Letter for ABA Members (LONG)
Norm Saunders (osprey@ARI.Net)
Mon, 19 Jan 1998 08:31:09 -0500
I seem to be on a roll today, sending out ranting letters. Add this
one to the stack or delete it, whichever pleases you. Just don't
flame me, thank you.
Norm Saunders
November 19, 1997
Dear ABA member,
Events have occurred within the American Birding Association (ABA) in
recent months which gravely concern many birders. While not the sole
matter of concern, the firing of Paul Lehman as editor of Birding
appears to have brought the issue of ABA leadership to the forefront.
Birders linked to national and regional on-line discussion groups have
discussed this situation extensively; the official ABA position was
iterated to online birders in a statement on June 23, 1997, and to the
general membership in the August 1997 issue of Winging It. We have
communicated with many of the top birders in North America and we feel
that ABA's action represents a major disservice not only to Paul
Lehman, but to the organization's members as a whole. Furthermore, we
consider it vital that some of the basic issues that were omitted or
brushed over in the official ABA response in Winging It be brought to
the attention of other ABA members. We do so here on our own time and
at our own expense after careful consideration.
Some birders who have invested significant time and energy in ABA are
concerned that what you are about to read may be divisive to the
organization. Let us state explicitly that such is not our goal.
Though we feel strongly about this situation, we have no desire to
harm the very organization we care so much about. Our wish instead is
to see the organization grow stronger through an informed, active
membership and a caring, responsive leadership.
Unless otherwise noted, quotes and opinions in this letter are public
posts to BirdChat, the national online birding discussion group
(http://nbhc.com/birdmail.htm); minor typographical errors have been
corrected for clarity. An extensive archive of electronic postings on
this topic is found on "The ABA Papers" web page maintained by Laurie
Larson (http://www.princeton.edu/~llarson/up/ABAindex.html). There you
may also review ABA bylaws, director addresses, and other relevant and
interesting topics, including the debate over conservation material in
Birding. You are encouraged to review Jo Heindel's informal ABA
history, which describes "how far the ABA came, how the troubles of
today began, and why some are so passionate about what was taken from
them."
GREG BUTCHER FIRES PAUL LEHMAN AS EDITOR OF BIRDING
"Paul Lehman's tenure as editor of Birding magazine will end on
September 30, when he will have completed nine years in that
position." That's part of the statement you may have read from ABA
Executive Director Greg Butcher in the August 1997 Winging It.
What you may not know is that on June 19, 1997, Birding editor Paul
Lehman was fired by Greg Butcher for "irreconcilable
employment-related differences" (August 1997 Winging It). Birding
photo editor Shawneen Finnegan immediately resigned, and several other
contributors have subsequently withdrawn their services. Neither Paul
nor Shawneen have commented publicly. Paul J. Baicich, series editor
for ABA Birdfinding Guides, was recently named the new editor of
Birding.
Greg Butcher has accepted responsibility for the decision to fire Paul
Lehman, stating in a short online message dated June 30, 1997, "I did
what I felt was best for ABA and Birding magazine." While the decision
may have been his alone, some leaders of the birding community believe
he consulted with and had the support of the majority of the executive
committee, which was comprised of President Daniel T. Williams, Vice
President George G. Daniels, Secretary Sharon Bartels, and Treasurer
Gerald J. Ziarno. (Incidentally, most executive committee members were
replaced when their final terms expired at the Nov. 9, 1997, board
meeting in Colorado Springs, CO. At that time the board approved
nominations for Allan Keith (past ABA president 1989-1993) as
president, and Wayne Petersen and Blake Maybank (both current board
members) as vice president and secretary, respectively. Each officer
is allowed to serve a maximum of two consecutive two-year terms at
that position before a break; Gerald Ziarno is returning for his final
two-year term as treasurer.)
The online posts of past ABA president and recent board member Arnold
Small have provided insights into the way the decision to fire Paul
Lehman was rendered. On June 20, 1997, Arnold Small stated, "[the
decision] was NOT rendered by the board of directors of ABA (neither
past nor present). They have held personal opinions regarding Birding
and expressed them at board meetings (pro and con), but the ultimate
decision was not theirs to make." Although he was defending ABA's
position, current board member Blake Maybank made a similar statement
in a July 7, 1997, post, "Neither the periodicals committee nor the
full board of directors discussed or recommended either Paul's
dismissal or retention."
