Here we are in the middle of one HOT summer and I hope that this message finds everyone well. It has been extremely warm in my neck of the woods, as I am sure it has in yours. But let me tell you what I think has been the cause of some of the hot, uncomfortable and at times, unbearable conditions- don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a debate on global warming or the enactment of a carbon tax or ban on off-shore drilling.
Some of this heat, in my opinion, has been brought about by the contested elections for several positions on the board of directors of NCRA. We have contested elections between R.Douglas Friend, RMR, CRR and Sandra M. Mierop, RPR, CRR, CCP, CBC for President-elect; Shirley Ann Hall, RDR, CRR, CBC, CRI, CPE, and Tami Smith, RPR, CPE for Vice President, Jason Meadors, RPR, CRR and Bruce A. Matthews, RDR, CRR, FAPR for Secretary/Treasurer and Victoria L. Pittman, RDR, CRI, FAPR and Viola S. Zborowski, RMR, CRR for Director.
A quick google search of each person, in my opinion, will tell you everything that you need to know about each candidate and what they stand for, as well as a number of court reporter forums such as NCRA’S, Depo-man and Compuserve’s CR forum. They are all deserving candidates. They are all candidates who are highly qualified (although it is apparent that a “stenographic only” theme has promulgated this election process).
In addition to these contested elections there are four Bylaw amendments which have been proposed and will be voted on at the upcoming NCRA annual convention in Chicago. But please remember, if you cannot make it to the convention, you may still cast your vote for all of the contested elections and for the proposed Bylaw amendments electronically. I strongly urge you to do so.
The first proposed amendment addresses who is eligible to vote at the business meeting. This amendment specifically restricts voting to “stenographic reporters.”
The second amendment addresses who may hold office, specifically allowing “stenographic reporters” who have served on past boards to be eligible to hold office again.
The third amendment addresses composition and eligibility of board members, requiring them to be, “stenographic reporters.”
Lastly, the fourth proposed amendment addresses a proposed seven year waiting period in order for a person to run and hold an office in which they previously served.
This is just a brief synopsis of the four proposed amendments of the bylaws of NCRA. Please take a few minutes and read them over and familiarize yourself with these proposals.
In my view, these are very important issues that must be addressed and taken very seriously. This is our profession. This is our livelihood. We are at a crossroads of sorts on a national level with regard to our profession. These amendments have been carefully worded by utilizing the phrase, “verbatim stenographic reporters” throughout the verbage.
Please vote either in person or electronically on the contested elections and also on the proposed amendments. It is the only way that we can collectively control the direction of our national association. It is imperative that WE, the hard working stenographic reporters in New York send a message to NCRA regarding the direction of our profession and our national association.
Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the financial disclosures which have been made as of late, regarding NCRA’s expenses and tax filings. I have included a link here that I think all of you would find very interesting. Whether you agree or disagree with the rather circuitous way in which the data has been made available, it is very important that everyone who is a NCRA member and pays dues be aware of the published figures. I know that I found myself rubbing my eyes in utter disbelief as I went through the information. Here is the link:
http://ncraonline.org/NCRA/board/ncraops/
In addition, I know that not everyone is a “forum” type person. But please check out this thread on the NCRA forum regarding how these financial disclosures came about. Here is the link: http://www.ncraforum.org/showthread.php?t=1963
After reading this material, the contested elections and proposed amendments, are in my opinion, a result of these activities.
Now, switching gears, here in the Empire State there has been a flurry of activity due to the budget situation in Albany. The retirement incentive for official court reporters has created a tsunami of retirements in all judicial districts across New York State. To those of you who have elected to retire, CONGRATULATIONS! To those of you, (myself included) who find themselves coming up a little short on either age, years of service or the like, let’s keep swinging for the fences and keep rounding the bases because our time will come. Again, congratulations to all of you who have decided to retire. Good for you and your families; YOU DESERVE IT! Thank you for your loyalty and for the guidance that you have all provided to the less-seasoned reporters.
October is not that far away and the Convention Committee headed by our soon-to-be NYSCRA President, Lori L. Strong, RPR, CSR, CRR, has put together a fabulous seminar loaded with valuable information on great topics, along with a student seminar. All of this was made possible by volunteers, who are, as you know, all very hard working stenographic reporters with very busy lives. A big thanks in advance, goes out to Lori, Amy, Kathy, Mary Jo, et al.
So let’s all make sure that on the upcoming Columbus Day Weekend, October 8th, 9th, and 10th, we take advantage of the fantastic opportunity to earn CE’s, with our colleagues at the outstanding Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel which features 4,200 slots, along with over 100 gaming tables. Also, the Seneca Hickory Stick Golf Course offers 18 holes of championship-level golf on a challenging PGA-style terrain designed by world-renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones II. The hotel even offers a complimentary shuttle service for its golfers. And for those of you who have not visited the area previously - - Don’t forget to see the magnificent Falls!
Boy, does time sure fly when you are having fun! I think we can all agree with that old adage. As I sit here writing my last President’s page message to you, I keep hearing that thought reverberate in my mind.
It has been an honor and a privilege to have been your President over the last two years. It is very humbling knowing that I fulfilled a term as President of an association that was formed in 1876, by eight completely dedicated Court Reporters who at that time had the foresight and intelligence to form the New York State Shorthand Reporters Association. We are the oldest court reporting association in this NATION!
My loyalty and dedication to our outstanding profession has only grown stronger during that time. My knowledge regarding our world of court reporting has grown enormously during my term as president. Thanks for the opportunity!
BIG, BIG thanks go out to the Board of Directors. Thank you to each and every one of you for all your hard work over the last two years. Thanks for donating your time, by attending board meetings, leadership conferences, boot camp, student seminars, horizon scholarship fund, etc, etc, etc,
Lastly, a special thank you to Larry! Also, a word of advice, if Larry brings his clubs on Columbus Day Weekend, don’t believe his handicap score!
I hope that you are all able to enjoy the rest of the summer, whether in vacation land, beach land, or wherever you find yourself on these beautiful summer days.
The New York State Court Reporters Association has many more beautiful and prosperous days ahead of it as well. Ms. Lori L. Strong, RPR, CSR, CRR is our next President and will guide us into the next decade of this century. We are very fortunate to have such an experienced, knowledgeable and accomplished person to lead this 134- year-old court reporting association forward.
Lori is a strong and determined leader who knows how to get the job done. As I said, we are very fortunate!
As always my fellow scriveners, write fast and sell lots of copies!
Respectfully submitted,
Stephen A. Zinone, R.P.R.
President NYSCRA