life and puppies

Well, it’s not REALLY a resignation; it’s just a letter of intent not to run again.  And here it is.  I am soooooooooooooo relieved.

Hi all, 

The annual election for WSAA board members is coming up quickly – the meeting will be held sometime in June.  My seat – a DOJ-only post – is up.  I just wanted to give advance notice that I will not be seeking another term.  While it had never been my intention to do so, it has been made all the more clear to me lately that I cannot continue to serve.  I am fairly proud of the work I have done.  I have tried to be reasonable and cordial, rational and considerate.  I was successful in moving the meetings from the Madison Club to the Hilton, which saves the WSAA a lot of money annually.  I created and have run the WSAA’s website, which is far more workable than its predecessor.  I brought my perspective as a lower-paid attorney (and the lowest earning member of the Board) to the table and fought my hardest to do what I thought necessary to protect jobs.  I argued against raising dues in an era of furloughs.  I think I was quite vocal and stood up for my beliefs.  Unfortunately, this often results in name-calling and condescension and ire from members, as well as board members.  Ultimately, this is why I am not running again. 

I learned a lot and I encourage anyone – particularly those who have not previously done so – to run for the board.  I learned that, despite what we may sometimes think, we are lucky to work at DOJ, an agency that usually operates rationally and treats its employees with respect and recognizes them as professionals.  Unfortunately, when it comes to state agencies, this seems to be more the exception than the rule.  Although I do encourage any of you to run, I caution you that the task is not for the overly sensitive (like me) or for those who shy away from conflict.  It can get contentious and mean.  Passions run high and disagreements are frequent.  There is very little (positive) recognition for the work that you do.  That said, I think the WSAA serves a vital function and hope that whoever next takes the reins will serve with the knowledge that their task is important and that I, for one, am greatly appreciative of their work.

Thanks for allowing me to serve my term,

Kate     

I have received some gracious emails and a nice phone call from a fellow board member, telling me he was shocked by my decision and disappointed as I am the only rational one on the board.  That was nice to hear.  Anyway, as I said, I’m relieved.  I wish I could continue to serve, but that I could pick the people who served along with me.  Unfortunately, though, I don’t think anyone would go for that.  Another chapter is coming to a close.  Goodbye, useless stress and anger from the WSAA board!