Voting on council candidates starts at our Annual Meeting on September 13—make sure you’ve marked it on your calendar and registered! The voting window runs until September 27; you can cast a ballot online or drop a paper one in the store. 

We’re in our third year of this new voting calendar. Before 2022, the voting period ended right at the Annual Meeting. The Bylaws Committee proposed changing it so members could meet the candidates in person at the meeting and hear their ideas before voting. That’s one of a score of tweaks we proposed to the bylaws, and members adopted, to strengthen our co-op democracy. 

The next council will look at possible additional tweaks over the coming year. Before we dive into those ideas, let’s recap how our bylaws already keep council membership tied to member votes. 

If a council member leaves early, the spot goes to a vote at the next Annual Meeting election. Even if the council appoints someone, that person would serve only until the next election. For example, this summer a member resigned just in time for her seat to appear on the ballot—so we have four positions on the ballot this year instead of the usual three. Another resignation came too late for the ballot, so you may have seen the appointment notice. The council will fill that spot at its September 9 meeting. 

One thing that sets us apart from other co-ops I’ve investigated is how soon new council members start serving after the election. The bylaws don’t set a specific transition period, but in practice we need a short prep window so new members can learn their fiduciary duties and sign the required commitments. I’m going to ask the next council to consider formalizing that transition time, so you’ll hear more about it next year—and maybe even vote on it. 

This year, the only group vote is approving last year’s meeting minutes. But there’s lots to talk about, and we’re excited to see many of you there! 

Co-op Connects on Saturday, September 6, 11 am to noon with the General Manager (GM) and me  

Join General Manager Mary Mullally and me for Co-op Connects on Saturday, September 6 from 11 am to noon! Look for signs on where to find us. 

We’d love to chat with you about the past, present, or future of the Co-op – or anything else on your mind!  

The Wrap 

Here’s a seasonal riddle:  

Q: What’s bright orange and sounds like a parrot? 

A: A carrot.

—Carl Etnier, Council President

Do you have any questions or comments about the council? Do you know any jokes even faintly related to food and/or co-ops? Please email them to me!