All items 15 of them almost got voted on without discussion - that would have been wrong. That is why we have state meetings to discuss proposals, ideas and thoughts. Otherwise there would be no need to show up if everyone just voted on 15 items in a block that are unrelated to one another. Every item should be voted individually. Who would count the secret ballots? Are these hand written ballots that are signed by club representatives? I vote that voters are present at the meetings. There is nothing wrong with a roll call vote - that is as about as open voting as you can get. Most of us just found out about these items about 2 to 3 weeks ago. I would like to see when proposals are submitted in July that they are posted on the web site in early August - that would allow for ample discussion and the vote at the state meeting would be much shorter.
I agree with getting issues out to the membership as soon as possible, but if you think that someone will vote the same in a roll call vote as they would in a secret ballot type vote, you are fooling yourself. Some would, but a lot would not. It is like being a liberal in rural Kansas. Most people would hide the fact that they are liberal, and talk conservative at the small town cafe. But without a secret ballot, they would not feel comfortable voting for their liberal candidates. As it is now, they go behind the curtain and vote for whomever they want, without worrying about someone looking over their shoulder.
I don't want my posts to imply that I am superdisappointed with the results of any particular item. I voted for the 6u issue, but didn't lose a wink of sleep over it. It is not that important to me, because I know where it counts in wrestling, and it isn't 6u. I also have a different outlook on the 6u state tourney that Ottawa puts on, than the "fun fun fun" picture that was painted of it. It is another wrestling tourney that is LATE in the season, when 6u kids should probably be at home, on a Sunday. The day after a long grueling day at SUbs or districts, can't recall which. I supported the "true" 6u state series to acknowledge the tremendous amount of money that the 6u kids kick into our state's coffers. I guess shortening the 6u season for most 6u kids was the main reason though.
The out of state wrestler issue is another that I wasn't strongly opposed or in favor of. I think we open ourselves up to letting kids in, but up to this point, hasn't been a big issue. Someone made a comment about those Oklahoma kids having to drive 5 hours every weekend. That is not true. They already said they are wrestling in KS every weekend already. We would only ask them to drive to the OKC or TUlsa area for their subs, district and state. Topeka is farther than OKC or TUlsa, so technically we are only asking them to drive a long distance an extra 2 times.
Come on people, standing up with a sad look on your face, saying "we do what is best for the kids" over and over, doesn't make you any better person that those that just DO what is best for the kids, without having to say it. Actions speak louder than words. As a matter of fact, when someone stands up saying that worn out statement, maybe I am taking it as you accusing me of NOT doing what is best for the kids. And that would bother me.
As for how to do the voting, and who counts them? Very simple, but would take a little more time: Behind a curtain that ALL hotels with meeting rooms have available, is a box with a hole in it that says FOR and another that says AGAINST. Each club is given a "ticket" as they go behind the curtain, (and their club is marked off the list to keep them from voting more than once) and they put their ticket in the box that they choose. Dump the boxes out on the table and count 'em.
Or, behind that same curtain, a smart feller like Mike Juby could come up with a excel program that allows a club rep to punch in a simple password, and has a YES or NO button to push, that would allow a computer to keep a running total (not shown on the screen) until all votes are tallied. Push the "tally 'em up" button, and you have your results.
I am not accusing anyone of anything, but what would have kept me from handing my green card to someone from another club, leaving, and allowing that club to vote with my card? The above "hand you a ticket as you walk behind the curtain" or "log in with your password" ideas would keep this from being an issue.
Things to think about.
