatriz will not be, and the BINFO propaganda tool will be
reinstated. Unanswered is will Sam Sloan be censured; who will be the CFO in
Crossville; will Billy G. continue to look for an alternative site in NY; why
did the ICC contract not happen; and, what board member leaked info to and
financed Sloan?> -- Stan Booz

The purpose of this interview was to elicit instant information. As
everyone knows, GM Larry Evans can throw hard balls if and when the time comes.

We learned that Beatriz Marinello will be a volunteer, just as Bill
Goichberg was. I don't think Bill should receive anything other than gas money
and some meals unavoidably taken in local restaurants. Beatriz's volunteer
service must also not result in anything other than remuneration for basic
expenses, especially since she remains on the Board.

Why would Sam Sloan be censured? If Sam invents information, then how
could a Board member have leaked anything?

Stan Booz points out accurately that there is still much unknown about
the proceedings in Florida. His questions are different than some of mine, but
they are questions that also require answering.

The first thing to look for is an early acknowledgment of a shortfall in
expected earnings because quite possibly ChessCafe is behind on its $350,000
obligation to the USCF. The cash crunch appears to be a given unless the
Christmas season goes very well indeed in sales.
________________________________________________________________
"FIDE has made its decision. Players who refuse to be drug tested will not be
able to play chess." -- Dr. Press, co-founder of the FIDE Medical Commission.

StanB

2004-12-21, 12:46 am

"Parrthenon" <parrthenon@cs.com> wrote in message
news:20041220232513.15969.00002149@mb-m02.news.cs.com...

quote:

> Stan Booz points out accurately that there is still much unknown
> about
> the proceedings in Florida. His questions are different than some of
> mine, but
> they are questions that also require answering.
>
> The first thing to look for is an early acknowledgment of a shortfall
> in
> expected earnings because quite possibly ChessCafe is behind on its
> $350,000
> obligation to the USCF. The cash crunch appears to be a given unless the
> Christmas season goes very well indeed in sales.

Since the book sales were losing money, we come out ahead even if we don't
get anything.

Parrthenon

2004-12-21, 6:46 am

< Since the book sales were losing money, we come out ahead even if we don't
get anything..> -- Stan Booz

Agreed. Even $1 in profit is better than a losing operation. But the
issue here is also spending: if ChessCafe cannot pony up on time, then there
will be a cash crunch because the money has been budgeted and, by late in the
fiscal year, also spent.

________________________________________________________________
"FIDE has made its decision. Players who refuse to be drug tested will not be
able to play chess." -- Dr. Press, co-founder of the FIDE Medical Commission.

Rob

2004-12-21, 9:45 am

How was this deal structured? Were not monthly or quarterly payments
provided for as part of the original contract? If they don't pay... you
can always sue them.

Rob

Parrthenon wrote:

quote:

> < Since the book sales were losing money, we come out ahead even if

we don't

quote:

> get anything..> -- Stan Booz
>
> Agreed. Even $1 in profit is better than a losing operation.

But the

quote:

> issue here is also spending: if ChessCafe cannot pony up on time,

then there

quote:

> will be a cash crunch because the money has been budgeted and, by

late in the

quote:

> fiscal year, also spent.
>
> ________________________________________________________________
> "FIDE has made its decision. Players who refuse to be drug tested

will not be

quote:

> able to play chess." -- Dr. Press, co-founder of the FIDE Medical

Commission.

StanB

2004-12-21, 9:45 am

"Parrthenon" <parrthenon@cs.com> wrote in message
news:20041221032937.23249.00002506@mb-m03.news.cs.com...

quote:

>< Since the book sales were losing money, we come out ahead even if we
>don't
> get anything..> -- Stan Booz
>
> Agreed. Even $1 in profit is better than a losing operation. But
> the
> issue here is also spending: if ChessCafe cannot pony up on time, then
> there
> will be a cash crunch because the money has been budgeted and, by late in
> the
> fiscal year, also spent.

Only if they hired back all the people let go. This may be a record year in
profits. I say so because we will be recording the gain on disposal of
assets.

GrantPerks

2004-12-21, 9:45 am

quote:

>Only if they hired back all the people let go. This may be a record year in
>profits. I say so because we will be recording the gain on disposal of
>assets.
>

Is that after or before "net income before extraordinary items"?

Grant Perks

StanB

2004-12-21, 9:45 am

"GrantPerks" <gperks2@aol.comnojunk> wrote in message
news:20041221081814.14312.00001974@mb-m13.aol.com...

quote:

[vbcol=seagreen]
> Is that after or before "net income before extraordinary items"?

Gains come after income from operations and before extraordinary items.

GrantPerks

2004-12-21, 9:45 am

quote:

>Gains come after income from operations and before extraordinary items.
>

You don't see this as unusual in nature, infrequent in occurrence and material
in impact?

Randy Bauer

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

In article <20041221084624.14312.00001975@mb-m13.aol.com>, GrantPerks says...

quote:

>
>
>You don't see this as unusual in nature, infrequent in occurrence and material
>in impact?

You guys must be really fun at parties.

Mike Murray

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

On 21 Dec 2004 04:00:44 -0800, "Rob" <robmtchl@msn.com> wrote:

quote:

>How was this deal structured? Were not monthly or quarterly payments
>provided for as part of the original contract? If they don't pay... you
>can always sue them.

