Re: DISCUSSION: define the role of a liaison

[Brian E Carpenter <brian@hursley.ibm.com>]

I don't think we should end up with highly restrictive text, and I'm
certainly not criticising past or present liaisons since we have no rules
in place today, but the type of participation described in Geoff's recent
message is beyond what I'd expect a liaison to do. I could go for text
that states that the liaisons' primary roles are communication and
process monitoring, and that they are absolutely excluded from decision
taking. Let's see what the community thinks about liaisons taking part in the
interview process. I may be the only person made uncomfortable by it.

The previous NomCom chair is a slightly different case, I agree. By construction,
they/he/she is not a current I* member, so there is no conflict.

   Brian

Thomas Narten wrote:
> 
> Brian E Carpenter <brian@hursley.ibm.com> writes:
> 
> > The problem that needs fixing is that it is not stated that
> 
> >   The liaisons' roles are limited to communication between the NomCom
> >   and the body each liaison represents.
> 
> Does this mean, for example, that:
> 
>  - a liason should not speak unless explicitely asked?
> 
>  - a liason speaks only about issues concerning the body they
>    represent, and then provides what he/she believes would be a
>    representative view of that body?
> 
>  - the previous nomcom chair is (I believe) technically a liasion. Do
>    the same guidelines apply to that role (vs. that for the IAB or
>    IESG liason)? Would it be appropriate to speak up about potential
>    problems with the voting proceedure that is being developed?
> 
>  - should a liaison offer an opinion/input during a discusion in which
>    he/she has direct knowledge (this might, for example, be direct
>    experience with a particular candidate that relates to the
>    qualities the nomcom is considering)?
> 
> Clearly, there are many more questions along these lines.
> 
> Your words suggest to me a very narrow role for the liaison, one in
> which the answer the first question might well be "yes".
> 
> Thomas