[arrl-odv:35258] Re: Cruz & Johnson
It looks like as long as Roderick or Minster are not involved, as the "executive Directors", it's probably OK.... "If an organization’s executive director promotes or opposes one candidate over another while in his or her official capacity, the organization’s status will likewise be jeopardized. However, board directors, members, and staff are free to express their support for or opposition to a candidate in their private capacities.Though your organization can’t specifically endorse a candidate, you can still contribute in the field of politics. Many segments of the US population have benefited in the past when nonprofits have provided non-partisan support to registration drives, voter education programs, and candidate debates. The critical thing to remember in these cases is to stay outside the fray, remaining objective as an organization.For more information regarding the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to your organization, visit IRS.gov https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Res.... Or be sure to visit ExemptMeNow https://www.exemptmenow.com/?__hstc=96226051.aff28c52087c6389b4267c020cb165f... for the latest updates pertaining to tax exemption and non-profit news." 73; Mike W7VO
On 10/15/2023 3:40 PM PDT Richard Roderick via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote:
Perhaps a distinction can be made in how a "contribution" is made payable. John mentions making a contribution payable to a "campaign" but another possibility is to a PAC (which is what I've seen done before).
We've had the issue of this political line come up periodically over the years and I'm glad Mark sent out the article from Sumner as a reminder. It appears there is a hard line against any involvement in a political campaign so we need to careful and not give some critic an issue.
Rick - VP5/K5UR
On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 04:04:19 PM CDT, Kristen McIntyre <kristen@alum.mit.edu> wrote:
While I very much appreciate the effort that John and others put into getting this level of access, I am very uncomfortable with giving so-called personal donations in this fashion. I’m particularly uncomfortable with them being solicited on this ARRL hosted email list. I think an outside legal opinion is needed, at a minimum.
On Oct 14, 2023, at 7:54 PM, John Robert Stratton <N5AUS@n5aus.com> wrote:
All
We have a 10.20.23 in-person meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz at his Houston office. We will have multiple, local AR reps in the meeting, including at least one elected office holder. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Sen.Cruz to be our lead Senate sponsor.
We also have a 10.24.23 dinner in DC with Cong. Bill Johnson and one other Congressman.
It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both.
We are advised that $250 and up are reasonable contributions. If you can't hit that mark, any contribution would be beneficial. These contributions MUST be individual, non-corporate donations — and NO — any contribution cannot be reimbursed from your Director's budget. No contribution is too small.
If you wish to contribute to either Johnson or Cruz, you may make your check payable to "Bill Johnson Campaign" or "Ted Cruz Campaign" and send them to me. I will see to it that our lobbyists deliver your donations along with mine to the appropriate campaign person.
_______________________________________
John Robert Stratton
N5AUS
Director West Gulf Division
Office: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232
_______________________________________ _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
-Kristen (K6WX)
"Your eyes ... it's a day's work just looking into them" Laurie Anderson
(--... ...-- -.. . -.- -.... .-- -..-) _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Mike, Right. Of course you can act as an individual in following your own beliefs. The problem here is the solicitation by an individual who was acting in an official capacity as a board member. Art On 10/15/2023 8:51 PM, Michael Ritz wrote:
It looks like as long as Roderick or Minster are not involved, as the "executive Directors", it's probably OK.... "If an organization’s executive director promotes or opposes one candidate over another while in his or her official capacity, the organization’s status will likewise be jeopardized. *However, board directors, members, and staff are free to express their support for or opposition to a candidate in their private capacities.*Though your organization can’t specifically endorse a candidate, you can still contribute in the field of politics. Many segments of the US population have benefited in the past when nonprofits have provided non-partisan support to registration drives, voter education programs, and candidate debates. The critical thing to remember in these cases is to stay outside the fray, remaining objective as an organization.For more information regarding the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to your organization, visit IRS.gov <https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501(c)(3)-Tax-Exempt-Organizations>. Or be sure to visit ExemptMeNow <https://www.exemptmenow.com/?__hstc=96226051.aff28c52087c6389b4267c020cb165f7.1697420784239.1697420784239.1697420784239.1&__hssc=96226051.1.1697420784239&__hsfp=1516967102> for the latest updates pertaining to tax exemption and non-profit news." 73; Mike W7VO
