Dear Colleagues:
You may have
received an email from Bob Marshall regarding the December
31st memo entitled, "Member
Participation in Mandatory Assessment
Program." I write to express my deep
reservations about the policy.
First, I am
concerned about the possible appearance of
impropriety. Reasonable observers
could conclude that assignments to
committees or chairmanships are now
contingent upon the payment of very large sums
of money. Some may fear that financial
pressures might unduly influence legislative
decisions.
Because we conduct
the People's business, we must avoid any suggestion
that appointments are somehow be
linked to such payments.
I am not aware
of any mechanism for promulgating this
policy without the concurrence of our members.
By what authority can we dispense with the
normal process of making a motion, conducting
discussion, and placing the matter to a vote of
the members?
Because of these
concerns, I must decline to participate in the
Mandatory Assessments Program, and I urge
its prompt rescission.
Most sincerely,
Dick
Posted:
January 6, 2004
