The annual organization meeting of the MPS board holds a strange attraction--offering drama, bitterness, and surprises. Tonight's meeting made it abundantly clear that the board is split along party lines. Even the opening role call underlined this division, with Reformers answering "here" to the Defenders' "present." I leave it to a better psychologist than I to figure out whether the difference simply reflects group identification or a difference in views as to how active a board member should be (voting "present" on an issue is to obstain, after all).
An early mini-drama was played out over a Morales proposal to change the voting procedure. Although it was unclear exactly what she had in mind, apparently it involved being able to argue the merits of the candidates. Not necessarily a bad idea, I think, but it appeared to be a last minute idea that had neither been fully developed nor discussed with anyone in the Reform group. The proposal was defeated 5-4 along party lines.
The board then elected officers in its traditional fashion, with each member announcing their preference in turn. Ken Johnson was elected president by the five Reformers, with all but one of the Defenders voting for Peter Blewett. (Morales voted for Joe Dannecker, but this seemed a tactical move, since she did not support Dannecker for vice president.)
Again voting along party lines, the board elected Dannecker as vice president on a 5-4 vote.
Not at all surprisingly, the board voted not to increase its own pay.
Overall, I got the impression that several of the Defenders were quite bitter about their current minority role. This does not bode well for collegiality but may be good for reform.
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