Greg Butcher's removal of an extremely popular, competent, and unique
editor without formal approval from, or even forewarning, ABA's Board
of Directors carries significant ramifications for each ABA member.
While his action was within his right as executive director, it does
give reason to question whether our elected board has a meaningful say
in guiding ABA's course. Equally important, the inability of the
executive committee or the present board to enunciate a clear plan of
action in the face of overwhelming membership protest, their
unwillingness to engage in a meaningful dialogue with concerned ABA
members as a whole, and their open invitation for ABA members to
recommend a successor to the very editor so many already supported,
even less than a month prior to the end of Paul Lehman's tenure,
suggests that some elements of ABA leadership may lack the type of
coherent vision needed to effectively manage the affairs of our
growing organization.
In addition, some contributors to Birding see the removal of Paul
Lehman as emblematic of a change in the leadership's perception of
ABA's purpose and mission; many see those changes potentially
reflected in the journal. On July 11, 1997, Matt Heindel stated that
his identification article titled Field Identification of the Solitary
Vireo Complex, (1996 Birding 28:458-478) was deemed "too long and
technical" by some ABA leaders. (Thanks to the foresight of Birding's
editorial staff, Matt's article was published a few months before the
Solitary Vireo complex was officially split into three distinct
species; this article quickly became invaluable to the birder
attempting to distinguish between them.) Thus, while many ABA board
and executive committee members have gone on record supporting strong
ID-based articles in the journal, the removal of Paul Lehman would
seem to open the door to a new, less technically challenging direction
for Birding for those ABA leaders who desire such a change. Though
many birders believe that the current public outcry in support of
Birding under the leadership of Paul Lehman will prevent such changes
in the short term, they still feel it is imperative that the
membership watch closely to ensure that the high standards of Birding
are maintained as time passes.
PAUL LEHMAN AND BIRDING
While an active ABA member, Paul Lehman took over as Birding's editor
about nine years ago when the journal's reputation and ABA's financial
future were in severe jeopardy. He is credited by numerous birders, as
well as ABA President Dan Williams (1994 Birding 26:10-11) and Greg
Butcher (August 1997 Winging It) with helping to not only get the
publication back on schedule, but with vastly improving the quality of
the journal, thereby increasing membership. Arnold Small concurs, "The
annual renewal rate of ABA membership is better than 85 percent, and I
cannot help but believe that our flagship publication plus Winging It
are largely responsible." ABA member Tony Leukering spoke for many in
an April 1997 online message, "I was a member of ABA when the
financial crunch of the 80s caused me to quit the organization. The
main reason I rejoined the organization was the great strides that
Birding made upon the arrival of Paul as the editor."
In part due to Paul's ability to foster good relations between the
organization and contributing writers, some prominent authors maintain
strong loyalties to him and have expressed a reluctance to publish
with ABA under the current administration. Previous author Joe Morlan
perhaps explained it best in a June 24, 1997, post, "Paul's
precipitous dismissal feels like a repudiation of my own efforts. It's
not just Paul who has been fired, but all of the authors he recruited
and gently guided." A few days later (June 28, 1997) Robb Hamilton,
who resigned as Birding photo quiz editor over this issue, added,
"Like many (probably most or all) contributors, I felt honored to play
even a small role in making Birding a first-class publication, and I
felt a loyalty to both Paul and the organization as a whole. One of
those loyalties has been broken by some faction within ABA management,
and I feel obligated to uphold the loyalty that remains."
