Published: February 28, 2007 11:37 am      

SOS group wants answers from Clinton Humane Society’s directors

After the Clinton Humane Society Board meeting Feb. 19, we felt that it was necessary to clear up at least one question that was not answered. Although several were not read entirely or answered clearly, or at all, this states the actual question as presented.

Clinton Humane Society Board of Directors: Two questions and statements please.

What was the actual reason for Maggie Bielenberg being voted off of the board in September 2006?

It was stated in your response to questions, she was not a paid current member at the time.

According to records Judy May and Marilynn Snook were also not current.

Ms. Bielenberg paid Aug. 12, 2006. Judy May paid on Aug. 10, 2006 and Marilynn Snook paid Sept. 10, 2006. Both Marilynn and Judy were officers of the shelter.

This is a direct violation of the Clinton Humane Society By-laws. According to the by-laws:

Article 1, Section 4. A member failing to pay dues prior to the annual meeting shall be ineligible for holding office or directorship and not be permitted to vote.

Article III, Section 1. If at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Society, two thirds of the Directors shall vote by written ballot to terminate the office of any single member of the Board who has in the judgment of the majority of the Board brought discredit to the Society.

Why then did Ms. Bielenberg, a highly regarded director, by your own statements, get voted off the Clinton Humane Society Board of Directors?

And also, if these directors and officers were not paid at the time they cast any vote, does this not nullify any of their votes?

You have stated different reasons for Maggie being voted off the board at different times. A statement was made that she was asking too many questions and you were tired of it. Could this be the real reason?

The start of the S.O.S. group was this action taken in September. There are a lot of statements being made about petty bickering and personality conflicts.

The reason S.O.S. was formed is due to a Board of Directors that feels they do not have to follow the governing by-laws of the Clinton Humane Society.

Cut and dry. Non-profit boards although volunteers have a huge responsibility to the facility entrusted to them. Boards must follow their fiduciary responsibility for the non-profit organization’s future. Guidelines for non-profit boards call for duty, loyalty and obedience. They are to be held to a higher ethical standard. They also have a responsibility to the donors, members and volunteers.

It is quite sad to see the constituents of this facility called names, such as detractors, dissenters, and the “goon squad” and then have the board smirk when asked why these names are being used.

S.O.S. is only thinking of the future of the shelter and the animals in the care.

A facility must be managed and guided by a responsible Board of Directors. The members and donors must have faith in the Board’s direction so they will continue to support the facility financially.

It seems at this time the members have lost faith in this board and large donors are pulling supporting funds. How very sad for the animals.

When this board was asked to step down several months ago, they should have for the shelter and the animals.



Jean Roeder,

Fulton, Ill.

Maggie Bielenberg,

Clinton

Jean and Ron Regenwether, LeClaire