[Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention

Paul Martinez paul09ms at gmail.com
Fri Jan 9 22:59:13 UTC 2015 

Greetings fellow Federation,
 For those who do not know me, my name is Paul Martinez, and I
currently serve on the State board of directors. I was selected to be
on the board during the Daytona State convention to complete a one
year term. Since then one of my main goals for the NFB of Florida, has
been to strengthen members. So, we can all continue to build and
follow our mission, to live the life we want. I am very passionate
about the NFB and everything I do within our organization. For the
past two years, I have held the position of president of the Florida
Association of blind students. Within those years, we have tripled our
membership, created a mentoring project, held successful fundraisers,
and most importantly we have worked together as a team. Not only do I
work hard for the student division, but I believe in helping chapters
grow. Therefore, I helped build the state wide chapter by becoming the
treasurer. I also believe it is important to be involved in your local
area. So, I am a strong member of my local Tampa Bay chapter. Within
both chapters, I have assisted with several successful fundraisers,
kept the chapter organized and on task, and help with recruiting new
members. Also, I have had the honor of chairing the Scholarship
Committee for the last two years, which I am passionate about. On the
other hand, my personal mission is to not show our disability but show
the world our capabilities. Therefore, if I was reelected on the state
board not only will I bring the necessary skills needed for the
position, but bring my dedication and my passion

Looking forward to state convention.

