User:Lfrench/IC Platform
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Team Qang Platform
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THE TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW!
Welcome to a POLITICS FREE Platform Page!
As I have mentioned in my intentions email, I view this election as a selection of leadership rather than a political campaign. When I first started this campaign, I knew that I would have a lot to learn to be successful in this campaign. I have not had the pleasure to have the grooming that Sam did by serving on several positions on the Coordinator Council Staff. I may have been in fandom longer, but I have always stayed in the trenches with the chapters and midmanagement level. Just as Captain Kirk had a lot to learn when he got promoted to Admiral and had to learn to fly a desk instead of a starship, I think my leadership style is more like Captain Kirk and General Martok than Admiral Kirk. I probably have a completely different leadership style than my opponent. I'm not saying "better", I'm saying "different". The choice of better is in the hands of you, the voters. I do not condone mud-slinging or smear campaigns or political comparisons. I am not saying that they have happened here, but I don't like or condone them. I want this to be a professional campaign of deciding who's the best leader for MFI. Don't vote for me because I am a better politician or can play the political ad campaigns game like most politicians these days, but VOTE for me because I am a better leader.
I am really disappointed in that the Leadership of MFI must be determined by a political process instead of The Ja'chuq or the Klingon Rite of Succession. — Modern Klingon practices have seen the Klingon Rite of Succession ceremony conclude with only a brief proclamation that two challengers vying for leadership had been decided upon. However, the older form of the ceremony concluded instead with the ja'chuq — the listing of battles won and the prizes taken by each challenger. I would much prefer this type of campaign.
My Team values Honor, Duty, Respect, Motivation, Dedication, Logic, and political free leadership. We prefer to just get the job done rather than sitting around talking about the problem. We are not diplomats or politicians. I prefer a more militaristic form of leadership by choosing a chain of command rather than a political party. I prefer to gather my council to solve a particular problem rather than how am I going to prepare the next speech to address a particular issue.
What I intend to do if elected is to follow in the footsteps of the two previous ICs to continue the organization on into the future. I can never replace them. They were outstanding leaders. I can only possibly succeed them. I intend to keep several of the same staff they did, so long as they still want the job and willing to continue doing so. I have no intention on making any current significant changes to the already great organization called MFI. I intend to see it continue.
I am offering MFI a choice of leadership. Nothing more, nothing less. If you prefer Sam's type of leadership, vote for him. If you prefer the way I lead, vote for me. I would never lead from the rear, always from the front. I would never ask another person to do something I would NOT do myself. I delegate as needed, but not out of unwillingness to try.
Many people have been concerned about my use of persona. Well, persona comes from the word personality, which is where my persona comes from. When I think of myself as K'moghjIH, I view myself as a fearless leader, rather than a mundane computer technician. It boosts my ego to better prepare me for the challenges ahead. I find strength and honor when comparing myself to the Klingon Code of Honor. If this style does not suit your taste, choose another candidate.
I have many leadership qualities and experiences. I am an Eagle Scout, a Free & Accepted 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and a Disabled American Veteran. I have three Associates Degrees and a Bachelor's Degree in Computers, I also have a Master's of Business Administration Degree in Technology Management. I have been a leader in many Veteran organizations, Community organizations, and fraternal organizations as well as being a supervisor in the military and in the mental health field.
Putting personas aside, I would personally like to thank all of the Chapter COs that took the time to send in their nominations for either candidate. It shows dedication of the Chapters and shows me that they truly have a vested interest in the outcome of this election. I appreciate every opportunity that I have received in the Maquis, because it was the first organization that truly made me feel like I am part of a family. The second was my Klingon House and the third was my crew. It gives me a sense of pride and honor that nobody can take away from me. I know that I usually act like the tough Klingon-Vulcan most of the time because I use logic and honor to measure my own humanity. I also constantly battle the war of emotions that would be typical of such a being and it is easier to deal with in persona terms.
With that in mind, on to the questions that were posed.
1) MFI Website.