Greg Butcher's action has elicited a highly emotional response from
other ABA members. Arnold Small stated in a June 28, 1997, online
message that the firing of Paul Lehman was an unfair and especially
unwise decision in light of Paul's long and excellent service. Many
have echoed his sentiments. Several critical letters from leaders of
the birding community as well as the general membership have been sent
to the ABA board and staff, particularly to Greg Butcher. Some ABA
members have canceled their memberships in frustration, while others
vow not to renew while Greg Butcher is executive director. Some
non-members who were considering ABA membership have postponed their
decision. Greg Butcher's resignation was publicly called for by some
members, while others urged ABA board members to return a vote of "no
confidence" at the November board meeting. (Greg Butcher remained
executive director after that meeting). Some members who believe they
cannot in good conscience support the current administration beyond
basic membership dues have boycotted ABA Sales and other services.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is a matter close to the hearts of many of us, and we believe
that a show of apathy at this time could permanently damage the
integrity of ABA. We feel the misguided dismissal of Paul Lehman, a
very talented editor who represented well the principles of ABA's
founders and many current birding community leaders, was not only
unwise and unjustified - it alienated and angered many core ABA
members nationwide. The decision was made primarily by one man for
"irreconcilable employment-related differences" without full board
approval or even forehand knowledge. The overwhelming outcry this
situation is creating indicates the priorities for the future of the
organization might be different for some ABA leaders than for many of
the members. You, as a member of the American Birding Association, are
encouraged to monitor the apparently powerful position of executive
director closely, and voice your concerns by writing the board and
executive director. Don't allow them to interpret your silence as
support for their policies.
Furthermore, carefully monitor future issues of Birding and respond
quickly if you perceive its direction changing from the award-winning
journal Paul Lehman and Shawneen Finnegan helped produce. If you
support a strong Birding as set forth by Paul and ABA's founders, and
if you appreciate his extensive dedication to the organization,
contact ABA and let them know. This may help ensure Birding remains a
vital tool for active birders everywhere.
Most importantly, return member surveys promptly and become interested
in the voting process. According to the most recent bylaws, board
candidates are chosen by a nominating committee appointed by the
board. Realistically, members have little direct say in the matter,
although they later approve the nominees. To better represent the
membership, some birders believe a certain number of board positions
should be assigned to birders nominated solely by the members. In
addition, they feel the number of nominees should consistently
outnumber vacancies, giving members an actual choice. Proposals like
these may require a change in the bylaws, but many birders consider it
worth the effort. In the meantime, watch for your voting proxies in
the January or February 1998 issue of Winging It, and return them
after making educated decisions on whether you believe the nominees
uphold the ideals of ABA. The voting "elective membership" was
abolished to produce a more democratic organization. Strive to see
that this democracy truly reflects what you as dues-paying members and
active birders want in ABA.
As noted by several leaders in the birding community, "storm warnings"
have cropped up before on related ABA issues. Many of us chose to
ignore those for whatever reasons. This time, however, the situation
has progressed too far for us to ignore. We are devoted to ABA's
success and are voicing our concerns not only to you, the membership,
but to ABA's leadership as well, trusting that it will strengthen the
organization we know and love.
In concern for our ABA,
Stacy J. Peterson (CA) and 120 other concerned ABA birders; L=life
member; Ch=charter member:
Steve Abbott (CA), Allen B. Altman (L-MA), Paul & Joan Armer (L-CA),
Michael Armer (CA), Liga Auzins (CA), Tom Bailey (NJ), James H. Barton
(MA), Gayle Benton (WA), Rick Blom (MD), David V. Blue (L-CA), Ned
Brinkley (VA), Hank & Priscilla Brodkin (AZ), Jim Burns (AZ), Therese
Clawson (CA), Glenn Coady (Ontario, CANADA), Roger A. Cobb (CA), Luke
Cole (CA), Michael Cooper (NY), T. Dennis Coskren (Ch-MD), Jane
(Farrell) Coskren (MD), Scott Cox (CA), Tom Crabtree (OR), Alan M.
Craig (L-AZ), Louis Cuellar (NM), Art & Janet Cupples (CA), Hugh
Currie (Ontario, CANADA), David Czaplak (MD), Dalcio K. Dacol (MD),
Wanda Dameron (CA), Phil Davis (MD), Richard Ditch (AZ), Darius Ecker
(MD), Gordon J. Ewing (NM), Mike Feighner (CA), Robbie Fein (CA),
Steven Feldstein (PA), Marc Fenner (CA), Susan Fogleman (NH), Gilbert
A. Foster (TN), Carolyn Gann (CA), Karen Gilbert (CA), Jeff Gilligan
(OR), Russell Graham (TX), John Green (CA), Robb Hamilton (CA), George
& Joan Hardie (CA), Jim Hays (AZ), Matt Heindel (L-CA), Tom & Jo
Heindel (CA), Robert Hilton (MD), Ottavio Janni (DC), Richard G.
