MAAST Elections '06

[NaCl_H2O]

My mom said I should try... how old do you have to be?

I forgot to add - it is really neat that you are interested enough to ask

I nominate Aaron for a future BOD position :w00t

[::pete::]

Aaron
Have your mom register and run :innocent

[::pete::]

Today is your last chance ... y'all going to beable to bite your tongue for an entire year?

This is your chance to speak up, give input and change things that you feel need changing. No ****in' and moaning in 6 months!!

[pilot_bell777]

(all the beer you can catch)

The empties ..

Wasn't it Pete that said not to clutter this thread???? JJ :lol

Empties....I'm definately not ""Flying"" behind Pete if he is driving! LOL

[::pete::]

Wasn't it Pete that said not to clutter this thread???? JJ :Laughing

Yes it was, but I gave up as it seems no one can read and follow instructions to well!!! :o

[NaCl_H2O]

Closing ........ Closing ........

[::pete::]

The positions that are open on the board for the year 2006 elections are:

President
Officer position that runs for a 1year term.
Vice President
Officer position that runs for a 1 year term.
Board of Directors (5)
Board position that runs for a 2 year term.

Please see the By-Laws for more information on each position.

The following members will remain to serve the second half of their 2 year term as board members.

Sherri Ancira
Steve Krauskopf
Gary Powell
Chris Pugh



Candidates;

President

Pete Rafferty (:ete:: )

Being of sound body and having few words ... can I?

Vice President

Steve Rodgers (NaCl H2O)

Slight modification to my BOD Nomination post folks!

I have decided to run for the Vice President position, so please consider me for this position. If not elected as VP, I do still intend to run for an open BOD position.

My additional qualification for VP position:
First of all, my serving as an interim BOD member this past year makes me eligible to run for an officer position per our By-Laws. Also, serving on the BOD previously has provided me the necessary insight into the inner workings of MAAST so that I can effectively fill the position of VP. I have served as VP for a neighborhood association in years past. In my professional career I am a Director of a Dept. of about 60 folks and am very capable of managing teams, and participating as a team member. I am an effective and deliberate decision maker and I fully understand that the BOD and officers of MAAST are serving the members and not themselves.

Please consider me for the position of Vice President, thanks
- Steve Rodgers (NaCl_H2O)

Board of Directors

Steve Rodgers (NaCl_H20)

MAAST Charter Members, I am seeking your support to be elected as a BOD member for 2006.

Background: I served as an interim MAAST BOD for approximately 4 months in 2005, have been a Charter member since 2004, and first joined MAAST as a web member in 2003. I resigned from the BOD when my work became very demanding and felt I could not contribute at an appropriate level. Since then my work demands have settled down somewhat and I now fell I can once again contribute to the BOD at a level that will benefit MAAST. I have kept aquariums basically my entire life, but mostly freshwater. I attempted a marine FO tank in the early 1980s, but went back to fresh after limited success with my “Under gravel Filter”. I re-entered the saltwater hobby in 2002 and succeeded ONLY because of MAAST!

Qualifications: As stated above, I did serve briefly as a MAAST BOD member in 2005. I have also served as Treasurer and Vice President of a home owners association for several years, and managed the HOA’s recreational facilities (pool & clubhouse). Professional career wise, I am a Software Engineer … now in management and they don’t let me have any fun anymore! I doubt very few of us consider ourselves to be Maine Aquarium “Experts”, I definitely am not, but I have gained a great deal of knowledge (I learn from mistakes ;)) about marine reef keeping in the past years. MAAST group activities and sharing friendships and knowledge with others in the hobby gives me a great deal of happiness, and I plan to be in this hobby and part of MAAST for a long time. I am 48 years old, married 30 years, with two grown children ages 25 and 22.

Desire to serve: In the past few years I have met a whole new crowd of folks through MAAST, many I consider personal friends, and all I consider great people. Sharing my interests in this hobby with others brings me a great deal of pleasure, and I want to make sure that MAAST will prosper so that all of our current and future members can benefit from this organization as I have. My work remains very demanding, but I do feel I can contribute at a level adequate to benefit the organization. My primary hesitation with serving as a BOD is not having enough time to do everything I can to help MAAST flourish, which I don’t have time to do … that’s why I want to see more interest from other members before I will run. Above all else, MAAST needs more active involvement from it’s members in the BOD and committee activities.

A few of my thoughts: MAAST has grown a great deal, and with this growth the BOD has attempted to ramp up activities to match this growth. I feel the BOD has tried to do a bit too much in 2005, which has resulted in a few VERY active BOD members burning out rather quickly. Until the membership is willing to take a more active role (more active BOD members, more active committees, etc.), the BOD should pace themselves a bit more and strive to provide to the members the activities that seem to be received the most favorably. In order of priority, I feel these activities are: 1) Maintain our MAAST website and forums to keep up with the growth in membership, providing excellent availability, security, and user response time; 2) Organize and conduct 1-2 MAAST meetings sponsored at LFSs during 2006; 3) Organize and conduct 4-6 educational/raffle type meetings (member hosted) during 2006; 4) Organize and conduct one speaker event (such as Mike Paletta’s) in 2006.

