This is a part of my column that is published on chesscafe.com. Please click here to read my full column this month. I also discuss about the Candidates’ matches, Mtel, US Championship and SPICE.
USCF Executive Board ElectionSince I announced my candidacy for the USCF Executive Board, there have been many unfortunate campaign tactics employed by various candidates and their supporters. I would like to thank the countless number of people who have stood by me and offered their support through these difficult times. I really appreciate it.
We have a strong vision and we will fix the USCF, because we are more qualified, more passionate and more energetic. Let’s show them our voice with our votes. Let’s unite and do the right thing for US chess and the USCF.
It is disheartening to see what is being done to our sport. After all that I have achieved in chess, I could walk away from this sport and be proud and content. But I owe it to chess and all the people who have supported me over the years to try and fix what’s wrong. I owe it to the countless parents who sacrifice so much to give their children valuable opportunities. I owe it to the thousands of players I’ve met over the years and I owe it to my children as a chess mom.
The current state of our federation is not healthy! The USCF has lost money in nine of the last eleven years! Many sponsors do not want to deal with us. In fact, the USCF lost three potential multimillion dollar sponsors in the past six months alone. In order to turn things around we must demand positive changes by putting the most capable people in place.
I would like to rebuild the USCF into a strong, successful and respectable organization. This is why I decided to run in this election. In order for the USCF to prosper, we must:
– Restore respectability, integrity, credibility and professionalism to the USCF.
– Reestablish a sound and balanced budget and create a strong foundation to substantially increase revenues and sponsorships.
– Develop strong cooperation and support for adult, scholastic, collegiate, correspondence and military chess.
– Establish a strong professional marketing and PR system.
– End the petty and destructive politics that have hurt our federation for so long.
In order to achieve these aims, I am recommending the following candidates:
FM Paul Truong
Dr. Mikhail Korenman
NM Randy Bauer
I took great care to analyze the status of the USCF before I made my recommendation, and I have outlined their qualifications in a previous column. I will continue to discuss issues with USCF members on my blogs here and here until the voting process is closed.
But you should not vote for a certain candidate because someone says to. Please analyze all the candidates and vote for those that you believe are the most qualified to help the USCF.
The ballots should be arriving on the back cover of the June 2007 Chess Life in the next few days. Just check the boxes for your four (4) candidates, fold, affix a first class stamp and send it back ASAP. The return address is on the ballot envelop. If you do not receive your ballots in the next week or so, please call the USCF and ask for a replacement. The deadline to request a ballot is June 15.
Be sure to vote in one of the most important elections in the history of the USCF. Let your voice be heard. The future of the USCF is in your hands. You have the power to change the USCF for the better.
Susan, I was in the lobby when this man insulted you. It’s horrible. But you conducted yourself with total class. I’m not sure if you know but he’s a Goichberg guy and that’s why they did what they did. Hang in there! You have my vote!
Susan, when will we get our ballots to vote. I have not recieved mine yet. Will they be coming in the mail soon?
As supporters of Susan’s team, we need to remain focused on getting the votes out. Contact your friends and family (USCF members of course), and remind them to submit their ballots.
Everyone be sure to Vote for Susan, Paul and the rest of her picks!
I received my ballot Monday and mailed it Tuesday. Go Susan, Randy & Co.!
Susan: Thank you for all you are doing. However I disagree — you owe us, your fans and the game of chess, nothing. You have paid us many times over with your legacy of setting a positive example of integrity and professionalism for us, our children, and most especially, for the girls and young women of chess.
That you continue to give is not a debt repaid, but more a gift to those of us who share a love of the game. Thank you. Paul
You’re in a class of your own. Thank you for all you do for chess.