It seems that just about once a year, usually as the winter begins to grow long and cold, an internal controversy ensues within the Green County Humane Society.
Last year, the battle mostly was about the transition from the "old board" to the "new board" at GCHS. The transition was completed when Paul Barrett was elected board president May 1, 2008.
This year, a war of words erupted over the beginning of the board's discussion about creating a policy for dealing with aggressive animals at the shelter. That discussion has been misconstrued by some - mostly representing the "old board" - as an attempt to end the shelter's no-kill status. That debate extended to the process of electing board members, which will happen Thursday during the GCHS' annual meeting at Ludlow Mansion. Eight candidates will be considered for four positions. The board's president, vice president, treasurer and secretary are on the ballot.
Our general hope is that GCHS members choose to keep the board on the successful course it has taken the past couple of years. The current board has brought the organization from the brink of financial ruin to a period of sustained stability. It has brought GCHS closer to the reality of having a much-needed new shelter. That pursuit appeared to be on a fast track until the City of Monroe, specifically Mayor Ron Marsh, began to tinker with the terms of a land transaction. Perhaps most importantly, the current board - as well as the shelter's employees and volunteers - have restored the public credibility and confidence that were sorely lacking a few short years ago.
The occasional internal bickering that spills out on the pages of the newspaper or in online discussions should not shake that confidence. The GCHS has become a well-run organization and continues to improve.
The current board deserves a lot of the credit. Its job is not necessarily to walk the dogs, clean the cages or supervise the every move of shelter employees. Rather, it's to manage the business of GCHS - to ensure the finances and policies are in an order that allows the shelter to provide the best care for the animals and, ultimately, to find good homes for them.
The GCHS board is managing the business well. Hopefully, the outcome of Thursday's vote will preserve and advance that effort.
Last year, the battle mostly was about the transition from the "old board" to the "new board" at GCHS. The transition was completed when Paul Barrett was elected board president May 1, 2008.
This year, a war of words erupted over the beginning of the board's discussion about creating a policy for dealing with aggressive animals at the shelter. That discussion has been misconstrued by some - mostly representing the "old board" - as an attempt to end the shelter's no-kill status. That debate extended to the process of electing board members, which will happen Thursday during the GCHS' annual meeting at Ludlow Mansion. Eight candidates will be considered for four positions. The board's president, vice president, treasurer and secretary are on the ballot.
Our general hope is that GCHS members choose to keep the board on the successful course it has taken the past couple of years. The current board has brought the organization from the brink of financial ruin to a period of sustained stability. It has brought GCHS closer to the reality of having a much-needed new shelter. That pursuit appeared to be on a fast track until the City of Monroe, specifically Mayor Ron Marsh, began to tinker with the terms of a land transaction. Perhaps most importantly, the current board - as well as the shelter's employees and volunteers - have restored the public credibility and confidence that were sorely lacking a few short years ago.
The occasional internal bickering that spills out on the pages of the newspaper or in online discussions should not shake that confidence. The GCHS has become a well-run organization and continues to improve.
The current board deserves a lot of the credit. Its job is not necessarily to walk the dogs, clean the cages or supervise the every move of shelter employees. Rather, it's to manage the business of GCHS - to ensure the finances and policies are in an order that allows the shelter to provide the best care for the animals and, ultimately, to find good homes for them.
The GCHS board is managing the business well. Hopefully, the outcome of Thursday's vote will preserve and advance that effort.
