DT Election 2003 - Questionnaire

My extensive Business, Planning and Project Management skills coupled with clear understanding what is needed to carry the Dons Trust through its next phase of development. This would include establishing in consultation with DT members direction, planning resolution and subsequent implementation together with ensuring full accountability through out to the DT members.

WISA members who are DT members should vote for me to ensure the continued success of the Dons Trust and the guardianship of the club.

I believe my manifesto identifies why WISA members should vote for me, I have an extensive successful business background so am qualified to undertake relevant work for the membership. I have been a (AFC) Wimbledon (FC) supporter for 36 years so have had exposure to the pain of Franchise owners dating back what seems like forever. I believe passionately in The Dons Trust and it's links to the Local Community. The D/T position must be strengthened in relation to it's subsidiaries through a clear concise Constitution.

I believe that the Trust has much to learn from WISA, and would welcome an inclusive approach towards them. WISA have experience of operating a fan-focussed organisation that represents its member's views, and I believe the Trust would benefit from examining WISA's approach to member involvement. Beyond that, I think it would be useful to include WISA in any consultation exercises the Trust carries out. I think that an ISA is essential at any club, whether fan-owned or not, in order to act as a ‘watchdog', ensuring the Trust is meeting its obligations to its members, and the club to its fans. To help WISA achieve this, and to help the Trust understand any concerns WISA members have, I would be keen to see regular communication between the two organisations.

I think my manifesto covers broadly my position in relation to the organisation (DT & AFCW subsidiaries inclusive).  

I think that democracy and equality of members is essential to our future. In order to thrive we need a strong, democratic and open fan/member policy where opinions that can be expressed without fear of recrimination. All member views must be considered when deciding any strategic change or action.

Members in general meeting should take major decisions and where the Dons Trust board takes any strategic decision I believe that board members should try to vote based on what they perceive is in the best interests of members, not based on how they individually see the organisation.

We need to address some critical issues in the coming months and years, specifically the repayment of the Khosla loan. Further there is a pressing requirement to develop a revised constitution to reflect and protect member interests in the evolving organisation.

A key purpose of the Dons Trust board is there to represent member views. Consequently any WISA member who votes for me will be making a vote for inclusively of representation of members and fans alike.

I feel the WISA members should vote for me because I have the supporters interests at heart, and I want to see WISA and the Trust progress.

I would like all Dons Trust members to vote for me but there is no particular reason that WISA members should vote for any of the candidates in preference to another that I can see.

I want to make sure the Trust is a strong organisation and its members best interests represented. Also to ensure the Trust keeps control of the football club and there is no further reduction its ownership. I want to work towards the new constitution through consultation with the members.

•  I am a ‘do-er' – I get involved and I get the job done.

•  I will place the issue of paying off the debt at the top of the agenda – it is of prime importance and cannot be ignored.

•  I will use my own experience of working for a membership organisation to look at ways of improving communication between the members and the Board.

•  I am approachable and would ensure that members know who I am, and that they can talk to me about any Trust issues.

•  I am committed to seeking guidance from members rather than following a personal agenda.

•  I am young and can represent a significant proportion of our fanbase, who have not previously been represented at Board level.

•  I can represent the volunteers. Without the volunteers neither the club nor the Trust could function but they presently have no voice on the Board. The volunteers are a useful source of information, as they are the public face of the club on a matchday and often hear views that are not otherwise heard by the Board.

I'm honest, hardworking and will be true to my principles.

Any regular fan of AFCW knows the commitment that I have for the organisation.

Because:

• I have been committed to the causes that motivate WISA since learning of its existence.

• I have committed a huge amount of time and energy to supporting those causes in general and will continue to do so.

• My other responses below.

Assuming they are Trust members and eligible to cast a vote, because they believe I will do a good job on their behalf. WISA members may well remember my work for WISA over the last 8 years, they should expect the same commitment and enterprise from me.

Because I have fought every attempt to destroy my club over the years from mergers and moves to Selhurst, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Dublin etc., and I will continue to protect member's interests. Its our Club and no individual person or Group should be allowed to dictate our future, its all for one, not one for all.

I have drive and ambition for the DT. I'm a firm believer that it should be a member lead organisation. I have worked for a student union as VP Finance and Development and helped turn a year end loss of £265k the year before I joined into a £44k profit the year later through a series of commercial decisions. I feel that this small business commercial experience and financial/budgeting knowledge will be important for any new board member. I believe that I can see the big picture and not get bogged down with minor details. I have a proven track record as someone who is a ‘doer' rather than just a talker.

I hope with my experience I have something to offer the DT and AFCW-please see my manifesto.

My intention is to make sure the fans voice is heard at all times in any important discussion, Trust members or not.

Because of my track record. I have been a driving force for the purchase of the ground, raising money, implementing proper procedures to monitor our success and leading teams of expert volunteers to ensure we get things done. Over the last 18 months I have given my total commitment to making this venture a success and I believe that I bring much-needed business expertise to the board. And, finally, I detest everything about Franchise and am determined that we will achieve what Charles Koppel said couldn't be done, i.e. build a stadium for Wimbledon in South London. I could not be more committed to our cause.

I try to represent what in my opinion would be the wishes and aspirations of the majority of members/fans