Because a sizable number of WGA members read the site, I want to spend a few paragraphs talking about the Board of Directors election coming this September.
Since joining the guild in 1998, I’ve always read the candidate statements carefully — they come in a booklet along with the ballot — trying to balance two competing goals:
- Who would think most like me?
- Who brings a different voice to the board?
I score each candidate, then figure out my top eight (or however many are needed that year).
The ballot and booklet haven’t come out yet this year, but one candidate, Howard Michael Gould, has started a blog outlining his positions and reactions to events affecting the WGA and the community.
I first met Howard on the telephone, discussing a cinematographer he was considering hiring for his movie. Since then, I’ve followed him mostly through his work on the Negotiating Committee — you may remember his speaking at the big WGA meeting at the LA Convention Center. His positions haven’t always been in line with Patric Verrone’s, and I’ve appreciated his candor and thoughtfulness when talking about the strike and Where We Go From Here. In that way, he meets both of my criteria.
I think candidate blogging is a very good idea, one that I hope other candidates will emulate. I’ll happily link to anyone who does.