... Jim, but part ways on the specific issue under discussion.

>> I have a difficult time understanding why "others" believe a non profit
>> organization should have to subsidize the cost of records that will, in my
>> opinion, be used by a select few.

I do not believe the club "has" to purchase any records. I do feel, for the reasons previously stated, that it is in the best interests of the hobby to have historical information (including manufacturers records) in the club library/museum (that is, under the control of the club).

Over the long run, I believe this will benefit more than a "select few" as it will help make the hobby (and the club) stronger. Better education (after all, that is what we are talking about) will make better collectors. Everyone will benefit from the continued growth of the club and the hobby. More or less the same reason everyone pays for public schools, even those who have no children in them, or public libraries and museums, even those who don't use them.

>> These individuals who debate the issue conveniently leave out the fact that
>> the money BELONGS to the membership and NOT the board. The board serves in a
>> fiduciary capacity and as such MUST answer to the membership for its
>> decisions. Expenditures MUST benefit many members and not a select few.

I don't think anyone has lost sight of whose money would be involved; certainly I haven't. Nor have I forgotten the fiduciary nature of the club leadership. I have a fairly decent understanding of fiduciary duties, having maintained a client trust account for more than 15 years and frequently being responsible for five or six figure settlement funds. I agree that the expenditure of club funds must benefit many members; I disagree with your conclusion that purchase of manufacturers records will necessarily fail to meet that standard. Of course, we are talking in the abstract; any particular purchase would be subjected to considerable scrutiny before any decision was made by the board.

>> If I have offended anyone by expressing my opinions I am sorry.

Nah. We're used to it -- and, as I have said before, welcome your opinions.

----- jim o\-S