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Please do not sign if you are not a VOTING member of the BTCA

If you have a Family Membership you have 2 votes and can have both members sign this petition separately 

The undersigned members of the Bedlington Terrier Club of America (“BTCA”) believe that the integrity of the Club’s governance and election process has been seriously compromised by the actions of the President, Officers, and Board of Directors. Immediately after the duly constituted Nominating Committee voted on its slate of nominees, the President, Officers and Board called and conducted an “emergency” or “special” meeting within approximately 24 hours for the apparent purpose of disbanding the Nominating Committee after learning that a majority of the current Officers, and certain Board members would not be re-nominated. In doing so, the Club’s leadership disregarded the BTCA Bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order, and the requirements applicable to New York not-for-profit corporations under New York law, which do not allow for such an “emergency” or “special” meeting to be held under the circumstances at hand. These governing authorities exist for a fundamental reason: to ensure that the Club’s business is conducted transparently, impartially, and according to established procedures - not according to the personal interests or electoral preferences of those currently holding office.

The actions taken by the Officers and Board constitute a profound departure from their fiduciary and governance responsibilities and are inconsistent with the stated purposes and governing requirements of a New York not-for-profit corporation. New York law expressly recognizes the authority of a corporation’s bylaws to govern the conduct of its affairs and imposes requirements concerning the calling and conduct of meetings. When those entrusted with administering the Club’s affairs deliberately circumvent the rules governing nominations and elections - particularly when doing so immediately after learning the outcome of a nominating process - the result is not a fair or impartial election process. It undermines the legitimacy of the election itself and erodes the confidence that every member must be able to place in the Club’s leadership.

Accordingly, we, the undersigned members of the BTCA, call upon the entire Board of Directors and all serving Officers of the Bedlington Terrier Club of America to accept responsibility for these actions and immediately resign their respective offices, with the exception of Amber Rummel who stated it was an illegally called meeting and Lucy Heyman who was absent from the meeting. The Club cannot credibly conduct a fair election or restore member confidence while those responsible for circumventing its governing documents remain in control of the organization. We further request that the actions taken at the improperly called meeting be declared null and void, that the duly constituted Nominating Committee be restored, and that the Club proceed with its election in strict accordance with the BTCA Bylaws, Robert’s Rules of Order, and applicable New York law.