On 10/15/2023 3:40 PM PDT Richard Roderick via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote: Perhaps a distinction can be made in how a "contribution" is made payable. John mentions making a contribution payable to a "campaign" but another possibility is to a PAC (which is what I've seen done before). We've had the issue of this political line come up periodically over the years and I'm glad Mark sent out the article from Sumner as a reminder. It appears there is a hard line against any involvement in a political campaign so we need to careful and not give some critic an issue. Rick - VP5/K5UR On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 04:04:19 PM CDT, Kristen McIntyre <kristen@alum.mit.edu> wrote: While I very much appreciate the effort that John and others put into getting this level of access, I am very uncomfortable with giving so-called personal donations in this fashion. I’m particularly uncomfortable with them being solicited on this ARRL hosted email list. I think an outside legal opinion is needed, at a minimum.
On Oct 14, 2023, at 7:54 PM, John Robert Stratton <N5AUS@n5aus.com> wrote:
All
We have a 10.20.23 in-person meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz at his Houston office. We will have multiple, local AR reps in the meeting, including at least one elected office holder. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Sen.Cruz to be our lead Senate sponsor.
We also have a 10.24.23 dinner in DC with Cong. Bill Johnson and one other Congressman.
It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both.
We are advised that $250 and up are reasonable contributions. If you can't hit that mark, any contribution would be beneficial. These contributions MUST be individual, non-corporate donations — and NO — any contribution cannot be reimbursed from your Director's budget. No contribution is too small.
If you wish to contribute to either Johnson or Cruz, you may make your check payable to "Bill Johnson Campaign" or "Ted Cruz Campaign" and send them to me. I will see to it that our lobbyists deliver your donations along with mine to the appropriate campaign person. _______________________________________
John Robert Stratton
N5AUS
Director
West Gulf Division
Office: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232
*_______________________________________* _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
-Kristen (K6WX)
"Your eyes ... it's a day's work just looking into them" Laurie Anderson
(--... ...-- -.. . -.- -.... .-- -..-) _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
Mike, Right. Of course you can act as an individual in following your own beliefs. The problem here is the solicitation by an individual who was acting in an official capacity as a board member. Art On 10/15/2023 8:51 PM, Michael Ritz wrote:
It looks like as long as Roderick or Minster are not involved, as the "executive Directors", it's probably OK.... "If an organization’s executive director promotes or opposes one candidate over another while in his or her official capacity, the organization’s status will likewise be jeopardized. *However, board directors, members, and staff are free to express their support for or opposition to a candidate in their private capacities.*Though your organization can’t specifically endorse a candidate, you can still contribute in the field of politics. Many segments of the US population have benefited in the past when nonprofits have provided non-partisan support to registration drives, voter education programs, and candidate debates. The critical thing to remember in these cases is to stay outside the fray, remaining objective as an organization.For more information regarding the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to your organization, visit IRS.gov <https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501(c)(3)-Tax-Exempt-Organizations>. Or be sure to visit ExemptMeNow <https://www.exemptmenow.com/?__hstc=96226051.aff28c52087c6389b4267c020cb165f7.1697420784239.1697420784239.1697420784239.1&__hssc=96226051.1.1697420784239&__hsfp=1516967102> for the latest updates pertaining to tax exemption and non-profit news." 73; Mike W7VO
On 10/15/2023 3:40 PM PDT Richard Roderick via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote: Perhaps a distinction can be made in how a "contribution" is made payable. John mentions making a contribution payable to a "campaign" but another possibility is to a PAC (which is what I've seen done before). We've had the issue of this political line come up periodically over the years and I'm glad Mark sent out the article from Sumner as a reminder. It appears there is a hard line against any involvement in a political campaign so we need to careful and not give some critic an issue. Rick - VP5/K5UR On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 04:04:19 PM CDT, Kristen McIntyre <kristen@alum.mit.edu> wrote: While I very much appreciate the effort that John and others put into getting this level of access, I am very uncomfortable with giving so-called personal donations in this fashion. I’m particularly uncomfortable with them being solicited on this ARRL hosted email list. I think an outside legal opinion is needed, at a minimum.