I am fully aware of the importance of the MFI Website and the costs involved. If I am elected to the position, I intend to have meetings with the Chief of Computer Operations, the Quartermaster, and the Advisory Council to come up with fundraiser ideas and donations to keep the website funded. While I cannot single-handedly afford to fund the Website myself, I will see to it that we acquire enough funds to keep it running even if we have to take up a collection from the Coordinator Council. I have no doubt that if elected, the Coordinator Council, the Advisory Council, and the Quartermaster can map out a plan to ensure that the website will be paid. My goal is to collect the entire amount to pay the first year in advance and then raise the second year funds with Quartermaster funds and other fundraising ideas. This plan will ensure that the website is maintained during my tenure. I will guarantee that the funds will be paid in any case.
2) Focus:
What is your main focus in this election? What are your goals you hope to achieve as IC? What is your mission?
I think that anyone who runs for IC has the same focus in their election, which is to carry MFI forward into the future and maintaining the same goals and traditions that MFI was founded upon. The main focus of MFI has always seemed to be about the fun and the "hands off" approach to dealing with chapters. Maintaining that focus is my mission. Even with that said, the charity and community service elements that we have implemented over the years are not going to go away. I'm not going to make a requirement of it, but I will continue to encourage and support it. I think that it is a good thing to do and gets more exposure to the chapters to aid in their recruiting. The only thing that I will consider adding is the attempt to re-establish the working relationship with the Maquis Freedom Alliance toward the Maquis United concept idea of the past. I think that all the Maquis organizations should be united and coordinating their combined efforts. We all have something different and unique to contribute.
3) Membership Expansion:
I plan to work very closely with the Diplomatic Corps, the Membership Department, and the Maquis Advisors List to develop and maintain techniques for the recruitment of members. No one person can do everything, so by working closely with the people that are better familiar with these tasks at hand will provide for greater success in the long run.
4) Honest REALITY CHECK:
I may have said or implied that this organization is "make believe," but I do not suggest that the responsibility of being the International Coordinator is not an important responsibility or to be taken lightly. I plan to treat my responsibility very seriously and plan to work at it very hard. I do not, however, see the need to stop using persona names unless it interferes with the performance of my duties. I feel that using the persona name and utilizing the skills and knowledge that I gain over the years of being in that persona is an advantage that I plan to capitalize on. Many people in fandom outside of MFI know the name K'moghjIH and know a lot about the Honored House Ki'RK. I plan to utilize that in maintaining relations with these other organizations which will enhance recruiting and diplomatic efforts between them and us. When dealing with mundane organizations outside of fandom, I always drop the persona because I know that they don't understand what that means or entails. In either case, I maintain a professional and businesslike attitude and manner in dealing with people. Everyone seems to feel that not using my persona name is most advisable,however, I still disagree. I do not see the difference in using whatever name to represent the IC. As Shakespeare said, "A Rose by any other name would smell as sweet." When we had that "war" with KLAW, I could see clearly whenever someone was in character or not, by the code "OOC:" meaning "out of character." I never made that distinction because both names are still me. Whether I am speaking using the name K'moghjIH or Larry, it is still me speaking. I use the same thought processes and voice for both. I don't differentiate because it is redundant. To me, it is just like when we were children, kids had nicknames for other kids. Sometimes, those names continue on throughout the rest of our lives. My neighbor still goes by "Butch", but when he is at work, he usually goes by Eugene because that is what goes on his paycheck. As much as it pains me, if it will make everyone feel better, I will use the mundane name as IC, if elected.
5) Urgency:
How would you handle a crisis from within or without the club? If another club was making attacks or threatened an attack on the club or one of its chapters or members, what would your course of action be?
This is difficult to answer without knowing the specifics of the attack or the specific situation. Leadership is not an exact science, it is situational. My first instinct would be to react by analyzing the specifics of the situation. If it is a slanderous attack, I would immediately get advice from the Diplomatic Corps, the Advisory Council, and the Coordinator Council on how best to handle it without disgracing MFI or dishonoring the attackers. If the attack is hacking into our website, I would contact the Chief of Computer Operations for help in combating this threat. I would ensure that the Chief of Computer Operations use every means necessary to catch the person hacking into our website and have them arrested for a conviction of a felony.
