As we are starting to get into conversations and questions, and some of this has already bubbled up to me for judgement, I want to make public my stance on how spirited debate will continue:

The election coordinator is not the arbiter of truth. Most conversations will deal with edge cases and shades of grey. This is where healthy debate occurs and good ideas are bandied around. This is where the candidates can show how they set themselves apart.

That being said, if you knowingly or unknowingly provide false information and someone can prove you wrong, that is on you. Likewise, if you feel you can prove someone wrong, it is on you to do so. In the interest of fairness and impartiality I will not be getting in the middle of it and fact checking statements.

I have little patience for mudslinging, personal attacks, and slander. This is the one and final warning on this issue. If I see someone make an unfounded personal attack on another member of the club, assume your vote is getting revoked. If a candidate makes an unfounded personal attack expect that we will be having a conversation around your ability to proceed.

Lastly, everyone’s time is valuable so if someone starts making numerous frivolous complaints, you may have your vote revoked. Serious issues will be considered, and if germane to the larger conversation, will be reported on.

Above all, remember this club is important to all of us, but it is at its core, little more than a Star Trek fan club with brilliant writers, there are no state secrets or nuclear launch codes attached to who wins this election. Try to keep in mind we are all volunteers and there is another person at the other end of the keyboard and that person has hopes, dreams, and feelings. In short, attack the idea not the person and don’t be a Richard.

Geoff, EC