To Whom It May Concern -
I must say, it's been my honor and privilege to have been in official volunteer capacity for this league for so long. I've enjoyed meeting and getting to know each and every one of you. I further believe that we have helped the league, itself, make great strides during my tenure (having originally contributed this website at my own expense and on my own free time). However, after nearly six years, I've settled on a decision that's neither come quickly, nor easily. So, with heavy heart and many conflicting feelings, I am announcing my plans to step down from the PDO Board, in all official capacities, effective immediately.
Those who know me understand that I'm generally not one to back down from anything where I feel that my services could be well-used, are of some reasonable benefit or are, at least, somewhat appreciated. With the recent resignation of Mark Smyth as President (2009 May 07), I now believe that the board is unable to be either fair/neutral or effective in its current capacity or function as a cohesive team or unit. So, that being said, I feel it is in the best interest of the league, as a whole, that I give up my position(s) in-effort to give the PDO the best chance of prosperity going forward (even though I understand that this action may stand the chance of only further alienating a large majority of the league).
Lastly, some might question why I've chosen to go about resigning in such fashion. First of all, I'd like this letter to serve as my letter (and apology) to the membership-at-large. I believe it is best that you hear my own reasoning from me, first, rather than anyone else. Second of all, even as a long-term unpaid volunteer, I feel it is only so long one can be treated like a child and told that certain individuals are not only "more knowledgeable," but can "do things better and faster than anyone else" (even after being explicitely invited to assist) before you must simply throw up your hands and agree for the sake of argument. Simply put, there is no "job" on the planet or elsewhere, paid or unpaid, that is worth further increasing my stress levels over; something that you do for fun and relaxation and the love of the game should not be something that eventually compromises your health and well-being. With that, you may find all the newer PDO info at the www.bayareadarts.net website.
Now that I have that off my chest, I look forward to seeing you all at the
oche line!
Sincerely,
Russell M. Van Tassell
PDO Competition Secretary/Webmaster
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