Sincerely,

Paul Martinez


On 1/9/15, Joe Minichiello via Nfbf-l <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Well reading through these responses I decided to add my nonsense not my two
> cents my nonsense that being said I too would like to see who is running for
> these positions on the State Board I am curious is anyone running as a
> Republican for anyone who knows me I very warily vote for Democrats so I
> think we should know what your political party is thank you
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jan 9, 2015, at 11:19 AM, Tom Bellone via Nfbf-l <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> OOOPS! Sorry folks, looks like I got too ambitious with hitting the send
>> button twice.Tom
>>        From: Tom Bellone via Nfbf-l <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> To: Denise Valkema <valkemadenise at aol.com>; Kathy Davis
>> <kdavisnfbf at cfl.rr.com>; NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
>> <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Cc: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, January 9, 2015 11:15 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>
>> Congratulations Denise for bring the first (and so far only) one to
>> declare your candidacy for a board position.  I would truly hope that
>> everyone else who is contemplating running would declare their intentions
>> sooner as opposed to later.  If that does in fact happen, we all will have
>> ample time to help make informed decisions when it comes time to vote.  It
>> might be a good idea to consider a candidates' forum on the list or at
>> convention  prior to voting.As far as the minutes are concerned, I made a
>> request some time ago to have them posted.  That happened shortly after my
>> request, but has since gone by the wayside.  I'm not sure why, but would
>> like to see them again.  The last set of minutes I saw was for the April
>> 2014 meeting.  Looking forward to seeing everyone in Ft. Lauderdale next
>> week.
>> Tom BelloneDaytona Beach
>>        From: Denise Valkema via Nfbf-l <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> To: Kathy Davis <kdavisnfbf at cfl.rr.com>
>> Cc: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>> Sent: Friday, January 9, 2015 10:33 AM
>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>
>> I agree that the minutes should be posted and will ask why they are not.
>> You have asked me to research other things and I have followed through. I
>> like that you ask.
>>
>> The presidents committee teleconference is only for chapter presidents and
>> division presidents.  I am sorry if I did not make that clear.
>>
>> The members should be active in local chapter and divisions if possible.
>> could show interest in committees, but at minimum be active in a chapter.
>>
>>
>> I will not run  if not nominated and will run if nominated and feel people
>> want me on the board. I would like to see more mentoring of others that
>> could rise to higher positions on board. I thought what Dr. Maurer did
>> planning to not run in few years, and mentoring in process was a good
>> idea.
>>
>> Hope this helps.
>>
>> Sincerely, Denise Valkema by iPhone
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Jan 9, 2015, at 10:18 AM, Kathy Davis <kdavisnfbf at cfl.rr.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Good Morning Denise,
>>>     Thank you for sharing some of your convictions as an NFBF officer. I
>>> really appreciate your openness about what you believe is important for
>>> the
>>> NFBF as we move forward. Will you be running for office? I certainly
>>> hope
>>> so. I also urge other officers and board members to share their views and
>>> to
>>> let us know if they will be running for reelection. In addition, it would
>>> be
>>> terrific if others plan to run for a position on the board of directions
>>> who
>>> do not currently hold such a leadership role at this time.
>>>     It's troubling that we do not have board minutes posted on our
>>> website since April. How in the world are we to know what is going on?
>>> Besides, posting board minutes is a policy that should be adhered to and
>>> is
>>> not being followed at this time.
>>>     I don't believe that the rank and file members realize that they are
>>> invited to participate in the NFBF President's conference calls. I have
>>> no
>>> idea which chapter presidents attend these meetings but certainly all
>>> should
>>> be on these very important calls. Can you enlighten us on the matters I
>>> have
>>> outlined above?
>>>
>>> Have a blessed day,
>>>
>>> Kathy Davis
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Denise Valkema [mailto:valkemadenise at aol.com]
>>> Sent: Friday, January 09, 2015 9:39 AM
>>> To: Marion Gwizdala; NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
>>> Cc: Kathy Davis
>>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>>
>>> The board has discussed having more than one in person board meeting. We
>>> feel it is a good idea.  Not all issues should be made public though so,
>>> we
>>> still need closed meetings. It is a good idea to post minutes.
>>>
>>> Sincerely, Denise Valkema by iPhone
>>>
>>>> On Jan 9, 2015, at 9:09 AM, Denise Valkema <valkemadenise at aol.com>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Currently, we have a quarterly presidents teleconference to inform
>>> chapters and divisions so information can be shared by the presidents at
>>> their monthly meetings but we have chapters and divisions that don't call
>>> in
>>> on this call or rarely call in. If presidents don't participate and
>>> share,
>>> how do members get information? We have chapter presidents that are not
>>> on
>>> this list by choice so, communication is not as good.
