The Official USATF Presidency Thread- Jackie Joyner Kersee vs Vin Lananna

I know you hate unions Wejo but the truth is without a players union like in the major sports there is no way USATF shares any revenue whatsoever.

There are a lot of negatives regarding unions but employees need some kind of representation in certain jobs. Athletics being one of those.

From the Farm wrote:

I know you hate unions Wejo but the truth is without a players union like in the major sports there is no way USATF shares any revenue whatsoever.

There are a lot of negatives regarding unions but employees need some kind of representation in certain jobs. Athletics being one of those.

Serious question -- who would share the revenue? Medalists? Ranked athletes? Everyone (this about 200 bucks each, maybe)?

God speaks wrote:

Don't doubt the work of God. JJK is withdrawing from the president race and will run for Evie Dennis's board seat. Vin running for prez unopposed.

I'm not so what god has to do with any if this,that said this a classic inside deal done prior to the convention.

Here is how it goes down, Jackie we would like to offer you a guaranteed board seat if you give up your run for the presidency. You will retain all the perks you desire and not have the headaches of the presidency.

Backroom board talk: We have to have Vin in the role of president as the relationship with Nike is critically important to our survival. Give Jackie a bone and let's close this out.No fireworks at the convention.

The amount of uncontested backroom game maneuvering if off the charts.

You have an army of volunteers that mean well and a small group of master manipulators aligned with gross nepotism that run the show. Zero accountability,zero transparency and an inept board of directors.

Eye Wanna No wrote:

From the Farm wrote:

I know you hate unions Wejo but the truth is without a players union like in the major sports there is no way USATF shares any revenue whatsoever.

There are a lot of negatives regarding unions but employees need some kind of representation in certain jobs. Athletics being one of those.

Serious question -- who would share the revenue? Medalists? Ranked athletes? Everyone (this about 200 bucks each, maybe)?

Oly sports are for the rich.

Isn't the bigger deal the board of directors elections? If you buy into the article that indicated that Max appears to need better oversight shouldn't we be focused as much on those that are running for board seats? Or am I mistaken that these are elected positions?

Indy Guy wrote:

Isn't the bigger deal the board of directors elections? If you buy into the article that indicated that Max appears to need better oversight shouldn't we be focused as much on those that are running for board seats? Or am I mistaken that these are elected positions?

The other Board positions are being elected from within their constituent groups, not by the general delegation. I think most are uncontested?

You're right that they are significant...

For the record I don't hate unions.

Workers getting together and speaking with a collective voice can be a very smart thing to do .

Thanks for that clarification Becca - and thanks for the work you do to push info out while you are there at the convention both here and on FB/Twitter...much appreciated!

Any official update on JJK pulling from the race?

The latest is that the Youth Committee had their opening session, and each candidate was given a few minutes to speak. Vin spoke, Jackie was not present.

Someone from the Alumni Association came to the Youth Meeting, and I thought maybe they would make an announcement (they are endorsing Jackie) but they just talked about random stuff.

I just spoke with Ed Koch a few minutes ago and there has not been a formal withdrawal.

If she were to withdrawal before 5pm tonight, Vin would be elected by a vote of acclamation from the floor. If she does not do that, we will move forward as planned and both candidates will be on the ballot Saturday.

It's a pain to update letsrun from my phone, but I will update my Twitter either way later tonight! twitter.com/polevaultpower

Jackie's resignation letter was read at opening session. Vin was elected President by acclamation.

Sorry resignation wasn't the right word. It was her letter withdrawing from the race.

Rumors floating around that she was concerned about the drug testing, much more stringent than during her glory days.

polevaultpower wrote:

God speaks wrote:

JJK has officially withdrawn her candidacy.

End of thread.

I haven't seen anyone from Organizational Services yet who can officially confirm this for me but I have heard this as well, from reliable sources.

From Gods lips to Becca's ears

You both got it correct

thanks

Ed Koch was weasel wording.

wineturtle wrote:

Ed Koch was weasel wording.

That's not a fair criticism. Ed was out of the loop and only had rumors until Opening Session.

wejo wrote:

For the record I don't hate unions.

Workers getting together and speaking with a collective voice can be a very smart thing to do .

Also, sports typically have players associations and not true unions. The association enters into general collective bargaining but has far less control over salaries than say the Teamsters.

There may be a salary cap, but the association does not stop each athlete from negotiating his own contract.

It would be interesting to see how an athlete's union might work in track. Maybe members would not go to events that did not offer some minimal prize money. That would put pressure on directors to come up with cash for prize money or have you event boycotted by the union (and I use that word since it is simple).

Maybe they could negotiate for certain standards.

However, one issue is that USATF unlike the NBA, NFL, MLB, etc does not schedule the competitions. For it to work it seems like there would need to a USATF league or series of meets. Otherwise the union is going to have to negotiate with lots of directors.

So do we want a USATF league run by USATF? Actually sounds like an interesting idea.

polevaultpower wrote:

Jackie's resignation letter was read at opening session. Vin was elected President by acclamation.

Further clarity has come forth.

The back office rumor is that JJK never intended to run for the presidency.

This was a carefully crafted ruse to give the intention of a selection process for the presidency,Vin was promised the job months ago.JJK was promised a board seat to follow along with ruse.

polevaultpower wrote:

wineturtle wrote:

Ed Koch was weasel wording.

That's not a fair criticism. Ed was out of the loop and only had rumors until Opening Session.

Not criticizing Koch just pointing out his answer was phrased in the manor a corporate spokes person is required to answer. He gave an answer. His did not address the issue "What do you know about the JJK withdrawal rumors".

Definition of weasel word. : a word used in order to evade or retreat from a direct or forthright statement or position

A weasel word, or anonymous authority, is an informal term for words and phrases aimed at creating an impression that a specific or meaningful statement has been made, when instead only a vague or ambiguous claim has actually been communicated.

It was not a criticism just pointing out he told us nothing with his answer. I did not mean to imply he was a weasel. If he was offended please assure him I was complimenting him on being able to sidestep the issue with style and éclat.

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wineturtle wrote:

If he was offended please assure him I was complimenting him on being able to sidestep the issue with style and éclat.

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I'm confident Ed Koch is not reading the letsrun message boards! :)

House of Cards wrote:

Further clarity has come forth.

The back office rumor is that JJK never intended to run for the presidency.

This was a carefully crafted ruse to give the intention of a selection process for the presidency,Vin was promised the job months ago.JJK was promised a board seat to follow along with ruse.

That wasn't the dynamic.

Jackie was on the board during Bill Roe's era and has been on the board the past four years.

Vin was definitely not promised the job months ago.