Right. Some of our members are experienced in such matters. Heh, heh,
heh.

GrantPerks

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

quote:

>You guys must be really fun at parties.
>

I was just pointing out it won't necessarily be a "record year of profits" in
the common sense, as a result of the sale of the building.

Randy Bauer

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

In article <20041220200730.10314.00001480@mb-m25.news.cs.com>, chesstours
says...

quote:

>
>
>LARRY EVANS INTERVIEWS DON SCHULTZ ON RECENT BOARD MEETING
>
> EVANS: My main question basically would be: What were the most important
>motions passed over the weekend, is there an impending cash crunch, and what
>are your candid impressions of where things now stand?
>
> SCHULTZ: The exact wording of the most important motions will first appear at
>the USCF website. Indeed I don't have it right now. Barb Vandermark our Exec
>Assistant does, but let me answer your first question with the following:
>
> A while back due to increased commitments at St. Johns Dr. Brady had to resign
>his post as Secretary though he still remained on the Board. Nobody wanted the
>job so I got stuck with it, at least that is what I thought.. having been in it
>now for a little time. I like it because it puts me in a position to increase
>communication, thus reducing rumor and misinformation. This interview is one
>way. Reinstitution of the BINFO system is another, but let’s come back to
>that later.
>
>EVANS: Were all seven board members present?
>
>SCHULTZ: Just six. Frank Brady had a recurrence of his back problem, but he did
>engage with the group via teleconferencing. The meeting was completed in one
>very long day. The discussions were very candid and much was accomplished.
>Sunday night I had the group to my home for dinner and some further informal
>exchanges.
>
>EVANS: I take it the move to Crossville was the most important issue. How did
>this vote turn out?
>
>SCHULTZ: Four voted for it. Brady and myself abstained. So did Beatriz
>Marinello because she was mentioned in it. Dr. Brady and I had the following
>concerns:

First, I don't think it is accurate to say that the motion that was approved 4-0
with 3 abstentions was a "Crossville motion." It was a motion that addressed
staffing in both the New Windsor office and in Crossville for the next 3 months.
Regardless of whether the organization were moving or not, we would have had to
have a motion of this nature, because Bill Goichberg is stepping down as
Executive Director on January 1, 2005.

quote:

>
> (1) We don’t know the full cost of the move compared to other alternatives.
>
>(2) The timing is bad, busy season.
>
>(3) It comes at a time when we will be bringing our new computer system on
>line.
>
>(4) Because of the move we will be replacing virtually our entire staff. Even
>in the best of times conversion of computer systems can cause horrendous
>problems. Having all this happen more or less simultaneously could become a
>nightmare.

We've been upgrading the computer systems for a long time, and we likely will
continue to do these changes for a long time. However, we have leases expiring
in 2005 and the opportunity of rent-free space at that time in Crossville. If
we're seeking to improve our cash position, we should utilize the opportunity.

We actually went over quite a bit of cost data at the meeting, and good progress
is being made in identifying the unusual expenses associated with the move. At
the moment, we still don't have all the financial data for the current year, so
it's hard to say anything with 100% certainty, but unless there are calamitous
events on the horizon, and nothing we heard this weekend indicates that, the
USCF should be in a reasonable cash position while implementing the move.

quote:

>
>EVANS: Did Beatriz resign as president and was she hired to supervise the move?
>
>SCHULTZ: No. She will be supervising the move on the basis of an unpaid
>volunteer.
>
>EVANS: I wonder if all the flak on rgcp resulted in her decision not to step
>down. At any rate, what more can you tell us about the move?
>
>SCHULTZ: A great deal of work has been done. The temporary quarters in
>Crossville have been equipped with new lighting. Crossville is paying for the
>electrical wiring costs. The first Crossville employee Ms Pat Knight has been
>hired and she is currently coordinating the move from the Crossville side.
>
> Lots of cost saving ideas were adopted. For example the moving of files
>and so forth from New Windsor to Crossville is very expensive. To reduce costs,
>Beatriz is working with Harry Sabine in the recruiting of Crossville students
>to drive to New Windsor and physically perform the move on a volunteer basis.
>
> Decisions were made on managing the move and the USCF operations during the
>next three months. Judy Misner will be located in Crossville and will manage
>the Crossville complex including the hiring and training of new Staff. Beatriz
>Marinello will oversee the operation for the next three months as Chief
>Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist her.
>
>EVANS: Who will be the interim Executive Director?
>
>SCHULTZ: Until we hire one there won't be one.
>
>EVANS: Some people worry about a serious cash crunch in a few months. What
>about the construction of a new building and the $60,000 architect fee?
>
>SCHULTZ: I don't know. Brady and I are concerned about these issues.

We're not paying cash for the new building, and we're currently paying rent,
which we will not have to pay once we're located in Crossville. I have a hard
time understanding why these will create a "cash crunch." One time costs are
what we should focus on, but I think the relocation team has done a great job of
holding down these costs.

quote:

>
>
>EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill Goichberg for his year of service?
>
>SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact amount right now.
>
>EVANS: Will Kalev Pehme remain editor of Chess Life?
>
>SCHULZ: I hope so, but that wasn't discussed.
>
>EVANS: I guess my final question is whether the comments and concerns voiced on
>rgcp played a major or minor role in the discussions of the board?

