Re: [ga] ICANN Travel Budgeting

[Ross Rader <ross@xxxxxxxxxx>]

On 10-Dec-07, at 5:13 PM, Debbie Garside wrote:

> I think paying travel and accommodation for Council Members to attend
> international meetings is quite reasonable.

The GNSO Council has a stellar track record of attendance over the  
years. Funding the travel of lobbyists, consultants and other self- 
interested parties to attend ICANN meetings on behalf of special  
interests groups like the Registry, Registrar, ISP/Telco, Intellectual  
Property, Business and Non-Commercial Constituencies is simply  
unnecessary. These people will attend regardless of who is footing the  
bill and there is no reason why registrants should be forced to bear  
this unnecessary cost.
It would make more sense for the constituencies wish levy dues on  
their membership to assist in managing the affairs of their  
constituencies, including funding travel for their representatives.  
ICANN doesn't need to implement socialist programs to cover first  
class travel costs for well funded business lobbyists.
Ross Rader
Director, Retail Services
t. 416.538.5492
c. 416.828.8783
http://www.domaindirect.com

"To solve the problems of today, we must focus on tomorrow."
- Erik Nupponen