Dojo Representative committee - Vote of No Confidence

Kendoka
See below the text of a vote of no confidence in Mike Davis. Looks like this could become an issue either as an e-vote or a vote at the Dojo reps meeting (DRC). As I fear that I will have to attend this gathering I would like you to read this and give me your opinion to take to the Meeting. The DRC was formed as one of the ways of giving members a greater say in the BKA. Let me know what you think. Thank you.

Frank

-----Original Message-----
From: Kazuyo Matsuda
To: Gary O'Donnell
Sent: Mon, 5 Apr 2010 18:54
Subject: Motion of no confidence

Gary hi,

As mentioned before please find below 'motion of no confidence' document against Mr Davis. Could you kindly distribute this document to all Dojo Reps for their voting and comments? I consider this would be the best way forward for the motion which is to go through DRC, for the following reasons:

1. I would like to share this with other DRC members
1. to make people aware of what has been happening prior to the 30 days deadline, for discussion with their members
2. to clarify a few areas that are important to the members especially Bu's financial aspect
3. e-voting before the AGM would probably reflect the true figure

Additionally I cannot be at the AGM but have a member from my club to present this at the AGM. If you could kindly help in anyways that would be most appreciated but if only you would vote on this motion of course.

I confirm that the facts listed in the document are true to my best knowledge. But if there are any points that need clarification please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best regards
Kazuyo

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A motion of no confidence is submitted against M. Davis 7th Dan Kyoshi BKA Kendo Bucho because:
(a) of financial impropriety
(b) of failure to consider the needs of BKA members
(c) of conduct unbecoming an officer of the BKA.

Financial impropriety:-
(i)Unreasonable ‘ expense claims’ with respect to subsistence expenditure and travel, including a failure to utilise UK resident ‘high grades’ for National & Regional events in preference to unnecessary personal attendance at events.
(ii) Failure to exercise proper budgetary control with respect to purchase of new scoreboards. There were insufficient quotations obtained for the work. There was then a failure to control expenditure. The resulting cost was nearly 3 times the original indication and the boards are not fit for purpose. There is also a matter concerning the purchase of a new computer when one had been offered at ‘no charge’
(iii) Failure to exercise proper budgetary control of the Kendo National squad expenditure with the result that there was a fiasco that was made public in respect to the European Kendo Championships.
(iv) Excessive expenditure for the ‘Intensive’ training programme.

Failure to consider members needs:-
There have been a number of calendar clashes between BKA and ‘members’ events which have presented the membership with unnecessary dilemmas. For example, the clash between Ozawa sensei’s seminar and the Kata seminar; the Chiba sensei seminar - Intensive training session and the Charity event; timetabling the BKA Open on the same weekend as the Kodokan seminar; the refusal to allow a grading on that weekend which would bring money to the BKA coffers. The timetabling of the Iwatate sensei seminar just before the Christmas period (bearing in mind the financial burden that families have at that time of year), all examples of insensitive scheduling and a neglect to consider the ‘real’ needs of the membership.

Conduct unbecoming:-
(i) At the Mumeshi grading of 2009 he was publicly unreasonable in his treatment of a member with severe learning difficulties. This resulted in an official complaint being made which is still unresolved.
(ii) He has used foul language in public whilst addressing BKA members on several occasions including juniors e.g. Sir Frank Bowden Taikai 2009 (There is a record of the language used which will be made available)
Both of these items ‘flag up’ serious concerns in respect to the Child Protection Policy the BKA currently has in place.

These actions in the opinion of the proposers constitute a serious case against Mr Davis because:-
Under article 11.10 he has ‘demonstrated less than satisfactory administrative skills’ and ‘been negligent in the execution of his duties.
In appendix 2 under the duties and responsibilities of Bu officers he has failed to ‘oversee the affairs of the Bu within the Bu financial budget’.
Article 2.1 of the constitution has been breached by him. This states ‘the Association is committed to encouraging the highest ethical standards and through practise the development of self-discipline and character’. As he is a high officer in the Association, this could constitute a reason for expulsion under Article 10.4 ‘the conduct of the member is injurious to the character and interests of the Association’

Under Byelaw 3: Contracts/procurement
Contracts or procurement of goods and services in excess of a
cumulative value of £500 in any one year shall be put out to tender
to at least 3 separate providers. A record shall be kept of these
tenders. The NC/BuEC may exercise judgement in balancing the
cost/quality of the tenders. … of the constitution