At least two or three members of the Board don't regularly read RGCP, so it's
hard to determine how it could impact them and their discussions on the Board.
My own experience is that I get much more useful and insightful comments and
information by email from concerned USCF members than from RGCP, which is
populated by quite a few non-USCF members who seem to believe they should be
running our member organization.

quote:

>
>SCHULTZ: A very minor role on Crossville. On the other hand I was concerned
>about rumors and wrong information and told the Board that I would be putting
>back in place the BINFO system which was dropped during the Defeis reign.
>
> They expressed some concern to me about whether emails need be included
>because of the volume of emails and asked me to check with Bylaws about the
>procedure we plan to use. They also asked that I begin it now and not try to
>fill in the blanks for the last several years -- which is fine with me because
>the work to go back in time would be prohibitive.
>
> Using BINFOs and making them available to delegates are required by
>delegate vote -- there is a detailed explanation about them under "Items of
>Continuing Interest" following the Bylaws in the 2003 Delegates Call. So I
>would say rgcp was a factor in making me realize we needed to get the BINFO
>system back in place.
>
>EVANS: Thanks, Don. I'm sure most USCF members appreciate it.
>

chesstours

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS FROM EVANS TO SCHULTZ

EVANS: Since the president has had time to contact Bill Goichberg, can you
reveal the amount of his compensation for his year of unpaid service as
Executive Director?

SCHULTZ: A fair question. The salary of an ED is by a prior Board motion non
confidential. The figure is $25,000

EVANS: Why won't the board let USCF members see the contract with Crossville?

SCHULTZ: As far as I know there isn't a general contract.The $60,000
architect's fee was apparently a stand alone document. There have been other
verbals, email exchanges, etc. that probably rise to the binding level of legal
contract.

EVANS: What is the status or impact of Sam Sloan's lawsuit?

SCHULTZ: The decision is in the judge's hands. I'm sure the judge will make a
decision based on the legal merits of the case. I'd rather not speculate on
what the outcome could be.

EVANS: Can you add anything further about an impending cash crunch?

SCHULTZ: I don't see this. Hanon makes periodic payments. At year-end (I
believe fiscal) if the past 12 month payments don't reach $350,000 then he
makes up the difference. Apparently that will be the case and I see no reason
to think he will violate his contractural obligation. While I had initial
reservations about our outsourcing deal, I am now satisfied that we made a good
decision. Anything less than full compliance by Hanon is not one of my areas
of concern.

Randy Bauer

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

In article <20041221100910.06022.00001720@mb-m21.aol.com>, GrantPerks says...

quote:

>
>
>I was just pointing out it won't necessarily be a "record year of profits" in
>the common sense, as a result of the sale of the building.

Ok, so we won't put you down for Santa Claus. Maybe we can find a Grinch
costume somewhere.

ChessforLife

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

Dear All:

I am taking the liberty to insert my comments to Mr. Schultz reply, because I
believe that our members should have the opportunity to read about different
point of views.

Yours for Chess,

Beatriz Marinello
President
US Chess Federation

LARRY EVANS INTERVIEWS DON SCHULTZ ON RECENT BOARD MEETING

EVANS: My main question basically would be: What were the most important
motions passed over the weekend, is there an impending cash crunch, and what
are your candid impressions of where things now stand?

SCHULTZ: The exact wording of the most important motions will first appear at
the USCF website. Indeed I don't have it right now. Barb Vandermark our Exec
Assistant does, but let me answer your first question with the following:

A while back due to increased commitments at St. Johns Dr. Brady had to resign
his post as Secretary though he still remained on the Board. Nobody wanted the
job so I got stuck with it, at least that is what I thought.. having been in it
now for a little time. I like it because it puts me in a position to increase
communication, thus reducing rumor and misinformation. This interview is one
way. Reinstitution of the BINFO system is another, but let’s come back to
that later.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: The meeting began with a discussion about a letter sent by
Dr. Brady on Sat. night around 9:30 pm. Mr. Schultz insisted in adding the
letter to the minutes of the meeting. Most members opposed on the basis that
most remarks in the letter were oriented to provide his personal political
views which were lacking the correct information. Dr. Brady has not been
attending meetings nor participating in many discussions.

In my view, the minutes of the meeting should include motions, votes and
discussion during the meeting not letters from members sent prior of the
meeting making statements on issues that we have not been discussed yet.

I am in favor of the BINFO system. However, we need a clarification from the
Bylaws Committee about the documents that should be included as well as it
classification.

EVANS: Were all seven board members present?

SCHULTZ: Just six. Frank Brady had a recurrence of his back problem, but he did
engage with the group via teleconferencing. The meeting was completed in one
very long day. The discussions were very candid and much was accomplished.
Sunday night I had the group to my home for dinner and some further informal
exchanges.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: Thank you, Don. Dinner at your home was very nice as usual.

EVANS: I take it the move to Crossville was the most important issue. How did
this vote turn out?

SCHULTZ: Four voted for it. Brady and myself abstained. So did Beatriz
Marinello because she was mentioned in it. Dr. Brady and I had the following
concerns:

(1) We don’t know the full cost of the move compared to other alternatives.

(2) The timing is bad, busy season.

(3) It comes at a time when we will be bringing our new computer system on
line.

