Bylaws Committee's work not done

I believe the proposed bylaws amendment regarding member-based initiatives is overzealous and overreacting to recent CalCPA history. The Bylaws Committee recommended the proposed changes to CalCPA Council and council approved, by one vote, the proposed amendment. A motion to have all CalCPA members vote on this issue was defeated in a tie vote. This proposed bylaws amendment lacks significant support by your representative leadership.

Although any CalCPA member may suggest a bylaw change, it is up to the Bylaws Committee to decide the appropriateness of a member request. This is a good first step. A reasonably accessible member-based petition process is also very important.

I believe the current 50-member petition threshold is low considering CalCPA's size and complexity. I also believe that the current proposal is too restrictive. On balance, too restrictive is an inferior ideology to an overly permissive one.

CalCPA bylaws must be reflective of the needs and desires of the membership and there should be a reasonable process for members to challenge the status quo.

Vote NO. Send this proposal back to the Bylaws Committee and ask them to redraft a better and more balanced proposal. CalCPA's bylaws should be balanced and fair and support the rights of the majority by protecting the voice of the minority. We're CPAs; we can produce a better proposal than the one presented.

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A forum for your comments, suggestions and reactions. Fire off your succinct missive to: [email protected].

DANIEL D. MORRIS, CPA

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