Re: Draft resolution formalising Debian's Associated Project status

On Fri, Mar 16, 2007 at 11:54:10AM -0700, Joshua D. Drake wrote:
> Let Debian deal with it, and report (via the Liaison) to SPI the motion
> etc... If the Secretary drags his/her feet, then the DDs can form a
> quorum to recall her yes?

They can actually only pass a general resolution to appoint a new
secretary if there is a disagreement between the project leader and the
incumbent secretary. (cf. Paragraph 4.1.7). So if the project leader is
happy with the secretary, DDs cannot recall the project secretary
(without first recalling the project leader and replacing him via a
nine-week election). However, if a general resolution does get
attempted, it is the Secretary and only the Secretary who runs votes,
determines method of balloting, decides issues of procedure, etc.
Therefore, if the Secretary drags his/her feet on the vote and is
uncooperative about agreeing to a replacement Secretary, there's really
nothing to be done. It's definitely a flaw in the system.

As for the broader issue at hand, I very much agree with Ian that if the
Debian liaisons to SPI don't do their job properly and timely in
conveying decisions relevant to SPI, it's important for DDs to notify
us, both to protect Debian's decision-making integrity and for SPI's
own due diligence in conducting transactions. Which is why paragraph 5
is a useful encouragement.

- Jimmy Kaplowitz
jimmy(at)spi-inc(dot)org