Jeffers (L-CA), Karen Johnson (CA), Charles Kangas (AZ), Pat Kelly
(CA), Elliot Kirschbaum (MD), Jeri M. Langham, Ph.D. (CA), Laurie
Larson (NJ), Tom Lathrop (NY), Peter LaTourrette (CA), Walter Lees
(CA), Fred Lesser (NJ), Nick Lethaby (CA), Tony Leukering (CO), John
C. & Irma LeVine (CA), W. Burton Lewis (NM), Robert H. (Bob) Lewis
(NY), Donald M. Logan, Ph.D. (TX), John S. Luther (CA), Barbara
Magnuson (CA), Jerry & Laurette Maisel (L-CA), John Mariani (CA),
David O. Matson, M.D., Ph.D. (L-VA), Guy McCaskie (L & Ch-CA), Steve
McConnell (AL), John R. McConnell (CA), Patrick McNulty (CA), Narca
Moore-Craig (L-AZ), Joseph Morlan (CA), Michael O'Brien (NJ), Paul J.
O'Brien (MD), Jerry R. Oldenettel (NM), Barbara Passmore (GA), Russell
Payson (AZ), Kaaren Perry (CA), Roy Poucher (CA), David J. Powell
(CA), David E. Quady (CA), Kurt Radamaker (CA), Tim Reeves (NM), Bette
J. Reincke (AZ), Michael M. Rogers (CA), Gary H. Rosenberg (AZ), Steve
Rovell (CA), Jim Royer (CA), Owen Schmidt (OR), John Searight (NJ),
Greg Smith (CA), Patricia R. Snider (Ch-NM), Andy Spencer (MI), Jane
Stein (MA), John Sterling (DC), Tim Stevens (CA), Mary Beth Stowe
(CA), Monte M. Taylor (CA), Karen Thompson (NJ), Mary Ann Todd (MD),
Judy Uehlein (L-VA), John W. Wall (NY), Terry Witt, M.D. (L-TN), Dick
Wood (AZ), Dennis Wysong (CA), and Louise Zemaitis (NJ).
ABA CONTACTS & ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
Web Site: http://www.americanbirding.org
e-mail: member@aba.org
ABA Main Office
PO BOX 6599
Colorado Springs, CO 80934
phone: (719) 578-1614
OFFICERS / STAFF
Greg Butcher
Executive Director
e-mail: gregb@aba.org
(719) 578-9703 (work)
(719) 578-1480 (fax)
Allan R. Keith
President
278 Standish St
Duxbury MA 02332
Wayne R. Petersen
Vice President
PO Box 686
Hanson, MA 02341
Blake Maybank
Secretary
144 Bayview Drive
White's Lake, NS B3T 1Z1
Canada
e-mail: blake_maybank@pch.gc.ca
Gerald J. Ziarno
Treasurer
6208 Sturgeon Creek Pkwy
Midland, MI 48640
e-mail: gziarno@aol.com
Paul Green
Conservation / Educ. Director
e-mail: paulgrn@aba.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Margaret Bain
210 Byron Street North
Whitby, ON L1N 4N1,
Canada
e-mail: mjcbain@sympatico.ca
P.A. Buckley
Box 8, Grad. Sch. Oceanography
University of Rhode Island
Narragansett, RI 02882
e-mail: pabuckley@gsosun1.gso.uri.edu
Daphne D. Gemmill
215 10th Street SE
Washington, DC 20003
e-mail: gemmill@ogp.noaa.gov
Thomas J. Gilmore
790 Ewing Ave.
Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
Dennis H. Lacoss
3870 Land o' Lakes Dr., NE
Atlanta GA 30303
Stanley R. Lincoln
PO Box 296 (USPS)
Somers, NY 10589
Michael Ord
S. Pacific Banking Div. #160
Bank of Honolulu
PO Box 2900, Honolulu 96845 HI
Ann Stone
3047 Divisadero St.
San Francisco CA 94123
e-mail: 04673.1143@compuserve.com
William R. Stott, Jr.
3239 Betsy Lane
Herndon, VA 22071
Henry Turner
PO Box 184
Garrison, NY 10524