On Oct 14, 2023, at 7:54 PM, John Robert Stratton <N5AUS@n5aus.com> wrote:
All
We have a 10.20.23 in-person meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz at his Houston office. We will have multiple, local AR reps in the meeting, including at least one elected office holder. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Sen.Cruz to be our lead Senate sponsor.
We also have a 10.24.23 dinner in DC with Cong. Bill Johnson and one other Congressman.
It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both.
We are advised that $250 and up are reasonable contributions. If you can't hit that mark, any contribution would be beneficial. These contributions MUST be individual, non-corporate donations — and NO — any contribution cannot be reimbursed from your Director's budget. No contribution is too small.
If you wish to contribute to either Johnson or Cruz, you may make your check payable to "Bill Johnson Campaign" or "Ted Cruz Campaign" and send them to me. I will see to it that our lobbyists deliver your donations along with mine to the appropriate campaign person. _______________________________________
John Robert Stratton
N5AUS
Director
West Gulf Division
Office: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232
*_______________________________________* _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
-Kristen (K6WX)
"Your eyes ... it's a day's work just looking into them" Laurie Anderson
(--... ...-- -.. . -.- -.... .-- -..-) _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
_______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
-- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio®
Language is a wonderful tool, in this case, English particularly. Director Stratton wrote, “It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both.” He then went on to articulate where he, personally, might help us make such a contribution and cautioned us about mingling personal and ARRL funds. Director Stratton writes eloquently, with intent, education and fine meaning. We discussed this in a closed session a while back (2022?) and we should all be clear about our duties. We have decided as a board to support his effort within the law and I, personally, would like to support candidates who support amateur radio issues. Quite simply, being a lay person with a good foundation in English, understand Mr. Stratton's suggestions and appreciate this milestone in his work toward our mutual goal of legislative relief . The meeting will likely be short so we are counting on a compelling argument that the Senator will remember and might use in his support of our legislation. Let me know how else I might help. Mickey Get Outlook for iOS<https://aka.ms/o0ukef> ________________________________ From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> on behalf of Arthur I. Zygielbaum <k0aiz@arrl.org> Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 10:59:20 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:35261] Re: Cruz & Johnson Mike, Right. Of course you can act as an individual in following your own beliefs. The problem here is the solicitation by an individual who was acting in an official capacity as a board member. Art On 10/15/2023 8:51 PM, Michael Ritz wrote: It looks like as long as Roderick or Minster are not involved, as the "executive Directors", it's probably OK.... "If an organization’s executive director promotes or opposes one candidate over another while in his or her official capacity, the organization’s status will likewise be jeopardized. However, board directors, members, and staff are free to express their support for or opposition to a candidate in their private capacities.Though your organization can’t specifically endorse a candidate, you can still contribute in the field of politics. Many segments of the US population have benefited in the past when nonprofits have provided non-partisan support to registration drives, voter education programs, and candidate debates. The critical thing to remember in these cases is to stay outside the fray, remaining objective as an organization.For more information regarding the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to your organization, visit IRS.gov<https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501(c)(3)-Tax-Exempt-Organizations>. Or be sure to visit ExemptMeNow<https://www.exemptmenow.com/?