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10 Items that concern our Organization.

1) Someone should explain WHY our organization is taking funds from our building fund and financing exhibits at various gaming facilities. The building fund was created to build our “clubhouse” or facility for collectors. I have no objection to paying for exhibits but NOT out of the building fund. These are “Trust” dollars collected under a specific “promise” for which they were to be spent and should not be used for other endeavors. It brings into question the fiduciary responsibility of control over a funded project.

2) What happened to Mike Skelton and the Building Project Finance Committee? Has it been dissolved? Has the project been terminated? If so, the funds previously collected, under the guise of Building Fund: should be returned to those who contributed. Oh, wait a minute we might not have kept a list of who contributed and how much they gave. I hope we don’t make mistakes like that in the future that could cost us our tax exempt status. I hope ALL contributions, whether cash and/or chips or other items are being itemized as to date, amount, and who gave the cash or item. I would also like to know who is safe keeping these items and when and where can they be viewed by the General membership. This is serious stuff people and MUST be handled correctly.

3) Did you ever feel like you are wasting your time? You give your time, feedback and suggestions that are ignored. I have discussed the above many times and with different board members and Presidents. I never heard back for any of it from anyone. I am not blaming anyone in particular but people we BETTER get a hold of what we are doing. The excuse of we are volunteers will not cut it. The sums are considerable and need to be handles in the proper framework of a trust organization.

4) If it is the Organization’s desire to dissolve the Building Fund or use the monies for a different purpose then put it to the vote of the membership. After all, it is their (our) funds. Our board has authority to handle our dues. However, when monies are collected for a specific purpose and that purpose is no longer relevant then action should be taken to correct the situation.

5) I have no doubt the individuals involved with the audit committee are honest and fine standing individuals. They are good, hardworking club members. But honestly, how does it look to the outside world when one of the audit members is our club President, another is one of our convention chairs. This is not INDEPENDENCE! Please, let’s stop this and have our audit report audit done by nonmembers and independent accountants.

6) John Zoesch is our Treasurer. I know no one better suited for this job. John is tight, cheap and no bargain will pass him by. I will vote for John and support him as long as he wishes to keep his office. I say this as a compliment. I would like to know his position when funds were spent from our building fund for exhibits. I cannot believe John did not raise an objection. I realize he is not a CPA but I would venture a guess something rubbed him the wrong way when this happened.

7) There are those in our organization who will ask WHY I didn’t take this privately to the board. Well, let me give my answer right here. I have taken much of this too previous board members, Presidents, Committee members, et al privately. Nothing changes; the organization continues along the same path and I now believe I have been speaking to myself in front of a mirror. Looking at the last magazine, I had to say something for the last time. Club members it is up to you to get the answers and find out what is going on with your organization. If you don’t care, all right but at least you were told.

8) I would like to see MOGH Expenses broken further down. All most four thousand dollars is a lot of coin for a couple of exhibits. Since time is donated, does this include travel expenses, hotel rooms, and meals? If it does it is all right with me but just lay it out and let everyone know. Volunteers should have a few perks. It’s a lot of work and deserves a thank you via some perks.

9) Those who know me over the years realize the type of person I am. I call it like I believe it is. I hide nothing and never have. I have ALWAYS held our organization and volunteers with the highest esteem. I am positive our volunteers mean well. I have also believed full disclosure is the only way to go.

10) Finally, what does the insurance expense of $1,122 represent? Are we finally bondlng those who handle our money? Are we insuring our noncash donations received? If not, for my last time are we bondlng those who handle the club money? If not, why not.

I hope I have raised some points that will stimulate an interest by our members to care what is going on. After all it is YOUR money and YOUR organization. Take an interest. Just don’t depend upon Zoesch; he’s tight but not in control.

Jim Kruse it looks like you are NEVER going to get that club house you dreamed about. I never thought it would come to pass. I wrote about it in “The Perlowski Files”. However, dreams die hard.
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