6) Initiative:
What is your initiative? How would you take control of a situation before it got out of control? Would you be willing to take risks in order to do it?
Depending on the situation, I would use my instincts to solve the problem quickly. I have had many situations where crewmembers disagreed about something or another and I’ve had to step in, take charge, and try to diffuse the situation. I always try to take control of a situation before it gets out of control. If taking some risks to control a situation is necessary, then yes, I will take some necessary risks to get the job done. Risk is part of sitting in the center seat.
7) Competence:
What are your qualifications that would make you the ideal candidate for the position of IC?
I truly believe that I have sufficient leadership experience to handle the demands of the position of International Coordinator. I started learning leadership early in my life being in the Boy Scouts, I had served as Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Cubmaster, Webelos Den Leader, and Unit Commissioner, to name a few for the last 30+ years. I have had to lead the Scouts on several competitions, campouts, and in meetings. Attaining Eagle Scout is not an easy task for a young boy. It takes years of dedication and hard work. It shows that a boy has internalized concepts of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, and other important values needed in life. Many boys do not make it to Eagle, but I am an Eagle Scout.
I spent 9 years in Computer Operations in the United States Air Force and 3 years of that time, I was a Shift Supervisor. After leaving the service, I joined many military and community organizations like the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion, Air Force Association, Air Force Sergeants Association, Loyal Order of Moose, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and a few others where I served in positions of Chaplain, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, and Junior Vice Commander.
I have spent many years in the pursuit of knowledge by graduating with Associate of Applied Science Degree Data Processing from the Community College of the Air Force, Associate of Science Degree Computer Specialist and an Associate of Science Degree Microcomputer Specialist from the Community College of Allegheny County, Bachelor of Science Computer Applications (Minor: Behavioral Science) from the University of Maine Fort Kent, and a Master of Business Administration Degree Technology Management from the University of Phoenix Pittsburgh Campus. Many of those courses taught me how to deal with people, leadership, management, computer networks and software programming, and many other business solution techniques.
I joined STARFLEET International in 1991 and have served in many positions as Lead Pilot, Marine Strike Group Commander, Chapter Commander, Chapter Executive Officer, Marine Battalion (State) Deputy OIC & OIC, and Senior Deputy Director for Special Operations Warfare. I helped establish the training program and many of the chapters in STARFLEET Special Operations. I have taken many of the Starfleet Academy Courses (250+), mostly with Distinction or Honors, covering many topics, but specializing in Leadership Development. Specific Leadership courses include Officer Training School, Marine Officer Candidate School, Officer Command College, Flag Officer School, and Commander & Vice Commander, STARFLEET. I have earned several leadership awards in STARFLEET to include the 1993 STARFLEET Academy Honors Graduate Recipient, 1995 Semi-Annual STARFLEET Stampede Stamp of Appreciation Award Recipient, 2001 Marine Proficiency Ribbon Recipient, 2002 Initial Entry Training Award Recipient, 2002 Professional Development Award, 2002-2004 Medical Proficiency Award Recipient, 2004 Legion of Arms Recipient, 2003 & 2004 7th BDE Leader's Commendation Medal, 2003 6th BN 7th BDE Battalion Member of the Year, 2004 7th BDE Community Service Citation, 2004 Region 7 Outstanding Service Award, and the 2006 Great Barrier Award.
I joined the Maquis in 2000, starting first with MFA and then MFI. I became Commanding Officer of my own Chapter in both organizations and still command my Chapter. In MFI specifically, I served as MFMC Battalion Commander June 2002-June 2005, MFMC Brigade Commander June 2002-June 2005, Zone Coordinator June 2003-January 2005, MFMC Division Commander June 2003-June 2005, MFMC Deputy Commander June 2004-June 2005, KTF Deputy Commander January 2005-January 2006, and currently have served as KTF Commander since January 2006. I have also served on the Charity Committee since its inception.