__hstc=96226051.aff28c52087c6389b4267c020cb165f7.1697420784239.1697420784239.1697420784239.1&__hssc=96226051.1.1697420784239&__hsfp=1516967102> for the latest updates pertaining to tax exemption and non-profit news." 73; Mike W7VO On 10/15/2023 3:40 PM PDT Richard Roderick via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org><mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote: Perhaps a distinction can be made in how a "contribution" is made payable. John mentions making a contribution payable to a "campaign" but another possibility is to a PAC (which is what I've seen done before). We've had the issue of this political line come up periodically over the years and I'm glad Mark sent out the article from Sumner as a reminder. It appears there is a hard line against any involvement in a political campaign so we need to careful and not give some critic an issue. Rick - VP5/K5UR On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 04:04:19 PM CDT, Kristen McIntyre <kristen@alum.mit.edu><mailto:kristen@alum.mit.edu> wrote: While I very much appreciate the effort that John and others put into getting this level of access, I am very uncomfortable with giving so-called personal donations in this fashion. I’m particularly uncomfortable with them being solicited on this ARRL hosted email list. I think an outside legal opinion is needed, at a minimum. On Oct 14, 2023, at 7:54 PM, John Robert Stratton <N5AUS@n5aus.com><mailto:N5AUS@n5aus.com> wrote: All We have a 10.20.23 in-person meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz at his Houston office. We will have multiple, local AR reps in the meeting, including at least one elected office holder. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Sen.Cruz to be our lead Senate sponsor. We also have a 10.24.23 dinner in DC with Cong. Bill Johnson and one other Congressman. It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both. We are advised that $250 and up are reasonable contributions. If you can't hit that mark, any contribution would be beneficial. These contributions MUST be individual, non-corporate donations — and NO — any contribution cannot be reimbursed from your Director's budget. No contribution is too small. If you wish to contribute to either Johnson or Cruz, you may make your check payable to "Bill Johnson Campaign" or "Ted Cruz Campaign" and send them to me. I will see to it that our lobbyists deliver your donations along with mine to the appropriate campaign person. _______________________________________ John Robert Stratton N5AUS Director West Gulf Division Office: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -Kristen (K6WX) "Your eyes ... it's a day's work just looking into them" Laurie Anderson (--... ...-- -.. . -.- -.... .-- -..-) _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -- Arthur I. Zygielbaum, K0AIZ ARRL Midwest Division Director Member, Executive Committee Member, Programs and Services Committee Member, ARRL Foundation Board ARRL - The National Association for Amateur Radio®
I will reach out to our auditors for their advice. They understand and apply IRS regulations every day. As I think about this, irrespective of acting as an individual or not, the problem lies when you draw a line from a donation back to ARRL. If you like a candidate, that’s just fine. If it is clear that a donation, or a sudden influx of donations, represents a veiled action by ARRL and its Directors, I imagine that could be a problem. On a personal note, I suspect it would be viewed as going 60 in a 55. There isn’t much money or influence going on here. But I’ll leave it to CohnReznick to give appropriate guidance. You should also know that we have, even very recently, been asked by members to divulge the political affiliations of our board, by director. Once you start writing checks to candidates within the realm of ARRL, that’s going to become transparent and real. David From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Michael Ritz Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 9:51 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:35259] Re: Cruz & Johnson It looks like as long as Roderick or Minster are not involved, as the "executive Directors", it's probably OK.... "If an organization’s executive director promotes or opposes one candidate over another while in his or her official capacity, the organization’s status will likewise be jeopardized. However, board directors, members, and staff are free to express their support for or opposition to a candidate in their private capacities.Though your organization can’t specifically endorse a candidate, you can still contribute in the field of politics. Many segments of the US population have benefited in the past when nonprofits have provided non-partisan support to registration drives, voter education programs, and candidate debates. The critical thing to remember in these cases is to stay outside the fray, remaining objective as an organization.For more information regarding the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to your organization, visit IRS.gov<https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501(c)(3)-Tax-Exempt-Organizations>. Or be sure to visit ExemptMeNow<https://www.exemptmenow.com/?