[Linux-aus] RE: [Linux Australia]Election update - nominations close in 17 hours!
David Meeson
dm at clickstart.com.au
Sat Jan 8 08:33:08 UTC 2005
Whilst only a new member I would be happy to take a position
David Meeson
ClickStart - Educators in Technology
Web: www.clickstart.com.au
Email: dm at clickstart.com.au
-----Original Message-----
From: members-announce-admin at lists.linux.org.au [mailto:members-announce-admin at lists.linux.org.au] On Behalf Of Pia Smith
Sent: Friday, January 07, 2005 4:12 PM
To: linux-aus at linux.org.au
Cc: members-announce at linux.org.au
Subject: [Linux Australia]Election update - nominations close in 17 hours!
Hi all,
below is the full dump from the election page on who nominated who, and who has accepted their nominations (the actual candidates for the election). There isn't much time left to nominate, and there aren't many people who have accepted their nominations, so get in fast! :) Also feel free to start posting questions to the candidates if you have any. Posting to candidates and cc-ing linux-aus is preferable.
Cheers,
Pia
Nominations
===========
President
* Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au) was nominated by:
o Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com)
He's done a good job of Vice President over the past couple of years... We should promote him. ;)
o Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au)
o Arjen Lentz (arjen at mysql.com)
Will do a fine job
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Did fine as Pres of Vice, has contributed code as well.
* Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org) was nominated by:
o Arjen Lentz (arjen at mysql.com)
o Aguido Davis (horatio at computer.org)
"Sometimes it's better to light a flamethrower than curse the darkness."
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Yes, I realise she's not going to run this year (our loss) but this nomination is one way to help make it plain that we value Pia's contribution of enthusiasm and care - with just a dash of whimsy - which has begun to make so much of the regrowth inspired by the ctte which pulled the LCA2003 revolution.
* Anthony Towns (aj at azure.humbug.org.au) was nominated by:
o Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
AJ is a well respected member of the community. He is used to a role of leadership, level-headed, diplomatic and has an excellent understanding of the Australian Linux and FOSS community. He has been an active member of the community this year with FTA and associated issues, as well as a great source of reference for the committee. I think AJ would do a great job in this role, and trust him to maintain and grow the transparency, openness and usefullness of Linux Australia. He also has previous experience organising LCA.
* Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net) was nominated by:
o Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com)
Michael is currently out of AU, but he'll be in town in time for Canberra's LCA. He's been a good contributor to LA in the past, and cares a lot about Open Source, the FTA, Software Patents and a bunch of stuff like that. He did a good job organizing Adelaide's LCA too.
o Steven Hanley (sjh at cs.anu.edu.au)
Michael has a balanced and easy going manner to dealing with linux related issues, he can work well with many people.
Michael also has an excellent understanding of what is involved with running linux.conf.au which is still the primary mission of Linux Australia.
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Has exceptional strength and integrity, plus just the right amount of healthy cynicism. Lacks much of Pia's lively enthusiasm but easily makes up for that with in other personality traits, and most assuredly does not lack determination.
* Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au) was nominated by:
o Anand Kumria (akumria at acm.org)
Jon has run the Debian mini-conf at LCA for many years. Debian developers, by all accounts, are even harder to herd than cats. Jon has done this successfully and it speaks to his abilities in this area. I believe he would be someone who could "encourage the enthusiams" of the community effectively
o Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net)
Jon is a nice guy, but that's not why you should vote for him.
He knows his stuff, being a Debian geek, he is able to get along with lots of people and is enthusiastic. From where I sit he'd be a great choice for President.
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
My first experience of Jon was LCA2003. He's self organised and motivated - his level of organisation of the Debian mini-conf there made an impression on me. He can talk as well as do!
Vice President
* Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au) was nominated by:
o Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com)
He's done a good job in this role for the last couple of years... He would be good again.
o Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au)
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Does an absolutely top job of Vice. Has the enthusiasm and positivity to support a steady Pres very well. Remaining vegan in a busy position also says good things about both Stewart's organisational skills and his determination.
* Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org) was nominated by:
o Ryan Verner (xfesty at computeraddictions.com.au)
As the president of LCA the past few years, she's done some fantastic things with the team and I'd love to see her involvement continue.
o Bruce Badger (bbadger at openskills.com)
Pia has said that she is not looking to be president this time, but I hope that she will be willing to add energy and continuity to LA as VP. Fingers crossed :-)
* Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net) was nominated by:
o Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com)
As per presidential nomination.
o Steven Hanley (sjh at cs.anu.edu.au)
Michael has a balanced and easy going manner to dealing with linux related issues, he can work well with many people.
Michael also has an excellent understanding of what is involved with running linux.conf.au which is still the primary mission of Linux Australia.
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
* Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au) was nominated by:
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Would make an excellent stabiliser for an energetic Pres.
* Jason King (pizza at netspace.net.au) was nominated by:
o Jason King (pizza at netspace.net.au)
I've had a go at helping to run LUV for a few years , now I'd like a go at running LA.
* Kim Oldfield (linuxorgau at oldfield.wattle.id.au) was nominated by:
o Arjen Lentz (arjen at mysql.com)
Kim Oldfield has done excellent work for LUV in Melbourne, he is also level-headed and speaks well. Good communication with geeks as well as non-geeks. Very important for this job, I think.
Secretary
* Anthony Towns (aj at azure.humbug.org.au) was nominated by:
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
AJ is remarkably level headed, diligent and able to express himself clearly.
o Arjen Lentz (arjen at mysql.com)
o Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net)
AJ has enthusiasm and isn't just a yes man .
* Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au) was nominated by:
o Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
Jon is an active member of the community, who participates regularly. He knows the community quite well, and is even in his approach. I think Jon would be great on the committee in any capacity, however he would certainly be a strong secretary. I would hope whoever gets secretary ensures they maintain a high and transparent level of visibility of the organisation to the community.
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Jon is very steady and conscientious, which are very important attributes for a secretary. Also seconding Pia's words.
* Andrew Cowie (andrew at operationaldynamics.com) was nominated by:
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
Andrew has contributed a lot to LA over the past two years. I would like to see him continue in his role as I believe there is more he can contribute to LA. Enthusiasm for efficiently and sensibly doing things, experience with organisations and jumping out of perfectly good aircraft will continue to make him a valuable team member.
o Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au)
From the minute Andrew first arrived in Australia he jumped boots and all into LA and has been radiating enthusiasm ever since. Sensible approach to getting things done: I'd definitely like to see his input continue.
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Andrew already knows the job, brings with him extensive talent for blazing a trail through red tape and paperwork, and has plenty of energy.
Treasurer
* Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com) was nominated by:
o Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
Mark has done an excellent job in this position, and has made significant headway with the organising and transparency of the LA books. Rock on Mark :)
o Tony Breeds (tony at bakeyournoodle.com)
Mark is doing a great job. I think the continuity of him retaining this position for another 12 months will be most beneficial to LA
o Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net)
Mark's gone above and beyond in 2004 handling the finances. I can't believe someone who isn't an accountant could enjoy or do such a good job.
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
Stellar job so far. Looking forward to see the product of his continuing work.
o Steven Hanley (sjh at cs.anu.edu.au)
Mark has put a lot of effort into making LA's funds management more open/obvious and agreeable. Mark has also worked very well in ensuring linux.conf.au and other LA initiatives have a clear understanding of roles with respect to money handling. I strongly support Mark as treasurer.
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Knows his stuff, positive attitude, very careful and has done an excellent job so far. Would nominate him elsewhere too, but he's simply too valuable as the money man. (-: On top of all of this he's Western Australian, what more could you want? :-)
Ordinary Committee Members
* Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au) was nominated by:
o Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com)
Continuity with the past is good...
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
This is a catch-all nomination to help ensure that we don't lose Stewart if he somehow lucks out on an Executive seat.
* Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org) was nominated by:
o Ryan Verner (xfesty at computeraddictions.com.au)
As the president of LCA the past few years, she's done some fantastic things with the team and I'd love to see her involvement continue.
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Seconding everything Ryan has to say, and having Pia formally involved on ctte for at least a few months would greatly help continuity.
* Anthony Towns (aj at azure.humbug.org.au) was nominated by:
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
Has provided valuable input over the years and would continue to do so on the committee. Would also help with relations with UGs in QLD.
