LETTER: Why $20,000?

To the editor
I'm a member of the SEC Reform Group who attended the Board meeting last week, and I'm deeply concerned about the proposed informational / special meeting that has been proposed for this upcoming March.
a) This informational/special meeting is only three weeks away from the annual meeting that we've been awaiting for a whole year. The only way to pass the member resolutions that are so necessary in restoring fairness and returning some of the control to the member-owners is to have an excellent member turnout. Many of our fellow members live in Magdalena, Datil, Quemado, and many places both north and south of Socorro. Is it fair to expect them to drive that distance twice?
b) The figure quoted for cost of the meeting is $20,000. Why? Employees will be there, but it is assumed they'll just be getting their regular salary, however, they're going to pay for security in case any of us decide to get rowdy.There will be printing costs associated in mailing out notices, and for postage, and while that will be a considerable amount, it's way less than half of the projected cost. I'd bet the trustees are going to be paid also. These guys get $75 every time they attend a 10 minute Board meeting, and of course, the attorney will be well-paid. Thank God they don't plan on handing out cash prizes!
c) By tacking on the word "special" to the type of meeting this is supposed to be, they have acquired to right to have voting. Oh, oh. This board, with a few notable exceptions, is opposed to passage of our resolutions. If those of us who want change are few in number, some changes could be made (if they have a quorum) that could completely stop further progress by us.
I believe this meeting is being used by the board to offer resolutions counter to the member resolutions. If you agree that we don't need this duplication of meetings, I urge you to let the representative for your district know.

Sincerely,
Audrie Clifford

LETTER: Why $20,000?