(4) Because of the move we will be replacing virtually our entire staff. Even
in the best of times conversion of computer systems can cause horrendous
problems. Having all this happen more or less simultaneously could become a
nightmare.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: I abstained because the plan was propose by me and include
me as a VOLUNTEER for the move. The only reason why I was considering to step
out the board it was because my main goal is carry on the move to Crossville,
and we did not have a good plan to execute this task. I was always very
reluctant to do this, because I would like to finish my term as President of
the USCF and remain in the board until August 2007.

I am a very committed person, I am using my time, energy and personal savings
to help the USCF as a Volunteer President.

The plan proposed to the EB is only for three months, from January - March
2005. Grant Perks will became the Chief Financial Officer during this period.
The board has been kept in the dark in connection with our finances. Grant
Perks's job will be to put the books in order, generating the much needed
financial reports, assisting in developing a cash-flow schedule for six months
in advance. At the same time, I will be asking Glenn Peterson to add two more
days a week in his current schedule to help us with the move and the office in
New Windsor.

My reply to Schultz and Brady's concerns are as follows:

(1) We don’t know the full cost of the move compared to other alternatives.

BM: So far, we have been able to identify many expenses as well as short term
and long terms savings. However, the budget cannot be completed until we make
the necessary projections for the implementation of the plan. This information
will be available the third week in January.

At the same time, we need to make a projection of the cash-flow situation and
make the decision relate with the allocation of the resources in connection
with the move.

The USCF office has not been very good in providing financial information.

(2) The timing is bad, busy season.

BM: This is reasonable argument, but we need to include as part of the equation
the fact that we have the possibility of using a temporary location in
Crossville at no cost for the USCF. We will be saving money in rent for one
year plus electric and other expenses relate with the building. Currently, we
pay $81,000 per year only in rental space.

(3) It comes at a time when we will be bringing our new computer system on
line.

BM: We will allocating $60,000 in the budget to upgrade the technology in the
office. This has to be done regardless where the office is located. Mike
Nolan has been doing a great job developing new software for the memberships
department, addressing the issues with our databases, and the ratings and TLA
software are going to be done fairly soon.

The USCF is moving in the direction of being in the information business. This
is just the beginning.

(4) Because of the move we will be replacing virtually our entire staff. Even
in the best of times conversion of computer systems can cause horrendous
problems. Having all this happen more or less simultaneously could become a
nightmare.

BM: We will begin updating and writing a manual for procedures and systems in
the office. This will be a very useful tool for training new employees and
developing consistency for the operations. I ambition to have a staff
committed to serve our members and affiliates.

I do not view, Schultz's concern as a problem - I view as an opportunity.
Although, I agree that
this a monumental task, which may create some initial inefficiencies but
eventually will improve the operations.

EVANS: Did Beatriz resign as president and was she hired to supervise the move?

SCHULTZ: No. She will be supervising the move on the basis of an unpaid
volunteer.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: No, I did not resign. As I previously mentioned the only
reason why I consider this alternative was because we did not have a viable
plan to address the important challenges that we are facing. Now, I am
committed to invest more of my personal time, energy and money on the goal of
carrying on the move. I am not expecting anything from the USCF, only the
personal satisfaction that we will have a better organization for the future.
For our children.

EVANS: I wonder if all the flak on rgcp resulted in her decision not to step
down. At any rate, what more can you tell us about the move?

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: I change my mind because we found a better approach to solve
a problem. I am a very focused person, the board was pleased to find out all
the work that has been done already. At the same time, the finances of the
USCF are in good shape, we are expecting good news by the end of this fiscal
year.

SCHULTZ: A great deal of work has been done. The temporary quarters in
Crossville have been equipped with new lighting. Crossville is paying for the
electrical wiring costs. The first Crossville employee Ms Pat Knight has been
hired and she is currently coordinating the move from the Crossville side.

Lots of cost saving ideas were adopted. For example the moving of files
and so forth from New Windsor to Crossville is very expensive. To reduce costs,
Beatriz is working with Harry Sabine in the recruiting of Crossville students
to drive to New Windsor and physically perform the move on a volunteer basis.

Decisions were made on managing the move and the USCF operations during the
next three months. Judy Misner will be located in Crossville and will manage
the Crossville complex including the hiring and training of new Staff. Beatriz
Marinello will oversee the operation for the next three months as Chief
Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist her.

EVANS: Who will be the interim Executive Director?

SCHULTZ: Until we hire one there won't be one.

EVANS: Some people worry about a serious cash crunch in a few months. What
about the construction of a new building and the $60,000 architect fee?

SCHULTZ: I don't know. Brady and I are concerned about these issues.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: The contract with the architect was one of many surprises.
However, I spoke with him and he is willing to revise the contract base on the
new requirements for the construction of the new HQ of the USCF. It's
possible that in March we may need to borrow some money from the LMA funds, but
once the B&E remaining funds are paid we will be paying this money back. I
should also mention that Hanon Russel is an excellent and reliable partner.

EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill Goichberg for his year of service?

SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact amount right now.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: Yes, the compensation will be $25,000 salary for his
service.

EVANS: Will Kalev Pehme remain editor of Chess Life?

SCHULZ: I hope so, but that wasn't discussed.

EVANS: I guess my final question is whether the comments and concerns voiced on
rgcp played a major or minor role in the discussions of the board?

SCHULTZ: A very minor role on Crossville. On the other hand I was concerned
about rumors and wrong information and told the Board that I would be putting
back in place the BINFO system which was dropped during the Defeis reign.

