Candidates’ Views on Amendment to the Bylaws
On the 2002 ballot APA members will be asked to vote on a proposed amendment to Chapter 11.2 of the Bylaws of APA. The change will require Assembly ratification of any amendments that are approved by the Board of Trustees. Such amendments are not effective until after Assembly ratification. The Committee on Bylaws, the Assembly Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees support passage of this amendment.
Marcia Kraft Goin, M.D.
Candidate for President
I am in strong support of this amendment. APA always benefits when there is clear communication, opportunity for thoughtful consideration, and informed membership collaboration. This amendment provides a process by which educated decisions and agreement can be reached, ensuring the unity and effectiveness or our organization.
Sidney H. Weissman, M.D
Candidate for President
I support this proposed amendment. It increases the democratic processes that are essential for an organization to effectively represent its members.
Barry F. Chaitin, M.D.
Candidate for Vice President
This proposed amendment will correct a defect in the bylaws adopted in the change to a 501(c)(6) organization whereby the Board could approve bylaw changes without approval of the membership. Now the Assembly will be able to provide some oversight if the Board elects to utilize this route.
Steven S. Sharfstein, M.D.
Candidate for Vice President
I support this amendment.
Carol A. Bernstein, M.D.
Candidate for Treasurer
I think there are issues on both sides of this amendment. I’d be happy to speak to members about my thoughts and their concerns.
Michael J. Vergare, M.D.
Candidate for Treasurer
I support the proposed change to our bylaws that will create a streamlined process for bylaws revision that is also sensitive to membership representation. This will be accomplished by linking approval by the Board of Trustees to ratification by a vote strength (weighted by district branch membership) of the Assembly.
David Fassler, M.D.
Candidate for Trustee-at-Large
With the recent change in APA corporate structure, amendments to the bylaws are no longer automatically submitted to the membership for approval. This proposal is designed to ensure that any such changes are discussed and approved by the Assembly. I think it's a reasonable suggestion, and I support the amendment.
Herbert S. Peyser, M.D.
Candidate for Trustee-at-Large
I spoke for the amendment. Originally intended for housekeeping or emergency items, the Board’s power to amend bylaws by itself might seem to be disenfranchisement of the members. They complained; the Board listened. The Assembly can help to represent the members in such instances.
Angela D. Harper, M.D.
Candidate for Member-in-Training Trustee-Elect
I support passage of the amendment, which will require Assembly ratification of any amendments that are approved by the Board of Trustees. I believe that this amendment would allow for greater representation and a clearer voice from all elected or appointed representatives and ensure a unified stance on major issues.
Sonia G. Patel, M.D.
Candidate for Member-in-Training Trustee-Elect
I support the amendment.
William C. Wood, M.D.
Candidate for Member-in-Training Trustee-Elect
I support this amendment to Chapter 11.2 of the Bylaws of APA. Given that APA is a membership organization, it is appropriate that some degree of broader membership approval should be necessary for Board-approved amendments to take effect.
Richard I. Altesman, M.D.
Candidate for Area 2 Trustee
As an Assembly representative, I voted for this measure to help restore grass-roots connections and democratic process. Ultimately we should strive for voting by the entire membership to approve significant amendments, rather than utilizing this alternative. The real long-term solution is for improved member participation and sense of involvement.
Ann Marie T. Sullivan, M.D.
Candidate for Area 2 Trustee
The proposed amendment provides an essential check and balance in APA governance. It is critical that members have a strong voice through their Assembly in ratifying any amendments to the APA bylaws passed by the Board of Trustees without a vote of the membership.
Jack W. Bonner III, M.D.
Candidate for Area 5 Trustee
I favor passage of this amendment.
Anita S. Everett, M.D.
Candidate for Area 5 Trustee
I support the amendment.
