We are beginning the new cycle of Co-op board elections. The process starts with the elections committee of the Co-op board of directors looking over last year’s notes and elections report so that we can continue to learn and grow from our past experiences. We look at the application, timeline, and process, and then decide to make changes if necessary. If those changes are major and require bylaw or policy changes, we work with that committee and bring potential changes to the board for a vote.

This year we did not make any major changes to the application other than further defining a “conflict of interest.” The elections committee consulted with the Bylaws and Policy committee and sought legal counsel to get further clarification on what constitutes a conflict of interest. In doing so, we determined that a conflict of interest would include anyone who had been employed by or sought employment from the Co-op within the past two years. The reason for this is that, if elected, the former employee or applicant for employment would then become the supervisor of the general manager of the Co-op.