DMEA board action damages member trust
Dear Editor:
The DMEA board last Tuesday took an unprecedented and very troubling action of rewriting bylaw language so that Glen Black could continue to represent the members of DMEA. The cooperative's attorney stated that Mr. Black was qualified when he was elected but became unqualified when the City of Delta chose to compete directly with DMEA in the acquisition of services for the new Maverik store.
This put Mr. Black in conflict with the bylaws that prohibit a board member from being employed by a competitor. The vote to accept new bylaw language which would change his status from being unqualified and thus needing to step down or be removed from the board passed 5 to 3. Three directors, Marshall Collins, Brent Hines and Tony Prendergast, had the courage to vote against changing bylaws that had served the cooperative well for decades and protected the members' interests.
Previous boards have removed unqualified directors in the past. If it bothers you that a high-level employee at the City of Delta, one that acted as interim city manager recently, is representing you as well as the city, you are not alone. Member sentiment, as expressed in the last several months of DMEA board meetings, was overwhelmingly against this action. DMEA has a stellar reputation and serves our communities well. Please keep the integrity of the association intact and let board members know of your concerns regarding their action. Please keep serious conflicts of interest out of the boardroom as it is difficult enough for directors to make wise decisions without the influence of a close competitor in the boardroom.
Paul and
Virginia Allen
Delta