>>>>
>>>> I would like to see more communication between state board members and
>>>> to
>>> the membership.  I would like committees to share after each meeting,
>>> who
>>> attended and share what was discussed. I would like divisions to do the
>>> same
>>> or post minutes. This way we have ongoing updates instead of quarterly.
>>> I
>>> think chapter presidents should share what is going on in their chapter
>>> monthly. This way others might join the chapter, get involved in a
>>> division,
>>> or ask questions.  The communication issue is not just from state board.
>>>>
>>>> Members should be active members of a chapter especially now that we
>>>> have the statewide chapter, those that cannot make local chapter
>>>> meetings
>>> due to work or school or don't have a local chapter can Join it.
>>>>
>>>> We don't need someone on state board that just joined a chapter so they
>>> are complying with our constitution to run or someone who only attended
>>> one
>>> or a few chapter meetings. Since I attend regular chapter meetings in
>>> Miami.
>>> Part of being a good leader is joining the membership where it is at and
>>> work on voicing your opinions to make changes in the future. Some of our
>>> students are good examples of doing this.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Sincerely, Denise Valkema
>>>> 305-972-8529
>>>> valkemadenise at aol.com
>>>> by iPhone
>>>>
>>>>> On Jan 9, 2015, at 7:25 AM, Marion Gwizdala via Nfbf-l
>>> <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Kathy,
>>>>>
>>>>>   I tend to agree with you about wanting to know a little about who
>>>>> is seeking a seat on our board. Without such information, it seems to
>>>>> be only a popularity contest and not founded in a good business
>>>>> practice. I believe members must realize that the National Federation
>>>>> of the Blind of florida is a 501(c)(3) corporation whose affairs are
>>>>> managed by the board elected by the membership. This is one reason I
>>>>> pushed to have the minutes of the board of directors publicly
>>>>> available on our website. Similarly, I feel the meetings of the board
>>>>> of directors should be publicized and members ought to be able to
>>>>> observe the proceedings. I feel NFBF would be stronger and more
>>>>> cohesive if the board had more accountability. As it stands right
>>>>> now, I believe the average grassroots member has no clue what the
>>>>> NFBF,
>>> through its board, is doing on their behalf! JMHO!
>>>>>
>>>>> Fraternally yours,
>>>>> Marion Gwizdala
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kathy
>>>>> Davis via Nfbf-l
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 1:33 PM
>>>>> To: 'Lenora J. Marten'; 'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List';
>>>>> dlaiblcrowe at att.net
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>>>>
>>>>> Yes, Lenora, in recent years I notice that those running for office
>>>>> in the NFBF lean toward the surprise factor and choose not to
>>>>> announce their candidacy via the list. Wouldn't it be interesting if
>>>>> our public elections were held similarly? Certainly having lots of
>>>>> money to support a campaign wouldn't be necessary. Of course, the
>>>>> voting public wouldn't know much if anything when they go to cast
>>>>> their votes. Guess I would have the tendency not to vote at all.
>>>>> Being apprised of a person's qualifications and their vision for the
>>>>> future is crucial. I believe that the same is true for those seeking
>>>>> a position on the NFBF Board of Directors. Certainly this was the
>>>>> case for many years when I held various positions on the board
>>>>> including
>>> the two terms when I ran and was elected to the office of NFBF
>>> President.
>>>>>   It was helpful and informative when candidates posted to the list
>>>>> indicating their qualifications and their platform for the future of
>>>>> the NFB of Florida. Having only three to five minutes to tell our
>>>>> members
>>> what we
>>>>> are all about during elections is hardly adequate in my opinion.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Have a terrific day and I look forward to seeing you very soon.
>>>>>
>>>>> Kathy Davis
>>>>> NFBF Past President
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lenora J.
>>>>> Marten via Nfbf-l
>>>>> Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 10:45 AM
>>>>> To: dlaiblcrowe at att.net; nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi Darlene - I don't want to comment on who's running for election or
>>>>> re-election because some people prefer to communicate that
>>>>> information in person at the convention. While someone usually
>>>>> suggests that people post to the list, most choose to communicate on a
>>> more personal level.
>>>>>
>>>>> That being said, there have been some years where those initially
>>>>> running or running for re-election have posted to the list.
>>>>>
>>>>> Wish I could be of more help...
>>>>>
>>>>> If you have a question concerning a certain board member or position,
>>>>> I would suggest e-mailing that person directly.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Lenora
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Darlene Laibl-Crowe <dlaiblcrowe at att.net>
>>>>> To: 'Lenora J. Marten' <bluegolfshoes at aol.com>; 'NFB of Florida
>>>>> Internet Mailing List' <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Wed, Jan 7, 2015 3:43 pm
>>>>> Subject: RE: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi, Lenora!
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks for this info!  I have some questions.
>>>>>
>>>>> Are all whose positions are opening up running for re-election?  I
>>>>> realize that is not the case for Johnny...so sorry to hear about her