__hstc=96226051.aff28c52087c6389b4267c020cb165f7.1697420784239.1697420784239.1697420784239.1&__hssc=96226051.1.1697420784239&__hsfp=1516967102> for the latest updates pertaining to tax exemption and non-profit news." 73; Mike W7VO On 10/15/2023 3:40 PM PDT Richard Roderick via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> wrote: Perhaps a distinction can be made in how a "contribution" is made payable. John mentions making a contribution payable to a "campaign" but another possibility is to a PAC (which is what I've seen done before). We've had the issue of this political line come up periodically over the years and I'm glad Mark sent out the article from Sumner as a reminder. It appears there is a hard line against any involvement in a political campaign so we need to careful and not give some critic an issue. Rick - VP5/K5UR On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 04:04:19 PM CDT, Kristen McIntyre <kristen@alum.mit.edu<mailto:kristen@alum.mit.edu>> wrote: While I very much appreciate the effort that John and others put into getting this level of access, I am very uncomfortable with giving so-called personal donations in this fashion. I’m particularly uncomfortable with them being solicited on this ARRL hosted email list. I think an outside legal opinion is needed, at a minimum. On Oct 14, 2023, at 7:54 PM, John Robert Stratton <N5AUS@n5aus.com<mailto:N5AUS@n5aus.com>> wrote: All We have a 10.20.23 in-person meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz at his Houston office. We will have multiple, local AR reps in the meeting, including at least one elected office holder. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Sen.Cruz to be our lead Senate sponsor. We also have a 10.24.23 dinner in DC with Cong. Bill Johnson and one other Congressman. It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both. We are advised that $250 and up are reasonable contributions. If you can't hit that mark, any contribution would be beneficial. These contributions MUST be individual, non-corporate donations — and NO — any contribution cannot be reimbursed from your Director's budget. No contribution is too small. If you wish to contribute to either Johnson or Cruz, you may make your check payable to "Bill Johnson Campaign" or "Ted Cruz Campaign" and send them to me. I will see to it that our lobbyists deliver your donations along with mine to the appropriate campaign person. _______________________________________ John Robert Stratton N5AUS Director West Gulf Division Office: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -Kristen (K6WX) "Your eyes ... it's a day's work just looking into them" Laurie Anderson (--... ...-- -.. . -.- -.... .-- -..-) _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
FolksAny donation to any candidate not from your district and in your registered party should be avoided. Period. Ed Hudgens WB4RHQVice Director, Delta Div. ARRL -------- Original message --------From: "Minster, David NA2AA (CEO)" <dminster@arrl.org> Date: 10/16/23 7:56 AM (GMT-06:00) To: w7vo@comcast.net, arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:35262] Re: Cruz & Johnson I will reach out to our auditors for their advice. They understand and apply IRS regulations every day. As I think about this, irrespective of acting as an individual or not, the problem lies when you draw a line from a donation back to ARRL. If you like a candidate, that’s just fine. If it is clear that a donation, or a sudden influx of donations, represents a veiled action by ARRL and its Directors, I imagine that could be a problem. On a personal note, I suspect it would be viewed as going 60 in a 55. There isn’t much money or influence going on here. But I’ll leave it to CohnReznick to give appropriate guidance. You should also know that we have, even very recently, been asked by members to divulge the political affiliations of our board, by director. Once you start writing checks to candidates within the realm of ARRL, that’s going to become transparent and real. David From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Michael Ritz Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 9:51 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:35259] Re: Cruz & Johnson It looks like as long as Roderick or Minster are not involved, as the "executive Directors", it's probably OK.... "If an organization’s executive director promotes or opposes one candidate over another while in his or her official capacity, the organization’s status will likewise be jeopardized. However, board directors, members, and staff are free to