As Chapter Commander, I have led my crew with distinction. The MFA Fleet Admiral consistently remarks that the ICV Heghnach is the example to follow when it comes to Community Service and Charity Projects. I personally have volunteer service totaling over 100 hours per year for the last 5 years and have led my crew to match my efforts for a crew volunteer total of at least 200 hours per year. I coordinate all community service and charity projects. I contact each coordinator to get the information needed for the crew and then motivate them to come and participate. Our projects include the Pittsburgh Race For The Cure, Pittsburgh Toy Show, Ronald McDonald House Pop Tab Collection, Scouting For Food, and Lee National Denim Day, just to name a few.
8) Communication:
This is probably one of the most critical aspects of leadership. How would you handle a breakdown of communications between MFI and another club? Or more importantly what would you do to prevent such a breakdown? A good leader must be able to clearly communicate if he's going to maintain order. (Note this also applies to intra-club communication as well.)
I will utilize every leadership instinct that I have to understand the problem, discover the cause, and analyze possible solutions. I will negotiate with all parties involved, consult my advisors and staff, and recommend possible solutions. I will also consult the Diplomatic Corps to see if a diplomatic solution can be found. If there is to be a diplomatic solution to implemented, I will have them draft the document and then present it to the other club. I will never go into a negotiated half-cocked. I will make every effort to resolve the issues as peacefully, logically, and diplomatically as possible. Just as Picard consults his staff before taking major action, I plan to do the same. They could have a better solution that I had never considered which might resolve the situation better.
9) Politics (ouch- the taboo word)
Plain and simple- How would you use your power should you be elected? Would you use it for the benefit of the club as a whole, or as a means to further your own personal goals? (Be careful how you answer this one.)
“Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.�? Everyone wants power, but it is the use of power that is the heart of the matter. Many governmental politicians have their own personal agendas and use politics as a smoke screen to implement them. I don’t like politics for that reason. I have no personal agendas that I want to accomplish. My goal will be the benefit of the organization as a whole or to help the chapters, branches, or divisions specifically. If they flourish, the organization as a whole flourishes.
10) Intellectual Honesty:
Basically speaking, what is your code of honor? Are you able to gain our trust, and then maintain that trust once it's gained? Are you reliable? Are you trustworthy enough to lead?
The title and questions beneath don’t really jive together and seem very loaded. Basing my experience in the Boy Scouts and the military, I do my best to live up to the Scout Law in the virtues of trustworthiness, loyalty, helpfulness, and other important values needed in life. Honor, Duty, and Loyalty are my watch words. Most of the virtues of the Scout Law are summed up in one word: Honor. Honor is the sense of accomplishment approach reproach and done with pride. It is never done with distrust or dishonesty. I believe that I have shown that during this campaign I have shown trustworthiness by laying all of my cards on the table to be examined. I have never tried to intentionally deceive anyone in my life. Many who truly know me say that I am honest to a fault. Duty is the ability to stick to the task at hand until it is done. It means never leaving your post until relieved. It is important to be reliable in any organization and I do my best to show that I am reliable in everything that I do. If I tell you that I am going to accomplish something, I will do everything in my power to do what I told you. If I can’t do something or discover that I can’t do something, I try to convey that as quickly as possible with as much notice as I can muster. These are things that I expect of those under my command. Loyalty may sound like a lofty term, but it is essential in any organization. It is a dedication to an organization and to all the leaders of that organization. I am loyal to any organization that I involved myself in until given a reason to distrust an organization. I am so loyal to an organization that I will defend them with every once of my being.
11) Interdependence:
(Note, this is NOT to be confused with CO-dependence). Basically speaking, if you realize that the job is too much for you to handle by yourself, what would your course of action be?
No one person can do it all, no matter if they say they can or not. It requires dedication, attention to detail, loyalty, and honor to get the job done. I know that in the past, I have quit when things got too tough, but I realized over time that this attitude was in error. I took on too much trying to find the right fit or niche that I could find enjoyment. When I found out it wasn’t what I truly wanted or that my ability didn’t match the requirements of the job, I felt I had to resign instead of asking for help. In this past year, I learned the error of my way and changed my view of this thinking. No more will I allow a committee or council of one. I have a new determination that I will not QUIT regardless of how hard the situation is. I am dedicated to see this through for the duration. I now plan to ask for help more rather than run away from the problem. I will not hesitate to consult the Advisory Council, the Coordinator Council, or anyone that I have to in order to get the assistance that I need to tackle the problem of the moment. The International Coordinator position will be my number one priority and will cut back on other responsibilities to keep my responsibilities to MFI from slipping.
