Most of the ballots are in, but the election isn't quite over yet. We'll let you know next issue who will be on the new board. As usual we asked for input on the ballot and didn't get nearly as much as we'd hoped. We asked for the good, the bad and the ugly—how are we doing and what should and shouldn't we be doing. Answers were diverse.
We were strongly criticized by some for stirring up issues between us and the Park, and between us and the outfitters. Others felt we'd rolled over and played dead—that we needed to quit kissing ass and start kicking it.
Many folks spoke up about our publicizing Guides Defending Constitutional Rights. Some thought we should stay out of it. Others commended our letting them know what was going on. Still others condemned us for not putting GCRG's backing into the case.
With overflights it was the same thing—too much, just right and not enough.
Stop including the Private sector. Stop excluding the Private sector.
Stop acting as if you speak for the guides as a whole. Thanks for giving a voice to the guides as a whole.
Stop being anti-motor. Thanks for including the motorheads. Why aren't more motor guys willing to run for office?
Don't get into guide-company relations. Get in there and fight the outfitters for us.
As far as the bqr went, most really like the oral history stuff, some want more fun and funny stuff, and some want more basic rock, plant and boating skill stuff. One complained about our continued use of the sexist word boatman. [In defense, most females we've asked prefer the term boatman, finding it no more sexist than woman or human]
All in all, though, almost every strong criticism was counterbalanced by equally strong comments to the contrary, so we must be doing okay.
But please, please, keep in touch with us. Remember, we are unpaid volunteers who you nominate and elect to represent you. None of us really have the time or finances to interview each and every one of you on how you stand on each and every issue. That's your job.
Call us, write us, collar us on the river, write an opinion piece in the bqr. Without your input, we lose touch. Thanks.