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On January first, I began serving as your Dakota Division Director.  I want to thank Kent Olson KA0LDG for the serving as our Division Director, Vice Director and North Dakota Section Manager.  He has been a great role model for me as I learned the ropes as your 2016-2017 Vice Director. The past eleven days have gone by quickly as 2018 Vice Director Lynn Nelson and me prepare for next week’s ARRL Board of Directors meeting in Connecticut.  I have completed my review of the motions being proposed to date, which have been posted to the Division web site so you can form your own opinions.
The first motion is submitted by Central Division Director Carlson.  He is proposing changes to the Code of Conduct that make it clear that a director can share their public vote and share their opinions with members.  Left intact is the original author’s spirit that board members must at all times always act with dignity and integrity, both inside and outside of Board meetings, reflecting the ARRL’s high standards for ethical behavior and professionalism.  I support the motion because I hope the updated language will clarify what the document is and is not.  I signed the board's code of conduct and have no problem following it.  I feel I can freely share my opinions with my fellow directors and have my opinion heard at board meeting proceedings.  Once the vote has been tallied, it is my obligation, in a public setting, to present the board's decision, not my own.  The board and all the ARRL staff and volunteers need to present a unified voice when we speak in public or with government officials.  Once the ARRL Board of Directors establishes a formal position on a topic, the failure to proceed forward with that unified public opinion is a disservice to the members and a detriment to the hobby.
The next set of motions are from the Executive Committee.  Delta Division Director Norris (and the entire committee) put forth significant time to assemble these proposed changes to the Articles of Association and Bylaws.  I support all the changes proposed except for EC-6 and EC-12.  I am working with the authors to understand the full meaning of the proposed changes before I put my support behind EC-6 and EC-12.  As you review the documents and formulate your own options, I encourage Dakota Division members to submit their feedback to me.
Hudson Division Director Lisenco has submitted a series of motions for discussion.  I agree with motion #5 yet disagree with other motions to give board officers (President, Vice Presidents and Treasurer) voting privilege equivalent to a director.  I am open to hearing Dakota Division member feedback on Director Lisenco’s motions.
I was not a participant in the censure of Dick Norton.  Vice Directors did not participate in the discussion nor have a vote.  I hope the 2017 board has put the matter to rest and the 2018 board will focus on how do we get more people into the hobby, increase league membership and strengthen our relationships with the FCC, ITU, local public safety officers, and non-governmental agencies like the Red Cross.
I do not expect unanimous consent on all motions being proposed.  However, I do expect that we will treat each other with respect, have honest discussions and achieve consensus on matters that will benefit ARRL members, the amateur radio community (home and abroad) and the hobby we all enjoy.
Thank you for the choosing me as your representative for the Dakota Division for the ARRL Board of Directors.  I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
73 Happy New Year,
Matt Holden K0BBC
Director, Dakota Division
Important Links:

Board meeting agenda and motions, Hamfest calendar, division leadership contact information http://www.arrldakota.org/documents.html
ARRL By-Laws http://www.arrl.org/arrl-by-laws
ARRL Articles of Association http://www.arrl.org/arrl-articles-of-association
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