They expressed some concern to me about whether emails need be included
because of the volume of emails and asked me to chFOs and making them available
to delegates are required by
delegate vote -- there is a detailed explanation about them under "Items of
Continuing Interest" following the Bylaws in the 2003 Delegates Call. So I
would say rgcp was a factor in making me realize we needed to get the BINFO
system back in place.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: I agree with Don on this point. Although, I read the
posting because I interested in our member's views.

EVANS: Thanks, Don. I'm sure most USCF members appreciate it.

BEATRIZ MARINELLO: I wish that GM Evans and other serious journalist will feel
free to approach me with questions. It's always good to hear from people with
different point of views.

Mike Nolan

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

Randy Bauer <Randy_member@newsguy.com> writes:

quote:

>In article <20041221084624.14312.00001975@mb-m13.aol.com>, GrantPerks says...
[vbcol=seagreen]
>You guys must be really fun at parties.

Do you know why people invite accountants to parties? So that the
economists have someone to laugh at their jokes.
--
Mike Nolan

Randy Bauer

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

In article <cq9p7c$fip$1@gw.tssi.com>, Mike Nolan says...

quote:

>
>Randy Bauer <Randy_member@newsguy.com> writes:
>
>
>
>Do you know why people invite accountants to parties? So that the
>economists have someone to laugh at their jokes.
>--
>Mike Nolan

How many software designers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: Two. One always leaves the company in the middle of a big project.

quote:

>
>

Chessdon

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

>Do you know why people invite accountants to parties? So that the

quote:

>economists have someone to laugh at their jokes.
>--
>Mike Nolan

Thanks Mike, I wasn't sure if accountants ever laughed. It is good to know that
they are human afterall.

Don

Liam Too

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

Randy Bauer wrote:[vbcol=seagreen]
A: Two. One always leaves the company in the middle of a big
project.<<

What is the difference between the move to Crossville and a light bulb?
You can unscrew a light bulb.

Randy Bauer

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

In article <1103657099.394103.188090@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>, Liam Too
says...

quote:

>
>
>Randy Bauer wrote:
>A: Two. One always leaves the company in the middle of a big
>project.<<
>
>What is the difference between the move to Crossville and a light bulb?
>You can unscrew a light bulb.
>

At which point, you're left sitting in the dark.

Liam Too

2004-12-21, 5:46 pm

Randy Bauer wrote:

quote:

> In article <1103657099.394103.188090@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>,

Liam Too

quote:

> says...
bulb?[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> At which point, you're left sitting in the dark.<<

LOL! True, why didn't I think of that?

The above humor of course was not a statement of being against or a
proponent to the move.

Lance

StanB

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

"GrantPerks" <gperks2@aol.comnojunk> wrote in message
news:20041221084624.14312.00001975@mb-m13.aol.com...

quote:

>
> You don't see this as unusual in nature, infrequent in occurrence and
> material
> in impact?

No. It is not unusual nor infrequent for a company to sell off assets. If
the sale was not material it might be shown as miscellaneous income for
convenience. Extraordinary might be a causality loss, an exercise of eminent
domain, or a large court award.

StanB

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

"Randy Bauer" <Randy_member@newsguy.com> wrote in message
news:cq9c6u0ump@drn.newsguy.com...

quote:

>
> You guys must be really fun at parties.

As you might imagine, we don't get invited to many parties.

StanB

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

"Chessdon" <chessdon@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041220210645.11907.00001872@mb-m16.aol.com...

quote:

>
> No Stan, the reason is that we want to get information out quick, the
> meeting
> only ended last night. I don;t think it a good idea for Bill to find out
> the
> amount from rgcp. It make more sense for an officer like Beatriz to tell
> him.and I don't know whether she did.

You're telling me the ED didn't show up? Dock his pay. Next you'll tell me
he won't be in the office between now and December 31st.

StanB

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

"GrantPerks" <gperks2@aol.comnojunk> wrote in message
news:20041221100910.06022.00001720@mb-m21.aol.com...

quote:

>
> I was just pointing out it won't necessarily be a "record year of profits"
> in
> the common sense, as a result of the sale of the building.

Now I know who writes Sam's stuff.

Chessdon

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

Stan Booz said:

quote:

>You're telling me the ED didn't show up? Dock his pay. Next you'll tell me
>he won't be in the office between now and December 31st.

No, I was saying that when you said:

quote:

>

you were wrong. The reason as stated before was: He did not yet know about the
amount and that it is more appropriate for him to find out about it directly
from the president rather than reading it in a posting on rgcp in an interview
of me by GM Larry Evans.

quote:

>

StanB

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

"Mike Nolan" <nolan@gw.tssi.com> wrote in message
news:cq9p7c$fip$1@gw.tssi.com...

quote:

> Do you know why people invite accountants to parties? So that the
> economists have someone to laugh at their jokes.

You're now officially on my shit list.

StanB

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

"Chessdon" <chessdon@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041221140539.11907.00001907@mb-m16.aol.com...

quote:

>
> Thanks Mike, I wasn't sure if accountants ever laughed. It is good to know
> that
> they are human afterall.

You're now on it too.

StanB

2004-12-22, 12:45 am

"Chessdon" <chessdon@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041221183214.11907.00001922@mb-m16.aol.com...

quote:

> Stan Booz said:
>
>
> No, I was saying that when you said:
>
>
> you were wrong. The reason as stated before was: He did not yet know about
> the
> amount and that it is more appropriate for him to find out about it
> directly
> from the president rather than reading it in a posting on rgcp in an
> interview
> of me by GM Larry Evans.