Thanks for your consideration – Steve

Roy Gall (SBreef)

Attention MAAST Charter Memebers.
I would like your support and vote for a position on the Board of Directors.

Background:
I am currently the Meeting Committee Chairman. I was asked and appointed to the postion in Sept '05.
I first joined MAAST as a Web Member in Jan. '04, and shortly there after, I became a Charter Member.

Qualifications:
I has previously owned a small electronics repair business. Due to how inexpensive merchandise became to purchase, I chose to close my business. I am currently an A/V Tech for a state agency. I am also an Honorary member of a large civic organization.

Why do I want to Serve on the BOD?
In the last couple of years, I have met a wonderful group of people. Since joining MAAST, everyone has been very helpful! It has been a wonderful experience, in knowing that there are others out there willing to help me and others learn. And hopefully I can contribute the knowledge that I have gained here and from my profession.
At this time, my work requires me to work every other weekend and some evenings. Also, my family life keeps me very busy. Therefore I sometimes do not have the time to check the boards in the evening. But I feel that I still can contribute to the BOD.
Another BOD member asked me to run. I thought about it, and after talking with my wife, we decided that this would be a great opportunity.

My thoughts:
MAAST in the last couple of years, has had a major growth expolsion!! And this growth created some unforeseen problems. But the BOD stepped up and resolved the problems.
I would like to hear from the membership, your ideas about this club. As charter members, we all have a voice and a stake in the well being of the club, and the BOD needs to hear these voices.
I have seen phrases in the past about a "Good 'Ol Boy's Club", well I am not one of the "Good 'Ol Boys"
I would like to see all Charter Members be more involved in the Club. One Idea that I have is this, as a part of becoming a Charter Member, I would like to see new Charter members either elect or be appointed to serve on a committee, and of course lets not forget current Charter Members. If we had more members on these committee's, people running the committee would not burn out so fast. Yes, it is a lot of work to set up meetings, find meeting locations, get prizes, get new sponsors and etc. But if we had more participation from more members, then things would not be as hectic for the committee chairperson, and things could only get better.
The club memebership consists of the South Central part of Texas. And I understand that we all can not make meetings because of distance, but a small amount of participation and support in the club, will make things better for all involved. And that is what MAAST is all about!

Roy
SBreef
MAAST Meeting Committee Chairman

Rob (Shark Bait)

MAAST Charter Members, I am seeking support for the 2006 BOD elections.

Background: I joined MAAST as a web member in 2003 when I was still in Florida knowing I was moving to Corpus. I was looking for someone to fish sit while I made the trip. I got hooked on the site and have never left. My first meeting was the elections in '04 where I became a charter member. I have been keeping aquariums for about the last 15 years. Starting out in fresh then making the jump to Saltwater about 7 years ago when I had some money burning a hole in my pocket. I was the LFS godsend. A guy with plenty of money and no experience. He did guide me in the right direction on most of the things but there were a few times I think he needed to pay the rent. I have always had reef tanks from the time I started in salt. I wish there was a place like MAAST back then as the amount my tank has improved since I found it can not be measured.


Qualifications: I am the Vice President of my home owners association for the last 2 years. Not saying I did much for it during that time as the President was a work from home guy who had nothing but time on his hands. But he is leaving and I have been asked to take his spot. Professional career wise: I am an Avionics Tech in the Navy. I've been in for 16 years now so my job is mostly a desk jockey which gives me plenty of time to read through all the postings on MAAST. I am in no way an Expert in anything, as there is always someone who knows more than you, But I am not afraid to go look for that person and ask for their advice/help. I am 35 years old, married 4 years, with two no children ages, but do have 2 dogs a big bird (Mullacan Cockatoo) and of course fish.

Desire to serve: As stated above the amount of experience and knowledge I have gained from MAAST is inmeasurable. I want to do what ever I can to ensure that this club says around for as long as possible so those that are either just finding us or are new to saltwater will have this wealth of information to rely on and ask questions.. I may not be the local guy for most of you, but do not hesitate to give me a call when your down here in Corpus as the grill is always ready and there is always something cold in the fridge. I have got alot from this club and now feel it is my turn to give something back.