>>>>> passing.  She will be missed.
>>>>>
>>>>> I would like to hear from these individuals who are running for
>>> re-election.
>>>>> Can they share their thoughrs on their positions, past term
>>>>> (progress) and what can be expected for the next term?
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks so much,
>>>>> Darlene
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lenora J.
>>>>> Marten via Nfbf-l
>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2015 2:47 PM
>>>>> To: woutman at earthlink.net; nfbf-l at nfbnet.org
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi everyone, here is the list of which NFBF State Board positions are
>>>>> up for election or re-election for 2015. With Johnnie's passing,
>>>>> there are six
>>>>> positions:
>>>>>
>>>>> president, two year term - currently held by Dan Hicks 2nd vice
>>>>> president, two year term - currently held by Denise Valkema
>>>>> secretary, two year term - currently held by Lenora Marten board
>>>>> position, two year term - currently held by Jim Ellsworth board
>>>>> position, two year term - currently held by Paul Martinez board
>>>>> position, one year term - vacant (previously Johnnie Slayton's
>>>>> position)
>>>>>
>>>>> The positions that are not up for election or re-election are:
>>>>>
>>>>> 1st vice president, two year term until 2016 - currently held by
>>>>> Peter Cerullo treasurer, two year term until 2016 - currently held by
>>>>> Gloria Hicks board member, two year term until 2016 - currently held
>>>>> by Miranda Kilby
>>>>>
>>>>> In the event that an NFBF board member runs and is elected to another
>>>>> position, their currently held position will also be up for election.
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope that clears up what positions will be decided on Monday, Jan 19.
>>>>>
>>>>> I do realize by the time Monday morning rolls around it's really
>>>>> tempting to just take off and head home early. However, keep in mind
>>>>> that your vote really does count!! It was just two years ago where a
>>>>> position was decided by just one vote.
>>>>>
>>>>> Kathy makes a great point that if you do wish to run for a position
>>>>> it is an excellent idea to post to this list as to your vision for
>>>>> the future of NFBF.
>>>>> Yes, during elections, you get three minutes to talk and address the
>>>>> membership, but sometimes those minutes go by faster than you think.
>>>>>
>>>>> If anyone has any other questions, just let me know and I'll do my
>>>>> best to answer them.
>>>>>
>>>>> See you in Ft. Lauderdale!
>>>>>
>>>>> Lenora J. Marten, President
>>>>>
>>>>> Florida Organization of Parents of Blind Children Secretary, NFB-FL
>>>>> Florida Rehabilitation Council for the Blind bluegolfshoes at aol.com
>>>>> 904-229-9554
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Bill Outman via Nfbf-l <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> To: 'NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List' <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> Sent: Tue, Jan 6, 2015 12:34 pm
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi, Kathy and all.
>>>>> Remembering that Peter Cerullo was elevated to first vice president
>>>>> last year, this means that president, second vice president,
>>>>> secretary and a pair of board positions are up for two year terms.
>>>>> There were possibly a couple of one year elections for board seats
>>>>> where members resigned their seat or moved to another position.  This
>>>>> could cause some rearrangement of the deck chairs, so to speak.
>>>>>
>>>>> For those who may be new to the process, every year half the board is
>>>>> up for election, two of the board positions and in this case, three
>>>>> of the five constitutional officers, as there are nine total board
>>> members.
>>>>>
>>>>> This is my recollection at the moment.
>>>>>
>>>>> Bill Outman
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: Nfbf-l [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kathy
>>>>> Davis via Nfbf-l
>>>>> Sent: Monday, January 05, 2015 10:16 PM
>>>>> To: NFB of Florida Internet Mailing List
>>>>> Subject: [Nfbf-l] Elections at 2015 State Convention
>>>>>
>>>>> Hi Fellow Federationists,
>>>>>
>>>>>               With our state convention only a short time away, it
>>>>> would be helpful to know what board positions are up for election. It
>>>>> would also be neat to know who is planning to run for these
>>>>> positions. No doubt we will have new members who are completely
>>>>> unfamiliar with the candidates. Others who have been around for a
>>>>> while just need to be familiarized with the open board seats for
>>>>> 2015. Posting to this subject line would be a wonderful avenue for
>>>>> members to become aware of those who are running for office. It would
>>>>> be an interesting discussion to learn about the qualifications of
>>>>> candidates as well as their vision for the future of the NFBF if they
>>>>> are
>>> elected.
>>>>>
>>>>>               I am hoping that we have an excellent turn out in Ft.
>>>>> Lauderdale and that everyone will arrive in good spirits ready to
>>>>> have a terrific convention. Many thanks to Tom and Deb Ryan and their
>>>>> chapter members for hosting us in Ft. Lauderdale.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> With warmest regards,
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Kathy Davis
>>>>>
>>>>> NFBF Past President
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
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-- 
Paul M. Martinez
President,  Florida Association of Blind Students

NFBFL Board Member

Treasurer, Florida State Wide Chapter
Paul09ms at gmail.com
Ph: 813-390-5720

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