I see, he was at the meeting and he'll be in New Windsor from now to year
end. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Parrthenon

2004-12-22, 9:45 am

< Could you documnet your assertion that she is to be the next COO? > -- Stan
Booz

As always, glad to oblige our resident CPA.

SCHULTZ: Marinello will oversee the operation for the next three months as
Chief
Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist her.

For the entire interview see the first thread of SCHULTZ GOES ON THE RECORD
where GM Larry Evans asks about what happened at the recent board meeting in
Florida.
________________________________________________________________
"FIDE has made its decision. Players who refuse to be drug tested will not be
able to play chess." -- Dr. Press, co-founder of the FIDE Medical Commission.

Liam Too

2004-12-22, 9:45 am

"How many software designers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: Two. One always leaves the company in the middle of a big
project." --Randy

"What is the difference between the move to Crossville and a light
bulb?
A: You can unscrew a light bulb."--Lance

"At which point, you're left sitting in the dark."--Randy

A fellow accountant emailed me this answer:

"That's fine, sitting in the dark is way better than being in the red."
Lance

Chessdon

2004-12-22, 9:45 am

Larry Parr said:

quote:

>SCHULTZ: Marinello will oversee the operation for the next three months as
>Chief
>Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist her.
>Chief
>Operating Officer. Former Chess Life editor Glenn Peterson will assist her
>For the entire interview see the first thread of SCHULTZ GOES ON THE RECORD
>where GM Larry Evans asks about what happened at the recent board meeting in
>Florida.

The exact wording of the motion will be posted as soon as possible at the USCF
website uschess.org together with the seven other motions that passed at the
Jan 19 meeting.The motion passed by a vote of 4 in favor (Hanke, Bauer,
Shaughnessy and Shutt), 0 against and three abstentions (Marinello, Schultz and
Brady).

Tom Klem

2004-12-23, 12:45 am

Ah yes, Klink & Caballo. The gift that keeps on taking.

Tom Klem
"Sheesh-ain't even close"

"ASCACHESS" <ascachess@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041220202740.21623.00002009@mb-m12.aol.com...

quote:

>
> What? Our free ED is costing us money?
> Isn't that called deferred compensation?
> When was the decision made to compensate the free ED?
>
putting[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> I guess Don could start with the right information on who dropped the ball

quote:

> the BINFO system.
> Those of us present in Reno 1999 will remember that there was no BINFO

package.

quote:

> So, maybe it was Mike Cavallo who dropped the binfo system. Oh yeah, Don

was

quote:

> just ending his term as the President.
>
> Richard Peterson

Randy Bauer

2004-12-23, 12:45 am

"Liam Too" <liamtoo805@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1103723979.576170.143420@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...

quote:

> "How many software designers does it take to screw in a light bulb?
> A: Two. One always leaves the company in the middle of a big
> project." --Randy
>
> "What is the difference between the move to Crossville and a light
> bulb?
> A: You can unscrew a light bulb."--Lance
>
> "At which point, you're left sitting in the dark."--Randy
>
> A fellow accountant emailed me this answer:
>
> "That's fine, sitting in the dark is way better than being in the red."
> Lance
>

My response -- how would you know?

Liam Too

2004-12-23, 5:45 pm

Randy Bauer wrote:[vbcol=seagreen]
<<

I'll never know unless you say it.

Randy Bauer

2004-12-23, 5:45 pm

In article <1103827741.507134.139220@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>, Liam Too
says...

quote:

>
>
>Randy Bauer wrote:
><<
>
>I'll never know unless you say it.
>

Ok, "it"

Now what do you know?

Randy

Liam Too

2004-12-24, 9:45 am

"Randy Bauer" <Randy_member@newsguy.com> wrote in message[vbcol=seagreen]

Now what do you know?

Randy<<

There's nothing to "it" actually. You started a light bulb joke, in which I came
up with another. I misunderstood your last reply of "My response -- how would
you know?"
I thought you're saying that it's your response too, to the emailed response
from my friend accountant.

Merry Christmas!

Lance

Tom Martinak

2004-12-25, 5:45 pm

>EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill

quote:

>Goichberg for his year of service?

quote:

>SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact
>amount right now.

Is this an violation of the EB Standards of Conduct?

At:
http://www.uschess.org/org/govern/Bylaws.php

We have:
"Article VI: Executive Board

Section 1. Composition. The Executive Board shall consist of seven
members elected for staggered terms of four years. The Executive
Director serves as a non-voting member of the Executive Board, with the
right to debate and make motions, but without the right to vote. All
Executive Board members are national officers of the USCF."

So the ED is a member of the EB. And my last issue of CL has Bill
Goichberg listed as ED.

And at:
http://www.uschess.org/org/govern/conduct.html

We have:
"(b) No Executive Board member, or a member of his immediate family,
may profit financially from organizing or directing a national
tournament or activity organized or co-organized by the USCF, or from
any business activity of the USCF, if the Executive Board or the USCF
business office is involved in determining the arrangements; such
restriction applies during the Board members's tenure and for two years
thereafter, with respect to actions taken during his or her tenure on
the Board.. This provision does not apply if the bid, and all relevant
financial arrangements, were finalized before the member was elected to
the Board, and are not changed to his advantage during his tenure."

