Well you wanted more sides to the story this just released to me, and I was asked to post this as more information or debate to the Jim Lattin interview.
From Mike Waters:
"Roy, thanks for your comments in reference to the Ken Kelly interview. I have another observation to make in that regard. As one of the many folks along with you, who over the years, have been involved in making the early trips to the Bonneville Salt Flats in our quest to provide the "Perfect" or at least the "Best Possible" course (s) for our participants I feel somewhat betrayed. I feel for the numerous folks that have made the journey for no other reason than to accomplish what at times seems like an impossible task. This past year was no doubt, perhaps one of the worst salt conditions in many a year. We have had years of no Speed Week at all and others that took an army of dedicated volunteers to keep the event going. In spite of almost insurmountable odds these folks have done just that, kept things going. I feel that it was inappropriate to criticize all the folks that had to do with our Course prep this past season. They did the best they could with what Mother Nature dealt them. My hats off to them. Mike Waters"
The next two points were also made that were also asked to be posted.
"It is damn hard to find out what the BNI is doing. " (as stated from Lattin interview"
All of the BNI meetings are open and conducted befoe the SCTA meetings. There are no private or secret meetings. Minutes are prepared and available to any who ask. Normally there are 2 to 4 guests at each meeting . A BNI report is given at every SCTA meeting with a question period at the end. Several ways you can get info: Come to meeting, read minutes, come to SCTA meeting and hear report and/or ask.
"It seems to be a top secret what the BNI finances are"
A total BNI accounting is prepared each year at year end and reported to the SCTA membership. It normally takes a few months for the World Finals bills to get in, so it is generally done in Dec. The BNI monies are organized /earmarked into 3 basic accounts: Operating capitol, Rainout fund (savings) to withstand 3 rainout years per 10 and El Mirage property development . The rest of the $ is filtered back to SCTA in various ways: Equipment and Supplies, Operating Cash ( SCTA runs from 10K to 20K in debt each year) Annual SCTA dues offset ( $20 per member last year) , and per diem pay to Salt workers. All this is pubicaly discussed at both SCTA and BNI meetings and published in the minutes
"I can't remember when the Club Reps have taken anything back to the clubs for a vote."
Are you reading your minutes ??
Since traffic and fuel prices caused the board and reps meeting to be combined, (with clubs approval) all the meetings are a reps meeting; we haven't had a separate board meeting for 2 years. Any issues that any rep feels warranted to take back for input is done so. Warren's minutes may not be perfect, but many of the votes at the meetings are reps votes.
Jon
