To the Editor,

I am responding to your editorial concerning voting by members of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA). I was in Minneapolis when we had the discussion related to this issue and considered the proposed amendment changes. I did not speak up at that meeting but was in agreement that SGNA members should be allowed the right to vote for their officers.

I also agree we had a low voting turnout this year, and I am greatly disappointed. I want to believe our members are interested enough in the future of the SGNA to want the best persons possible in our leadership positions. We can get that information only by reading the bio that individuals prepare when they accept the nomination. That bio is available on the Internet and with the paper ballots during election time. The member also can ask other regional members for any knowledge of the person on the ballot.

The sad thing is voter turnout in regional elections is the same way. Once someone finally agrees to a nomination, it is nigh impossible to get anyone to vote. Last year our ballots for my regional were mailed out to our 30 members. Only 7 members voted. This makes it hard to say that the best person got the job or that the members were represented appropriately.

I believe if the Board has a better way for our mission to be accomplished and it is presented to our members in an appropriate manner, the result may be different than before. I am for what will make us a stronger organization with a healthy future for our members. Thank you for presenting this information to us, and I hope it will be food for thought to others as it was to me.

Janet Hannah, RN, CGRN

(e-mail: mailto:[email protected])

Region 64, West Virginia