So it would appear to me that the financial arrangements for the ED
must be those made at the time he his first employed. Any changes
during his employment up until 2 years after he resigns (and in
particular any improvements) would violate this standard.
- Tom Martinak

Mike Nolan

2004-12-25, 5:45 pm

"Tom Martinak" <martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com> writes:

quote:

>Is this an violation of the EB Standards of Conduct?

No, because the Bylaws clearly give the EB the authority to HIRE
an Executive Director, which makes it a paid position.

For consistency, the references in the Code of Conduct should probably
now say 'elected' EB members, since those are the volunteers, and were
the only EB members at the time the Code was written.

Doesn't it also say that USCF employees are not subject to ethics
violations, which is the whole point of the Code of Conduct?

Under Roberts Rules (and common sense), a specific rule overrides a
general one, and the one specifically authorizing the hiring of an ED
certainly overrides more general provisions in the Code.

The Bylaws Committee was opposed to making the ED a non-voting
ex-officio member of the EB for many reasons, not the least of which
is that as the senior paid employee the ED is expected to take direction
FROM the Board, not debate them on policy matters during its formulation
or attempt to subvert policy once it has been set.

The apparent need to update the Code to clarify and restate its original
intent is yet another reason that was a bad idea.
--
Mike Nolan, co-Chair, USCF Bylaws Committee

WPraeder

2004-12-26, 12:45 am

>The Bylaws Committee was opposed to making the ED a non-voting

quote:

>ex-officio member of the EB for many reasons, not the least of which
>is that as the senior paid employee the ED is expected to take direction
>FROM the Board, not debate them on policy matters during its formulation
>or attempt to subvert policy once it has been set.

Mike,

Point well taken.

Regards,
Wayne Praeder

Tom Martinak

2004-12-26, 12:45 am

>>Is this an violation of the EB Standards of Conduct?

quote:

>No, because the Bylaws clearly give the EB the
>authority to HIRE an Executive Director, which makes
>it a paid position.

Some of the other arguments made may be relevant, but I don't think
that this is. The ED isn't a member of the EB until he is actually
hired (unless you were trying to hire somebody who was on the board
which presumably is precluded). Therefore he would have a contract
when he is hired which could well include cost-of-living increases,
performance bonuses, etc. So, his contract would be in force before he
was added to the board and hence wouldn't violate these standards.
Only changes to his contract after he is hired would be precluded.
- Tom Martinak

WPraeder

2004-12-26, 12:45 am

>Some of the other arguments made may be relevant, but I don't think

quote:

>that this is. The ED isn't a member of the EB until he is actually
>hired (unless you were trying to hire somebody who was on the board
>which presumably is precluded). Therefore he would have a contract
>when he is hired which could well include cost-of-living increases,
>performance bonuses, etc. So, his contract would be in force before he
>was added to the board and hence wouldn't violate these standards.
>Only changes to his contract after he is hired would be precluded.
>- Tom Martinak
>

Tom,

It appears we may have a reality verses intent issue. However you provide a
reasonable application pending better clarification by the delegates. The
interesting question is should the ED be held to lower standards of conduct
than the board he serves?

Regards,
Wayne Praeder

Mike Nolan

2004-12-26, 12:45 am

"Tom Martinak" <martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com> writes:

quote:

>Only changes to his contract after he is hired would be precluded.

Not even the President of the United States has rules that severe.
--
Mike Nolan

Mike Nolan

2004-12-26, 12:45 am

wpraeder@aol.com (WPraeder) writes:

quote:

>It appears we may have a reality verses intent issue. However you provide a
>reasonable application pending better clarification by the delegates. The
>interesting question is should the ED be held to lower standards of conduct
>than the board he serves?

Change 'lower' to 'different' and the answer is clearly yes.
--
Mike Nolan

WPraeder

2004-12-26, 12:45 am

>Change 'lower' to 'different' and the answer is clearly yes.

quote:

>--
>Mike Nolan

Mike,

I would have no problem with separate or distinct standards for board related
volunteers verses paid staff. I would expect the board standards to focus on
fiduciary duty as well as ethics related issues and staff standards to be more
comprehensive. What I do have a problem with is arbitrary, unusual, or no
standards for these groups.

Regards,
Wayne Praeder

Mike Nolan

2004-12-26, 12:45 am

wpraeder@aol.com (WPraeder) writes:

quote:

>I would have no problem with separate or distinct standards for board related
>volunteers verses paid staff. I would expect the board standards to focus on
>fiduciary duty as well as ethics related issues and staff standards to be more
>comprehensive. What I do have a problem with is arbitrary, unusual, or no
>standards for these groups.

Wayne, any standard is by definition arbitrary, as there is no such thing
as a 'natural standard'.

A standard is also an attempt, usually a bad one, to define common sense.

Actually, the definition itself is usually OK, where things go awry is
when those definitions aren't kept current with the evolving nature
of an organization and they wind up being applied to situations that
weren't envisioned or intended when the standard was drafted.

