PASS Elections
There are a lot of things I’d like to say about the PASS elections. I was on vacation last week when the news about the slate of candidates broke. I’ve gone through a lot of emotions thinking about this, which is funny, because, really, what does it matter? But, because of the people, and let’s face it, PASS is nothing without the people involved, it does matter. But, I’ve decided to say as little as possible because I’m not convinced I can add constructively to the conversation and that is what is most needed at this time.
First, I want to endorse a few candidates. The people I’m going to endorse, I’m endorsing because I know them personally. I’ve worked with them, I’ve talked to them, I’ve read their stuff. I know these guys. None of this is to question the other people on the slate, their abilities or character, but these are the ones that I can personally recommend. So, I suggest you vote for, in no particular order, Andy Warren (blog|twitter), Allen Kinsel (blog|twitter) and Geof Hiten (blog|twitter).
Finally, the one person I would have liked to have endorsed, because he’s the guy who got me involved with the SQL Server community, who gave me chances to write, who always promoted the Summit, who gave away SQL Saturday to the PASS organization, who has acted in many ways that are positive for our community… well, anyway, I can’t endorse him because he’s not on the slate. I’ve heard the explanations for why that’s true and I still don’t understand it. But, since he’s taking the high road on this, I’ll follow along and refrain from further comment.
Be sure, if you’re eligible, that you vote in the PASS elections. This stuff can be important if you care about the community and the people involved.
Steve Jones to Run for PASS Board
I couldn’t hide the lead. Steve Jones (blog|twitter) has announced he’s running for the PASS board. I’m excited. I’m almost as excited as if I were going to run. Steve is not simply a major influencer in what we call the SQL Community. He brings two things to the party that I think are going to make him very successful on the board. First, he gets things done. He just does. He’s one of those guys that seems to keep it together, just enough, to accomplish stuff. Second, he has real ideas. He’s not someone who is simply going to iron out a wrinkle or three at the Summit. He’s going to propose stuff that will make a difference. Put those two things together and I think we’ve got reason to celebrate.
Help me out here. Spread the word on this. We need people to be aware of who Steve is and what he does.
Vote for Mr. LaRock
It is rapidly coming up on election time at the Professional Association of SQL Server users (PASS). Once more, a person I respect and admire is running for office. Tom LaRock has been a volunteer with the organization longer than I have (I’m approaching four years) and for the entire time I’ve been involved he’s been in the thick of things, working for the organization and working with the other volunteers. He does great work. He’s presented at the Summit, three times I think, and he’s presenting again this year. He’s one of the people chiefly responsible for the new Virtual Chapters. He’s been serving on the Board as an appointee. I think it’s finally time to make it official and elect this great guy to the board. He’ll do a good job, as he has done, and he’ll be able to do more because, rather than worrying about running for office, again, he can strap in & work hard for two years if he gets elected.
Tom’s going to be hosting live chats where he’s going to answer your questions about his plans for his time on the board. If you have any doubts that he’s the right guy (and he is) or you don’t know Tom, get on over there and listen to what he has to say.
To see the other candidates (not a slouch in the bunch, but I’m backing Tom), go on over to the campaign space and see what they have to say for themselves.
PASS Board
The winners were the other guy, Lynda Rab and Andy Warren. Congratulations to all three.
I lobbied hard for one of the three winners, Andy, so my special congratulations go out to him. On the back of my laptop, as I type this, is the logo (probably due for a law-suit soon) of the SQLBatman. He lost his second PASS election in a row. However, he came through like a trooper and says he’s going to run again next year (go Susan Lucci, uh, I mean Tom).
PASS Board Elections
Well, the word is out. Of the six people running, I know five, four of them reasonably well. I can only vote for three of them. Here’s the deal guys, I’m voting for all of you. That’s right, each and every one of you gets a vote from me. I visited Chicago once, I think I can manage it. Tom, Lynda, Pat, Louis, Andy, and the other guy, best of luck.
But, if you’re reading this and wondering who you should vote for, I will supply two names that you must vote for. It’s up to you to figure out the third (fourth & fifth if you’re following the Chicago method with me). In no particular order:
Because I think he really can lead positive change in this great organization, I think you should vote for Andy Warren. He’s been a leader and an innovator in this business for quite a while. Getting on the board at PASS could really help out our community, especially the local users groups. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Andy has ideas. Also, I kind of feel like I might have pushed him into the decision, a bit, so I bear a small measure of responsibility for helping him out.
The next candidate that I’m personally endorsing and actively campaigning for is BATMAN! No, wait, um, Thomas LaRock. Tom has been involved with PASS for at least four years (maybe more, I’ve only been helping out for three and he’s always been there). Tom has a lot of knowledge of various aspects of the existing organization and, like Andy, I think he has some good ideas for ways to take what’s great about PASS and make it even better. Tom has helped out my little users group, presenting a couple of times. He’s a good guy and will make a good leader. Plus, Tom has a wicked cool logo:
A SQL Server Hero
I understand that there will be limited edition stickers with this logo. Tom, my fingers are bruised from typing so much. I better get one (or two). Go SQL BATMAN!
To everyone running for the board, best of luck.
Still more on Andy Warren and the Pass Board
This sounds like it might have been an interesting phone call. Just the sound of it points out why I think Andy would be a great addition to the board (along with someone else I know. I’ll start lobbying for him when I find out whether or not he’s on the ballot this year). He has ideas.
Now, I don’t mind working. I’ll certainly pitch in and help out. I even lead efforts. I don’t have ideas. Andy clearly does. If no other concept stood out, the ninety days & out approach to trying out some new stuff in PASS sounded like a great idea.
It would have been interesting to listen in to the phone call. I’m also impressed with the method of vetting people for the board. I agree that we need to make sure people are actively involved with SQL Server and are capable of meeting basic board requirements, but it almost sounds like there is a “does he fit in with us” mentality that, I’m not sure there should be on a board like this. Maybe I’m wrong, but on a team like this, having some differing points of view and approaches is probably worth more than the friction it will cause costs. Then again, I’m not in management. I’m just a geek.
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