Colleagues: Well, I can't say that I'm surprised at the recent turn of events, but I am disappointed. I chaired the last search committee and found the same sort of a response, but not from as many people. We work and act on a majority vote. To that point, the current search committee was elected by a majority; the search process was approved by a majority; the current candidate was approved by a majority; By majority we authorized the negotiation of an employment agreement with Dr Michel and now it takes a majority to elect him as CEO. To wait to present any due diligence report - the week before the scheduled meeting - is not proper and smacks of 'trial by ambush'. The time to present such material was weeks ago...and I won't believe that it couldn't have been done sooner. The ability to read and comment on the various resumes was given to all Directors. If you chose not to read and analyze them, you have nobody to blame but yourself. Dave Sumner has retired. Dave was definitely passionate for Ham Radio. Upon his retirement, he told me and others "you don't want to hire another Dave Sumner", and he was correct. An organization with a 15 million dollar annual operating budget and nearly 30 million dollars in assets, is not a radio club. It is a business, that requires some solid business experience and ability. Passionate for Ham Radio? While I agree that is important, the last time the phrase was "a real Ham". I've been a Ham for 61 years this December. I am truly passionate for Ham Radio as I think you all are. But the unspoken standard that seems to be desired is 'a contester or uber DXer that is on some of the leader boards'. Well, I'm not a contester or an uber DXer, but I am a real Ham and so was Tom Gallagher and so is Dr. Michel, at least by my definition. Passion is important but must be taken in conjunction with ability to manage a business. I know you all are passionate for Ham Radio, but you didn't apply for the position. Why would anyone want to be CEO of ARRL, when the governing authority of the League can't adhere to the values of majority rule, established by its own founding documents. Yes i am keenly aware of what I just wrote and know it will take a majority to confirm; and I am aware that some are wanting to convince a majority to reject. If the candidate is rejected by a majority, that is the final say and we all must accept that. But if the candidate is confirmed, the same status stands! I hope we all will adhere to that standard. 20 meters is hot on FT8, at the moment, so I'm going to go play with my Ham Radio 73, and good Hamming Jim Pace K7CEX Not Yet retired Director Northwestern Division