Well, finally I have some news to report!

At our last National Board meeting we, the board members, broached the subject of a National HMGS newsletter. We were told that the Courier and Historical Gainer were folding up and that a new magazine was being planned to take their place. We were also told that as an organization we could have 4-6 pages of this magazine for our newsletter. This would cost the national board $6,000 per year - over three times what we take in from our membership dues from each region.

Needless to say, an alternate plan was quickly arrived at by some of us who have an extreme dislike to spending money we don' t have. The board was to discuss this at a special meeting at Historicon. I was not able to attend in person, so I sent a proxy vote to Steve Verdolvia, the representative from PSW HMGS. The $6,000 a year deal was voted down. Steve then presented his plan for a newsletter that would be available to all members of all regions for a modest $10 a year subscription rate. I was in favor of this and thought that with a modest start and an aggressive campaign to sell some as space this would be the best alternative.

So much for reason and right thinking. This plan was also voted down, along a very interesting geographical split. All regions west of the Nfississippi voted yes and all those east of that same said river voted no. I only bring this up because this factional split has been prevalent in all our votes, and words were said that caused our friends in the PSW region to decide to not participate in the business of the National Board of Directors any more.

I find it hard to fault PSW for their action, and would like to know your feelings on this matter. I have worked very hard to make something of the National organization. I don't want it turned into a scratching post for some peoples' over-developed egos. So here is the question: Do we stay in or do we get out? Call or write me and let me know.

I need to know soon because I have to pay our dues.