express their support for or opposition to a candidate in their private capacities.Though your organization can’t specifically endorse a candidate, you can still contribute in the field of politics. Many segments of the US population have benefited in the past when nonprofits have provided non-partisan support to registration drives, voter education programs, and candidate debates. The critical thing to remember in these cases is to stay outside the fray, remaining objective as an organization.For more information regarding the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to your organization, visit IRS.gov. Or be sure to visit ExemptMeNow for the latest updates pertaining to tax exemption and non-profit news." 73; Mike W7VO On 10/15/2023 3:40 PM PDT Richard Roderick via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> wrote: Perhaps a distinction can be made in how a "contribution" is made payable. John mentions making a contribution payable to a "campaign" but another possibility is to a PAC (which is what I've seen done before). We've had the issue of this political line come up periodically over the years and I'm glad Mark sent out the article from Sumner as a reminder. It appears there is a hard line against any involvement in a political campaign so we need to careful and not give some critic an issue. Rick - VP5/K5UR On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 04:04:19 PM CDT, Kristen McIntyre <kristen@alum.mit.edu> wrote: While I very much appreciate the effort that John and others put into getting this level of access, I am very uncomfortable with giving so-called personal donations in this fashion. I’m particularly uncomfortable with them being solicited on this ARRL hosted email list. I think an outside legal opinion is needed, at a minimum. On Oct 14, 2023, at 7:54 PM, John Robert Stratton <N5AUS@n5aus.com> wrote: All We have a 10.20.23 in-person meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz at his Houston office. We will have multiple, local AR reps in the meeting, including at least one elected office holder. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Sen.Cruz to be our lead Senate sponsor. We also have a 10.24.23 dinner in DC with Cong. Bill Johnson and one other Congressman. It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both. We are advised that $250 and up are reasonable contributions. If you can't hit that mark, any contribution would be beneficial. These contributions MUST be individual, non-corporate donations — and NO — any contribution cannot be reimbursed from your Director's budget. No contribution is too small. If you wish to contribute to either Johnson or Cruz, you may make your check payable to "Bill Johnson Campaign" or "Ted Cruz Campaign" and send them to me. I will see to it that our lobbyists deliver your donations along with mine to the appropriate campaign person. _______________________________________ John Robert Stratton N5AUS Director West Gulf Division Office: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -Kristen (K6WX) "Your eyes ... it's a day's work just looking into them" Laurie Anderson (--... ...-- -.. . -.- -.... .-- -..-) _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
David, That is interesting to hear about request for political affiliation. 3 years ago while running for the position I had a few people contact me indicating the league should include political party affiliation information on the ballot so they could determine who to vote for. I told them something along the line about the political parties are not involved with the Board nor have influence on what the board does. Never heard from again and who knows how they voted. At least I know they didn’t impact my outcome negatively. 73 Bill AC0W From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org> On Behalf Of Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) Sent: Monday, October 16, 2023 7:57 AM To: w7vo@comcast.net; arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org Subject: [arrl-odv:35262] Re: Cruz & Johnson I will reach out to our auditors for their advice. They understand and apply IRS regulations every day. As I think about this, irrespective of acting as an individual or not, the problem lies when you draw a line from a donation back to ARRL. If you like a candidate, that’s just fine. If it is clear that a donation, or a sudden influx of donations, represents a veiled action by ARRL and its Directors, I imagine that could be a problem. On a personal note, I suspect it would be viewed as going 60 in a 55. There isn’t much money or influence going on here. But I’ll leave it to CohnReznick to give appropriate guidance. You should also know that we have, even very recently, been