For example, the Code should have been revised at the time that the ED
was made a non-voting member of the EB to make it clear that the ED
was still to be held to standards appropriate for the senior paid
employee, not to standards applicable to volunteer board members.
--
Mike Nolan

WPraeder

2004-12-26, 9:45 am

>Actually, the definition itself is usually OK, where things go awry is

quote:

>when those definitions aren't kept current with the evolving nature
>of an organization and they wind up being applied to situations that
>weren't envisioned or intended when the standard was drafted.
>
>For example, the Code should have been revised at the time that the ED
>was made a non-voting member of the EB to make it clear that the ED
>was still to be held to standards appropriate for the senior paid
>employee, not to standards applicable to volunteer board members.
>--
>Mike Nolan
>

Mike,

We agree on the above. In my view common sense is not enough thus I am in favor
of standards of conduct, including ethics and conflict of interest policies,
for our decision makers and implementers. For board members the duty of care,
the duty of loyalty and the duty of obedience are also often defined in
statute. Our executive director must also be held to standards of conduct. As I
indicated, I have no problem with separate or distinct standards for board
related volunteers verses staff. I was unaware the USCF had any standards for
its employees.

I'm sorry my terminology was unclear. I was using unusual and arbitrary to
indicate something not common or familiar or based on best practice and
depending on individual discretion (not as written principles) while existing
or coming about seemingly at random or by chance or as a capricious act.

Regards,
Wayne Praeder
http://www.independentsector.org/is...untability.html

Tom Martinak

2004-12-28, 6:46 am

>EVANS: Will any compensation be paid to Bill

quote:

>Goichberg for his year of service?

quote:

>SCHULTZ: Yes, but I' can't reveal the exact
>amount right now.

WPraeder

2004-12-28, 6:46 am

>The Bylaws Committee was opposed to making the ED a non-voting

quote:

>ex-officio member of the EB for many reasons, not the least of which
>is that as the senior paid employee the ED is expected to take direction
>FROM the Board, not debate them on policy matters during its formulation
>or attempt to subvert policy once it has been set.

Mike,

Point well taken.

Regards,
Wayne Praeder

ChessforLife

2004-12-28, 5:47 pm

Mike Nolan

2004-12-28, 5:47 pm

Randy Bauer <Randy_member@newsguy.com> writes:

quote:

>In article <20041221084624.14312.00001975@mb-m13.aol.com>, GrantPerks says...
[vbcol=seagreen]
>You guys must be really fun at parties.

Do you know why people invite accountants to parties? So that the
economists have someone to laugh at their jokes.
--
Mike Nolan

Liam Too

2004-12-28, 5:47 pm

Liam Too

2004-12-28, 5:47 pm

Randy Bauer wrote:

quote:

> In article <1103657099.394103.188090@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com>,

Liam Too

quote:

> says...
bulb?[vbcol=seagreen]
>
> At which point, you're left sitting in the dark.<<

LOL! True, why didn't I think of that?

The above humor of course was not a statement of being against or a
proponent to the move.

Lance

StanB

2004-12-28, 5:47 pm

"Mike Nolan" <nolan@gw.tssi.com> wrote in message
news:cq9p7c$fip$1@gw.tssi.com...

quote:

> Do you know why people invite accountants to parties? So that the
> economists have someone to laugh at their jokes.

You're now officially on my shit list.

StanB

2004-12-28, 5:47 pm

"Chessdon" <chessdon@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20041221183214.11907.00001922@mb-m16.aol.com...

quote:

> Stan Booz said:
>
>
> No, I was saying that when you said:
>
>
> you were wrong. The reason as stated before was: He did not yet know about
> the
> amount and that it is more appropriate for him to find out about it
> directly
> from the president rather than reading it in a posting on rgcp in an
> interview
> of me by GM Larry Evans.

I see, he was at the meeting and he'll be in New Windsor from now to year
end. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Liam Too

2004-12-28, 5:47 pm

Randy Bauer wrote:[vbcol=seagreen]
<<

I'll never know unless you say it.

Mike Nolan

2004-12-29, 5:47 pm

"Tom Martinak" <martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com> writes:

quote:

>Is this an violation of the EB Standards of Conduct?

WPraeder

2004-12-29, 5:47 pm

>Some of the other arguments made may be relevant, but I don't think

quote:

>that this is. The ED isn't a member of the EB until he is actually
>hired (unless you were trying to hire somebody who was on the board
>which presumably is precluded). Therefore he would have a contract
>when he is hired which could well include cost-of-living increases,
>performance bonuses, etc. So, his contract would be in force before he
>was added to the board and hence wouldn't violate these standards.
>Only changes to his contract after he is hired would be precluded.
>- Tom Martinak
>

Mike Nolan

2004-12-29, 5:47 pm

"Tom Martinak" <martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com> writes:

quote:

>Only changes to his contract after he is hired would be precluded.

Not even the President of the United States has rules that severe.
--
Mike Nolan

Mike Nolan

2004-12-30, 12:46 am

wpraeder@aol.com (WPraeder) writes:

quote:

>I would have no problem with separate or distinct standards for board related
>volunteers verses paid staff. I would expect the board standards to focus on
>fiduciary duty as well as ethics related issues and staff standards to be more
>comprehensive. What I do have a problem with is arbitrary, unusual, or no
>standards for these groups.

Mike Nolan

2005-01-01, 6:45 am

"Tom Martinak" <martinak_tom_m@hotmail.com> writes:

quote:

>Only changes to his contract after he is hired would be precluded.

Not even the President of the United States has rules that severe.
--
Mike Nolan

WPraeder

2005-01-01, 6:45 am