Rob--

Carl (carlinsa)

ok here it goes sorry i dont have all the qualifications and background as previous runners have stated. i have been in maast now for just a short amount of time. i have only been in the hobby for about a year or so but in this short amount of time i have managed to get 5 tanks up and running with pretty good succes. i have a want to see this organization go farther and make it. In the past year i have tried my best to help out people with everything i have and the little amount of knowledge i have learned.

sorry if my post isnt as long as some of the others that would like to be on the BOD but in time i am sure i can build a resumee as impressive as the other. so when it come times just give me a thought and if you think i would be help then give me a vote.

thanks for looking
Carl

Brian Jackson (greenmako)

MAAST Charter Members, I am seeking your support to be elected as a BOD member for 2006.

Background:
I have kept aquariums since I was a weeee little boy. They were all freshwater until two years ago when I started my first step into saltwater (I think it was more of a leap). I was referred to MAAST by Texas Tropical over two years ago and have never left. A few months later I became a Charter Member and have been happy ever since. I seriously think I would not have had the good fortune I have had if not for MAAST. I've had all kinds of saltwater tanks from softies to SPS from nano's to a 150 gallon tank, but I enjoy every minute of it and every ounce of salt creep.

Qualifications:
I am currently the Treasurer for Tau Beta Pi(Engineering Honors Society), and I am currently a student studying Electrical Engineering, I graduate next semester. I have kept all kinds of Marine tanks as stated before but I continue to learn new stuff everyday. I have met some great people on this site and they have become great friends. One such friend calls everything saltwater related "Fishy stuff", and I say that because Fishy stuff makes me happy!
I also think that I'm lucky because I have a soon to be wife that loves the hobby as much as I do, and she has supported me all the way (sometimes giving me the crazy look like when I bought a skimmer the size of a small generator Rolling Eyes )

Desire to serve:
I want MAAST to flourish and prosper, and to be the best MAAST I know it can be. I will put forth as much time as I can to make sure this happens and will help out with anything that I can. I will be the best MAASTard that I can be.



Thanks for your time and consideration – Brian

Sean Hall (cpreefguy)

MAAST Charter Members, I am asking for your consideration to be elected a BOD for the 2006 elections.

Background:
I have been in the saltwater hobby for about 5 years now. I have kept many sucessful reef aquariums, but like my fellow MAAST members, I have been bitten by the "bug" and I am constantly upgrading. I have had tanks from 2.5 gallons all the way up to a 58 gallon, and my newest (near future) venture, a 63 gallon propagation system. After I discovered MAAST, I have been absolutly addicted. I have made many close friends and met alot of friendly and knowledgeable people. I have also gained a great deal of experience and information through MAAST which has allowed me to grow as a person and a hobbiest. Now I want to give back.

Why I am qualified to serve:
I have sucessfully kept saltwater tanks for 5 years. I have a years worth of experience at a LFS. Learning the ins and outs of the saltwater world. This has afforded me the great opportunity to work many hours with hands on propagation, observing many different species of fish, and the opportunity to meet and familiarize myself with quite a bit of members on this board. I am currently enrolled at Texas State University for a degree in Marine Biology because I am fascinated with saltwater environments and how they work.

Why I want to serve:
I love MAAST! I think this would be a great opportunity for me to give back to such a great community. I am eager to learn more about what goes into MAAST and how it works. I am also eager to educate and participate in the great events this club provides. I think Sherri might have said it best, I love this stuff!!!

Thanks for your consideration-
Sean Hall

Mike Parsons (MikeyBoy)

I do not know everything about Saltwater, but I do know how to get things done and how to work hard!

My name is Mikeyboy, and I am running for office!!

Background:
I have been a certified diver for about 15 years now and have always loved the ocean and wanted to have an aquarium. About 1 1/2 years ago, I finally took the plunge and walked in the fish store and bought a complete system on the spot!!! I cannot tell you how much I did not know at that moment.
I feel like I have made every mistake in the book and still make them today.
The beauty in that is, I am starting to get the hang of it. After having MAJOR problems with my first system, I went nutso, and turned my whole formal dining room into a fish room and have a 500gallon system! Its coming along nicely and has been up since January 3. I was introduced to MAAST by Gary P.
He recruited me to the site, just like he has done to SOOO many others.
I have made many friends here and could not be where I am today without them and this site.


Qualifications:
Along with just being a saltwater enthusiast, I do other community work in town. I work for the Coca-Cola company and have connections all over town in just about all aspects of business.
I have served on multiple Board of Directors including but not limited to:
Junior Achievement of South Texas-Executive Committee Member
North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
Currently Serve as Chairman of the Board for Boys and Girls Clubs of South Texas.
I spend alot of time online and have time to offer. I keep up with most all current posts and try to be helpfull to as many new members as possible.
Like Gary, I do my best to introduce as many people as possible to the site.

Desire to Serve:
I have the time
I have the contacts
I would like to give back, to an organization that has given me sooo much.
I feel like I can make it a better organization with the help of other BOD.
I have dealt with MANY complex business situtations and have a level head, which seems to me is very much needed as a BOD.


