Retiree Advocate just finished its first elections for Organizers. Five new organizers were selected: David Gurowsky, Joan Cohen, Novelette Foote, Roque Ristorucci, and Sean Ahern. They join Angelo D'Angelo, Bennett Fischer, Bobby Greenberg, Gloria Brandman, Greg Di Stefano, Jonathan Halabi, Michael Shulman, Michele Rayvid, Prudence Hill, and Sheila Zukowsky, bringing the Organizing Committee to its full size of 15.
This election opened with a call for nominations April 14. Members were invited to nominate themseslves. Nominations closed on April 24 with eight candidates: Arthur Getzel, David Gurowsky, Joan Cohen, Novelette Foote, Roque Ristorucci, Sean Ahern, Sid Kivanovski and Victor Jordan. Elections were conducted with a ranked choice voting system (Scottish Transfer Vote), using OPA Vote. Voting closed May 1.
All members as of April 24 were eligible to participate, and most did. Thanks to all our members who participated in this, our first election process.
RA adopted bylaws this winter. Membership was opened up. We have now conducted our first transitional election. The next transitional is scheduled for this September (2026). Five current organizers will step down (they may choose to stand for reelection), and five Organizers will be elected. Our first regular election will take place September 2027, at which time 100% of our Organizers will have been elected (all within the previous 18 months).