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
* Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net) was nominated by:
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
Michael would make a great asset to any team.
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
Michael has provided great input over the past year as part of his role on the LA ctte. I think it would be great to have him on again. #include <reasons others have mentioned>
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
This is a catch-all nomination to help ensure that we don't lose Michael if he somehow lucks out on an Executive seat.
* Geoffrey Bennett (g at netcraft.com.au) was nominated by:
o Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
Geoffrey is very level headed and an active member of the LinuxSA user group. He is used to a leadership position in the community, and has shown he is level-headed in difficult situations. I think Geoffrey could bring a lot to Linux Australia. He has also been involved in running LCA.
o Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com)
Anyone with more linux boxes than me must be good... Geoff helped run LCA Adelaide, and is a well known contributor to the community.
o Ryan Verner (xfesty at computeraddictions.com.au)
Geoffrey has demonstrated effective judgement, is hugely motivated, and has the right mindset for the job due to heavy involvement with OSS organisations (LCA/LinuxSA organiser, et al), all of which he's done incredibly competently. Seconded here :-)
o Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net)
Geoffrey has a great sense of right and wrong in the free and open-source software world. He has proved over the last decade that he has good organisation skills by running a LUG singlehandedly and being a core organiser for Linux.Conf.Au 2004. And anyone who writes filesystems and VOIP applications in Perl qualifies on both the technical and wackyness scales.
Geoffrey for committee member! Geoffrey for committee member!
Geoffrey for committee member!
* Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au) was nominated by:
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
For the same reasons he has been nominated and the same reasons in his spiel for President. I think Jon would be a valuable member of the committee
* Conrad Parker (conrad at metadecks.org) was nominated by:
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
* Jason King (pizza at netspace.net.au) was nominated by:
o Jason King (pizza at netspace.net.au)
o Chris Deigan (chris at deigan.id.au)
Jason's work to step-up and continue the LCA2004 proceedings CD was fantastic, and I think Jason would be a good member in working on projects and getting things done - a must in any organization.
o Michael Davies (michael at msdavies.net)
Jason is someone who gets the job done, and committee members are the work-horses of the organisation. He saw a need in helping get the LCA2004 CDs done, he volunteered and he followed thru.
* Rusty Russell (rusty at rustcorp.com.au) was nominated by:
o Chris Deigan (chris at deigan.id.au)
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
It's important that Rusty's work on Copyright and Patent issues be fully supported by the community and LA. Having him on the ctte is one way we can do this.
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
Rusty did some excellent work vis the FTA this year
o Leon Brooks (leon at cyberknights.com.au)
Rusty really is unique. (-: As well as boundless enthusiasm, an amazingly broad background of general knowledge and a special talent for cutting through the bull when required and a wicked sense of humour, Rusty would also bring bonus "icon power" credibility to LA.
* Andrew Cowie (andrew at operationaldynamics.com) was nominated by:
o Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
Andrew would be a valuable member of the team. I want him on the committee.
o Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au)
For the same reasons as he has been nominated for secretary.
* Bruce Badger (bbadger at openskills.com) was nominated by:
o Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
Bruse is very sensible and has been involved in many Open Source committees and projects. He also started Open Skills, and has worked with LA on policy making. I think he'd make an excellent contribution to LA.
o Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
* Alan Harper (alan at aussiegeek.net) was nominated by:
o Alan Harper (alan at aussiegeek.net)
I am nominating myself to be on the committee as I am interested in helping to bring Linux out in to the country (I live in Bundaberg, QLD)
o Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
New blood is always good for an organisation, particularly enthusiastic blood. I'd like to think that Linux Australia can facilitate bringing Linux to more and more people in Australia when the community utilises LA, so good luck with your aim Alan.
* Tony Breeds (tony at bakeyournoodle.com) was nominated by:
o Michael Still (mikal at stillhq.com)
Involved with organizing Perth LCA, and now treasurer for Canberra LCA. Would provide good liason with Canberra LCA.
o Steven Hanley (sjh at cs.anu.edu.au)
Tony is a sexy man and I would trust him with my life (similar to Micahel Still's 2004 election platform), also he a linux.conf.au 2003, currently is the linux.conf.au 2005 treasurer. Tony will have copious spare time to commit to Linux Australia once the April conference is over also.