12) Resilience:
Simple enough question. How well can you bounce back from making a mistake, and correct it? Can you do this, and still maintain your dignity?
I am always willing to admit that I am wrong or made a mistake, but I usually try to analyze situations carefully enough to keep mistakes to a minimum. Only a fool can say he never makes mistakes. Humanity is full of fallacy. Recognizing it and trying to correct them or learning from them is key to never repeating mistakes. I am confident that my team will work together well enough that when a crisis occurs, we will work diligently and quickly to resolve the problem with a minimum of error. Honor demands owning up to mistakes, but also learning from them. I have always tried to live as an honorable man and I don’t intend to deviate from that now.
I hope this answers everyone's questions and concerns. I am excited and motivated about the opportunity to become the next International Coordinator. If you feel that my leadership style and plans for operation is agreeable to you, then by all means vote for me. Sam and I have different styles of leadership and different ways of doing things. It is all a matter of what you like best. I don't look at this as a popularity contest or a battle to the death. I hope that we can all remain firends and work together no matter who wins. If Sam should win, I will still serve with honor and pride knowing that I fought the good fight and I hope that Sam can do the same. To me, it's not about who wins or loses, but about growing MFI into a better organization in the future.
Lastly, just so you know, keep checking my platform and Team page, because I am always changing and updating it. This campaigning thing is a new experience for me and like any good Marine, I'm trying to improvise, adapt, overcome to get to the end of the journey. I feel that I have the leadership experience to lead this organization into the future and would appreciate your vote.
Someone had asked for a listing of qualifications as in a Ja'chuq, so here it is:
MFI Specific service:
Chapter Chairperson (CO, ICV Heghnach) since June 2002
MFMC Battalion Commander June 2002-June 2005
MFMC Brigade Commander June 2002-June 2005
Zone Coordinator June 2003-January 2005
MFMC Division Commander June 2003-June 2005
MFMC Deputy Commander June 2004-June 2005
KTF Deputy Commander January 2005-January 2006
KTF Commander since January 2006
Have served on the Charity Committee since its inception
Other related leadership skills/service:
Eagle Scout
Free & Accepted 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason
Disabled American Veteran of the United States Air Force (9 years USAF, 15 years DAV)
Associate of Applied Science Degree Data Processing - Community College of the Air Force
Associate of Science Degree Computer Specialist - Community College of Allegheny County
Associate of Science Degree Microcomputer Specialist - Community College of Allegheny County
Bachelor of Science Computer Applications (Minor: Behavioral Science) - University of Maine Fort Kent
Master of Business Administration Degree Technology Management - University of Phoenix
Took most MFI Academy courses available from June 2002-June 2006
Took over 250+ Starfleet Academy courses from different organizations
Specific Leadership courses include Officer Training School, Marine Officer Candidate School, Officer Command College, Flag Officer School, and Commander & Vice Commander, STARFLEET.
Chapter President / Vice President or some other leadership positions in several different clubs/organizations over the last 35 years
30+ year veteran of the Boy Scouts to include leadership positions of:
Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster,
Assistant Cubmaster, Webelos Den Leader, and Unit Commissioner, to name a few.
I have earned many Leadership Training Awards in performance of the above positions.
30 years experience in the computers career field (mostly mainframe batch programming and help desk support)
14 years Instructor experience with the Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force, Department of Computer Services, American Heart Association, and / or the American Red Cross
Shift Supervisor in USAF for at least three years, Asst. Supervisor for Behavioral Health Help Line for 2 months
Volunteered in Community Service, Charity, or Convention Projects totaling over 100 hours per year for the last 5 years
Qapla'!
Larry D. French, Sr.
(Lt General K'moghjIH zantai-Ki'RK)
IC Candidate
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