On May 19, 2015, Mr. Mario Quintana was dismissed from his volunteer position as Coordinator of the Grant County Senior Olympics. Mr. Quintana has been greatly responsible for building a program that was on its last breath a few years ago. He almost single handedly built the program to what it is today. I have known Mr. Quintana for many years as a dedicated and highly respected community member who is highly involved in the community as well as all of Grant County. This action taken by a partial Board of Directors on that day comes as a great surprise to many former and present participants in the local program. Many in the community and county as well are very disappointed and not very pleased with what, how and why this transpired.

After researching the Bylaws, I was baffled how this action could have been taken by this partial board of 2 or 3 members depending on how you see it. To you members on the board I must ask your help in understanding how you proceeded to do this. There are questions that need answers. The answers will shed light and will help us to understand the proceedings.

The Bylaws state that at a 7-day notice be given prior to any meeting. The purpose of that meeting should be also given. Was this done? What was the rush to have this meeting? As a Board did you spell out specifically what expectations you had for Mr. Quintana and afford him a chance to fulfill them? Was he ever afforded the opportunity to resign and save face, avoid this humiliating and embarrassing action? Was there a proper quorum at that meeting in order to conduct any business? Why did some members have a difficult time obtaining the Bylaws from the organization? I understand that at least 2 members can't even get the minutes from the meeting held on that day, May 19. We also understand that one member had resigned some time earlier and was allowed to participate in the meeting and shortly after Mr. Quintana was dismissed and another board member voted in, resigned formally? What was that all about? For a short period of time there existed a 6-member board which goes against the Bylaws which specifically allows 3 to 5 members in order to have a board. There was one other person at that meeting, and that person was eventually elected to the Board by members present. Why weren't others invited besides this one person or why was this person there and no others?

Present Board members are invited to a meeting on Friday, June 19, along with others who are seeking answers to questions that will help shed some light. The meeting will be at the Grant County Extension Office on 2610 N. Silver Street at
5:00 p. m.

Fred R. Baca
Silver City