Candidates
==========
President
* Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au)
Being a part of the Linux community for many years and Debian in particular has given me an acute awareness of the issues relating to coordinating people with different backgrounds and objectives. I see Linux Australia as the focal point for an amazing variety of people with equally varied interests and personalities who have cooperated (with varying degrees of success!) to achieve great things. The key to continued success for Linux Australia is to smooth the way for this cooperation to continue and to encourage people to pursue their areas of enthusiasm rather than attempt to force them into areas where they have no interest. In this sense LA is an enabler that provides an identity and an infrastructure for a variety of discrete projects and the local Linux community as a whole. Providing this infrastructure is critical to the continued relevance of LA, and that is where some of the most important work for the LA committee comes in. Having run an IT business for more than ten years I've come to appreciate the difficulty of balancing a tight budget and lack of human resources with the need to do things properly the first time in order to save money in the long term. My tasks as President would be to encourage and facilitate the rapidly growing Linux community in Australia, to provide our community with a recognizable identity, and to smooth the way for both small and large projects including LCA through a transparent and efficient organisational infrastructure.
* Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
Given the growth and success of LA it has become apparent that the the way the managing committee is run needs to be changed. We need to become effective in concentrating volunteer effort. Committee members have taken a lot and they have been getting burnt out.
Reaching out and engaging others in the community is crucial to the future of LA. This includes improving communication with conference organisers, the community at large and inside the committee itself.
Several specific tactics I plan include: reducing the number of formal committee meetings (reducing administrative burden), implementing efficient ways to decrease the length of meetings while increasing the amount achieved, implementing a better way to track tasks that we want to achieve and the progress made on them, starting informal conference calls to help co-ordinate projects, committee thoughts (so that everyone is on the same page) and community participation. Last but not least, it is the main goal of LA to make sure that linux.conf.au runs and is a success. For those who don't know: Stewart lives in Melbourne, breathes code, has been VP of LA for two years and works for MySQL AB.
Vice President
* Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
See presidential spiel
* Jonathan Oxer (jon at oxer.com.au)
Please see spiel for the President position.
* Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
Having recieved some concern about my leaving the LA committee and presidential role, I realised I can further contribute to LA, especially to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of the transparency and reporting processes put into place in the last two years. I have enjoyed serving the community and would be honored to continue to do so. I offer to the community 4 main personal aims for the year should I be re-elected: 1) The full documentation of the LA and LCA procedures and expectations. Through engaging the communities feedback we can re-assess the role of LA, and what else needs to be put in place so LA can better facilitate community projects. By having a common understanding of LCA and the roles and responsibilities therein, I believe we can also simplify that process for future LCAs. 2) The continuation of running the Open Source Forums, of which we ran one in December 2004. I plan to run a few more legally focused ones (anti-circumvention and FTA), as well as some general ones (Open Source business methodologies and Linux on the desktop to name a few). The last Forum "Software Patents" was a huge success and we had great feedback. 3) Further promoting the Grant Proposal Scheme to help out Australian Open Source projects and events. I believe this has been under-utilised, mainly through a lack of concentrated effort. 4) Better establishing the Linux Australia Press group for easier press releases, and to be more easily used by the community for projects and concerns.
Secretary
* Anthony Towns (aj at azure.humbug.org.au)
My aim is to ensure LA's existing projects get all the support they want and to find new projects that can benefit from LA's assistance.
Treasurer
* Mark Tearle (mark at tearle.com)
To continue my efforts of this year.
Ordinary Committee Members
* Tony Breeds (tony at bakeyournoodle.com)
If elected my goal as OCM would be to support the rest of the committee, the wider Australian Linux community and (for the first
3-4 months) liaise with the LCA2005 team
* Stewart Smith (stewart at linux.org.au)
See presidential spiel.
* Jason King (pizza at netspace.net.au)
Hi. As mentioned by michael , I helped with the LCA 2004 CD , I'm currently the education officer for LA , and I was previously the president and vice president of LUV (Linux Users of Victoria). I'm sure I can help the new committee with tasks, and keep them free to do the important things for everyone for the next year.
* Pia Smith (greebo at pipka.org)
See Vice President spiel.
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