Bylaws changes are for the better.

Included in this issue of California CPA are proposed changes to CalCPA's bylaws that have been approved by CalCPA's Board and Council. Members will be asked to vote on the bylaw changes at CalCPA's Annual Members' Business Meeting in July.

As a member of CalCPA's Bylaws Committee that recommended the changes, I encourage you to read them carefully and participate in the vote, either in person or by proxy.

When CalCPA formed its Bylaws Committee last year, a new process was created for member-driven bylaw changes. Any member can bring a recommended bylaw change to the Bylaws Committee for consideration. The standing Bylaws Committee will then review the proposed changes. It may also suggest revisions to the proposed changes. If the changes are accepted by the Bylaws Committee, the recommendation will then be brought to the board and council for discussion and approval. If voting rights are involved, the recommendations will be submitted to a membership vote.

In addition, any member can contact a board or council representative and ask that representative to introduce a proposed change. Thus, there are several ways in which a member can get a bylaws change introduced.

The existing process is fair and ensures that all sides of the issue will be given a full hearing. This process also helps eliminate conflicts and other problems arising out of poorly worded initiatives which bypass the hearing process. It's also far less costly than a petitioned change that goes straight to a member vote.

I am aware that one of the most contentious bylaws amendments involves the number of signatures required to present a member petition for a bylaw change and the number of votes required to ratify such a petition. By increasing the number of signatures from only 50 members to 3 percent of the membership, we have ensured that a member initiative will address an important issue that hasn't been resolved through use of the conventional bylaws revision process.

The bylaws proposed in this issue of California CPA have been rigorously reviewed and approved by both of CalCPA's governing bodies. I urge you to ratify them.

A forum for your comments, suggestions and reactions. Fire off your succinct missive to: [e-mail].

TED MITCHELL, CPA

CALCPA BOARD MEMBER