asked by members to divulge the political affiliations of our board, by director. Once you start writing checks to candidates within the realm of ARRL, that’s going to become transparent and real. David From: arrl-odv <arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv-bounces@reflector.arrl.org>> On Behalf Of Michael Ritz Sent: Sunday, October 15, 2023 9:51 PM To: arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:35259] Re: Cruz & Johnson It looks like as long as Roderick or Minster are not involved, as the "executive Directors", it's probably OK.... "If an organization’s executive director promotes or opposes one candidate over another while in his or her official capacity, the organization’s status will likewise be jeopardized. However, board directors, members, and staff are free to express their support for or opposition to a candidate in their private capacities.Though your organization can’t specifically endorse a candidate, you can still contribute in the field of politics. Many segments of the US population have benefited in the past when nonprofits have provided non-partisan support to registration drives, voter education programs, and candidate debates. The critical thing to remember in these cases is to stay outside the fray, remaining objective as an organization.For more information regarding the Johnson Amendment and how it applies to your organization, visit IRS.gov<https://www.irs.gov/Charities-&-Non-Profits/Charitable-Organizations/The-Restriction-of-Political-Campaign-Intervention-by-Section-501(c)(3)-Tax-Exempt-Organizations>. Or be sure to visit ExemptMeNow<https://www.exemptmenow.com/?__hstc=96226051.aff28c52087c6389b4267c020cb165f7.1697420784239.1697420784239.1697420784239.1&__hssc=96226051.1.1697420784239&__hsfp=1516967102> for the latest updates pertaining to tax exemption and non-profit news." 73; Mike W7VO On 10/15/2023 3:40 PM PDT Richard Roderick via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org>> wrote: Perhaps a distinction can be made in how a "contribution" is made payable. John mentions making a contribution payable to a "campaign" but another possibility is to a PAC (which is what I've seen done before). We've had the issue of this political line come up periodically over the years and I'm glad Mark sent out the article from Sumner as a reminder. It appears there is a hard line against any involvement in a political campaign so we need to careful and not give some critic an issue. Rick - VP5/K5UR On Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 04:04:19 PM CDT, Kristen McIntyre <kristen@alum.mit.edu<mailto:kristen@alum.mit.edu>> wrote: While I very much appreciate the effort that John and others put into getting this level of access, I am very uncomfortable with giving so-called personal donations in this fashion. I’m particularly uncomfortable with them being solicited on this ARRL hosted email list. I think an outside legal opinion is needed, at a minimum. On Oct 14, 2023, at 7:54 PM, John Robert Stratton <N5AUS@n5aus.com<mailto:N5AUS@n5aus.com>> wrote: All We have a 10.20.23 in-person meeting with Sen. Ted Cruz at his Houston office. We will have multiple, local AR reps in the meeting, including at least one elected office holder. The purpose of the meeting is to persuade Sen.Cruz to be our lead Senate sponsor. We also have a 10.24.23 dinner in DC with Cong. Bill Johnson and one other Congressman. It would be beneficial to our cause if we were to tender contributions to their campaigns. I will be tendering contributions to both. We are advised that $250 and up are reasonable contributions. If you can't hit that mark, any contribution would be beneficial. These contributions MUST be individual, non-corporate donations — and NO — any contribution cannot be reimbursed from your Director's budget. No contribution is too small. If you wish to contribute to either Johnson or Cruz, you may make your check payable to "Bill Johnson Campaign" or "Ted Cruz Campaign" and send them to me. I will see to it that our lobbyists deliver your donations along with mine to the appropriate campaign person. _______________________________________ John Robert Stratton N5AUS Director West Gulf Division Office: 512-445-6262 Cell: 512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -Kristen (K6WX) "Your eyes ... it's a day's work just looking into them" Laurie Anderson (--... ...-- -.. . -.- -.... .-- -..-) _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org<mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
participants (8)
-
Arthur I. Zygielbaum -
Arthur I. Zygielbaum -
Baker, Mickey, N4MB (Dir, SE) -
ebhudgens -
Lippert, Vernon "Bill", AC0W (Dir, DK) -
Michael Ritz -
Minster, David NA2AA (CEO) -
Richard Roderick