I am voting to approve the Recommendation of the EC because I believe it is important for the Board to present a “united front” when making a filing with the FCC.

Perhaps the FCC was correct and a more extensive reallocation of 75/80 meters was in order. If so the question should have been put forth in the NPRM where there was an opportunity to discuss the question freely and openly before issuing an order. Essentially FCC propounded one question in the NPRM and answered another in the subsequent Report and Order. The FCC appears to ignore its own Rulemaking process in favor of action and Order that is little more than a sleight of hand game with amateur allocations. Our Petition for Reconsideration should point out that disturbing fact.

My preference would have been to stick with something closer to our original Petition to Refarm the Novice allocations. It seems to me the strength of our initial request was the thoughtful, deliberate, inclusive process we as the ARRL Board undertook prior to filing the petition. The Report and Order issued by FCC was the antithesis of an orderly, focused process.

Iit is true that no matter what action we take regarding Reconsideration a number of ARRL members will be unhappy. That being the case I would have preferred a Petition for Reconsideration that strives for a more substantial objective than restoration of 35 kHz to CW/Data/RTTY.

I recognize the challenge presented to the EC on short notice and the desirability for a united front, so I vote Aye.

73,

Jay, KØQB