Not long ago, there was a string of e-mail messages concerning how an SEC or other appropriate person can contact our EmComm Director in the event a major emergency arises about which he should advised. I can understand the somewhat sticky nature of developing a resolution to this situation; however, I have personally run into a somewhat similar situation that I feel should be addressed. This situation relates specifically to Maria Somma.

Over this past weekend I talked to quite a number of members at two hamfests. One of the members is a VE from Ohio who is very tuned in to the need for VEs to demonstrate a high level of integrity in fulfilling their duties. As a result, he very vigorously reported what he considers to be apparent, continuing misconduct by a VE team leader (and, therefore, team) in West Virginia. Other than to say that I contacted Director Bodson to keep him aware of my follow-up with the Ohio member on his complaint, I will not address the specific problem reported to me.

What I wish to address in this memo is my concern at being unable to reach Maria or at not being advised she was away from the office for an extended period.

I telephoned HQ and after exchanging a few pleasantries with Penny, I asked to be put through to Maria's phone. I reached Maria's machine and left a message asking her to telephone me. I indicated I would like to get background on the situation with the VE team in the involved area. This was in early afternoon on Monday. Late Tuesday, I had received no return call from Maria so I put in another call to her. The results were the same. After receiving no reply to either of the two messages, I began to suspect she was on an extended absence. This assumption was confirmed when I received an automatic reply to an e-mail I had sent her. The reply indicated she would not return until next week. I received the e-mail after close of business on Tuesday.

I am disappointed that as the head of our VEC, she failed to indicate in her outgoing message she will be out of the office for an extended period and similarly that she did not recommend someone to call for assistance. I can understand why someone in a lesser position than Maria would not think it appropriate to leave such a message, but as a member, I would expect someone at her level in the organization would have shown the courtesy as well as an obligation to the organization to provide this information.