[council] Proposed Resolution for Consideration

[Ross Rader <ross@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Per Bruce's earlier request, here is a proposed resolution for 
discussion at the next council meeting. This may not be the right 
resolution, but given the interest in this topic on this list, I believe 
there is support for a discussion. As a result, I didn't attempt to 
"wordsmith" and "whereas" this too much, but the salient points of this 
motion are that;
a) there should be term limits for councillors
b) the term shall be limited to two consecutive terms
c) special circumstances do exist where term limits are not appropriate 
and these circumstances should be accomodated by our processes
d) the Council should act immediately implement this recommendation at 
the Constituency and board level.
I would also note that the the Registrar constituency already abides by 
these practices and that I am nearing a term limit myself, so I don't 
believe that I have any special conflicts coming into play by backing a 
motion of this sort.
//begin//

Proposed Resolution:

The recommendations of the LSE regarding term limits for GNSO Council 
members should be adopted immediately by the GNSO Council with no 
grandfathering except in connection with the ability of a council member 
to serve out their existing term. A council member can serve no more 
than two consecutive terms (regardless of duration). Moreover, a former 
council member must remain off the GNSO Council for one full term prior 
to serving any subsequent term. However, there shall be an exception to 
the two term limit in connection with special circumstances (I.e. 
Geographic diversity requirements) where a constituency is unable to 
find an alternative representative to serve. In applying this special 
circumstance exception, the existence of an otherwise qualified 
candidate willing to serve on the council within that constituency shall 
constitute a non-rebuttable indication that special circumstances do not 
exist. The GNSO Council will forward this recommendation to the ICANN 
Board of Directors for implementation in the bylaws and also recommend 
to the GNSO Constituencies that they voluntarily adopt these practices 
until such time that they have been formally implemented by the Council 
and Board.
//end//

Regards,

Ross Rader
Director, Retail Services
Tucows Inc.