Answering for Frank-The SM of the West Central Florida section wanted the League to join the Fla Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Council (FGARC). The one time dues are $25 and SM Armbrust got a check cut to pay for it. This group mainly puts on a hamfest in December and has been doing so for many years before the WCF was created. SM Armbrust went to a FGARC meeting last week and presented the check and asked for ARRL to be admitted as a member. Several other clubs objected and the item was tabled. I heard about it and consulted with Frank and discussed some motivation for this that I don't need to go into. Frank can't remember anything similar in this division and we are asking if anyone else remembers a similar situation. Today, after talking with SM Armbrust it was decided to withdraw the request and send the check back to HQ to be reinstated to the WCF budget. 73 Sandy, W4RU --- John Bellows <jbellows@skypoint.com> wrote:

I for one would appreciate a bit more specific information as to the nature of the �regional club organization.� Frank, could you fill us in as to the organization and the purpose for joining? Also, Frank, is there any history of similar activity in the Southeastern Division?

Jay, K�QB

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Greetings. Director Butler and I are dealing with a situation in one of our sections. The SM of this section wants the ARRL (or at least his section) to join a regional club organization as a full voting member (one club-one vote)with the SM controlling the vote. Other clubs in the group quickly objected and the issue was kicked upstairs to Frank and me. Additionally the SM involved got approval for this venture from Steve Ewald of HQ staff and a check was sent to this SM for the dues coming out of his own budget. Now Frank and I agree that this is not right. The ARRL is an organization whom individuals join and clubs affiliate with. The ARRL either in whole or in part does not join other amateur radio organizations. We furthermore agree that HQ staff should not approve this kind of behavior. Are we wrong? Does any Director or V Dir recall this happening in the past? Is the League a member of QCWA and AMSAT or other national organizations. Is any section or division a member of a local club or group of clubs? Are we making a mountain out of a mound of used solder? Please comment.

===== 73 Sandy Donahue, W4RU Vice Director, Southeastern Division ARRL

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