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Michael, it's nice of you to take the time to respond. Both you and Archie explained very well, the reasoning from the perspective of ones who are allowed to vote.

You wrote: Every member is encouraged to recommend someone (or more than one!) for consideration, and in the last few years, that participation has been woefully small. The membership simply does not take advantage of the opportunity.

Perhaps, the reason is that the members realize they can only suggest but not vote. While I respect your position, I still respectfully disagree.