Again, I am by no means the smartest person about Saltwater. I know enough to be dangerous and somewhat helpful to those in need.
I will share my knowledge and skills, I will help, and I will be involved.
I would not nominate myself I couldnt / wouldnt.
I thank you for taking the time to read this long post and I ask for your vote.
And god bless America and MAAST. and to heck with the REST!! lol


Mike Parsons
Candidate for BOD

John (falcondob)

(1) I am old and have already made most of my mistakes. (I seem to keeping finding a few however.)

(2) I went from a 42 gallon hex to a 300 gallon in 6 months. (So, I show willingness to go where only angels fear to tread. See #1)

(3) I have been in the military, worked for a large multi-national corporation, worked as an Assistant City Manager, and I am a Master Falconer (federal permits, fun stuff). (So, I know about boring meetings, silly regulations, financial grumbling, unrealistic expectations, and political assasination.)

(4) My kids think I suck, and they are ALWAYS wrong, so I must NOT suck.

Seriously, I think that MAAST is an excellent organization. The website gives you a forum to talk, get advice, hear other opinions, gripe, vent, buy and sell stuff, and just hang out. The organization gives you some kind of social life that doesn't include wiping up water or glueing something back together. It also provides you opportunities like the Mike Paletta Talk. How cool was that?

The coming years are going to be watershed years for both the hobby and MAAST.

MACNA XVIII will be in Houston (going try and make that one!).

The knowledge base in husbandry of captive-reefs is growing by the month.

Newer, smarter, and better equipment arrives on the scene faster than I can keep up.

The pressure from outside groups will continue to grow to stop the take of wildlife from the wild reefs. From my falconry experience, I can tell you this issue is REAL and should concern us all.

Some of these organizations and people will not stop in trying to prevent the use of natural resources, regardless of reality or facts. It is entirely possible that we will see the importation of corals, fish, and other wild reef life limited or eliminated in the near future.

To meet these changes and challenges I propose the following:

MAAST needs to work with other groups to ensure that reality and substantiated facts rules the day.

MAAST needs to ensure that captive propagation is encouraged and fostered.

MAAST needs to apply pressure to retailers and wholesalers to make sure that that those who are harvesting the renewable resources of the world reefs do so in a responsible and humane manner.

MAAST needs to continue and expand its education program. The local astromony club gives talks and demos to schools and other youth organizations. This could be a goal for the club.

I would be honored to help MAAST, and its members, meet these new discoveries head-on, make as much information available as possible, and confront the issues facing the hobby with responsibility, courage, and dignity.

Lastly, I want this to be fun. This is fun hobby. It should be fun in all its aspects.

Thanks,
John

Jason Bell (Pilot bell777)

I love the club so why not be part of what makes it even better!

I am seeking a position as any that I can make a difference; president, vice president, or on the BOD.

Background:
I have kept reef aquariums from 2.5 gallons and up. I started in this hobby with the idea of keeping pretty fish but found myself bitten by the bug when a friend of mine gave me a couple of mushroom frags. After watching them grow I quickly got rid of my predator tank and began setting up my first reef tank. Now I am beyond addicted and in my opinion, not my wife’s; I could never have too many tanks. I have gone from an attitude of salt water fish are prettier than freshwater to feeling like a want-a-be marine biologist due to the support and efforts of MAAST. The only thing that I found that I love as much as the Reef Keeping Hobby, is being a pilot.


Qualifications:
My qualifications go beyond simply salt water. I have been an entrepreneur since I was 22 years old and have learned a lot about business, organization, advertising, management, etc. By the time I was 24 years old I was the Operations Manager for a large Telecomm Company over two cities as well as owning a small but fruitful Web Development Company. I am still running my small Web Development Company but under a different name since the dissolving of my partner’s and I relationship.

I am currently attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University which is one of the top aviation colleges in the country and working towards my commercial pilot’s license to pursue a career as a professional pilot.


Desire to serve:
I have a true desire to serve and be more than just a chatty, funny charter member. I wish to make a difference in the club that I so love as well as the hobby that drives me to learn and experience more.

I am currently living in the Austin area and would love to represent the Austin members of our club but more for the benefit of the club as a whole and what is best for MAAST.


Thank you,
Jason Bell
Pilot_bell777

I would like to say thank you to everyone that stepped up as well as thank you to those that considered stepping up. As you can see the list exceeds our needs so the best of luck to everyone.

This post as well as the other 5 pages are here for your review to help in making your decision for the Officers and Board of Directors for the year 2006.

Watch for the polls Thursday December 15, 2005 from 9:00am - 9:00pm.

[::pete::]

There has been a few changes so here is a bump.

[::pete::]

Watch for the polls Thursday December 15, 2005 from 9:00am - 9:00pm.