E-mail all comments and questions to your Area Exec.
NASCOE Reorganization Task Force and Membership Involvement
As announced in early February, NASCOE has formed a Reorganization Task Force. The Task Force met in Kansas City on February 8-10, 2008. The direction given to the Task Force adamantly stated that NASCOE membership would determine what course of action NASCOE should take in any reorganization effort. The Task Force was charged with providing information and research documents for consideration, but was not charged with writing a “Reorganization Position Paper”.
The Task Force prepared a report on what that group discussed and produced. The report is intended to serve as a catalyst in the ongoing discussion of USDA reorganization and all its implications.
The report is comprised of three sections:
- Section I addresses the question; “Why is this a good time to consider USDA reorganization?”
- Section II reviews current reorganization options and the questions and concerns membership may have surrounding these options.
- Section III deals with how membership should be involved in this issue and begins to formulate a plan of action for NASCOE to follow if any USDA reorganization efforts move forward. It also addresses concerns NASCOE might want to address with any Congressional introduction of USDA reorganization.
This page contains links to the Task Force Report, Chronology Summary of Past NASCOE Reorg Efforts, and an e-mail link where membership can submit questions or comments. I sincerely hope all members will visit this page, review the information contained here, and submit questions and comments. The most important aspect of this “NASCOE Look at USDA Reorganization” is the involvement of membership. Any reorganization that includes FSA affects each one of us. If Reorganization becomes reality and NASCOE leadership has opportunity for input we can only represent your views if we know what those views are.
Other links will be added as we progress to include CO-GS Comparison, Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, etc.
The Task Force and others will continue research in order to answer your questions. All questions submitted will be answered. The Legislative Committee and Bob Redding will have input into legislative concerns. The Exec Committee will be involved also. Membership will be involved and will have opportunities to participate in “Listening Sessions” at each of the Area Rallies and submission of comments and questions. A “Frequently Asked Questions” page will be added to the website.
The process will be long, well thought out, and purposeful. Membership's input along the way will be critical to the success of this project. If NASCOE is allowed input into an USDA Reorganization proposal, we must show that we want FSA to be efficient and provide the best service possible to our farmers. NASCOE intends to have an organization that is responsive to our farm customers. We must make the USDA organization better and provide 21st Century Service to our farm customers.
Recognition of Task Force - I would be remiss if I did not recognize the members of the Task Force at this time. This membership of the group is a cross-section of the members of NASCOE from across the nation with a CED and a PT from each area of the country. We have Past Officers and Execs, Current Officers and Execs, a Legislative Committee member, and other leaders from across the nation. The group came together with enthusiasm, dedication, and humor. Some had not met before the meeting but within minutes were joking with one another, working together, competing for best ideas, and providing positive input to the discussion. I personally have never seen a group of 10 people “meld” so quickly.
The folks on the task force were recommended by their peers and include:
SEA - James Thomason (KY) and Patricia Sorensen (FL)
SWA - Darin Slack (KS), Myron Stroup (KS), and Amber Nash (OK)
NWA - Dan Sundseth (OR), and Cindy Peterson (SD)
MWA - Kevin Beekman (MN), and Cindy Pistek (IA)
NEA - Frank Bender (NY), and Bonnie Heinzman (WV)
Other folks are also involved by contributing research, historical knowledge, and ideas. Again, I encourage you to share your ideas, comments, questions through the web site. No idea is too small, too obvious, or too far out of the box.
I thank you for your time and consideration of this project. Again, I encourage you to share your thoughts on USDA Reorganization.
Bonnie
