In an effort to be transparent, as I promised I would in my campaign, I want to explain my actions regarding the email sent out through the PASS Virtual Chapter. As part of my campaign, I reached out to my personal network and asked folks if they would be willing to send out a note on my behalf. I asked chapter leaders and that included the leaders of the Performance Virtual chapter, of which I am President. Some graciously chose to send an email on my behalf, and the Performance Virtual Chapter was one of them. I did not send anything myself and I did not coerce anyone into doing it. I verified the rules prior to making the request, but I didn’t think about the perception that it would send to the community.
I had no intention of ill will or being unfair since all candidates have the same right to ask community members and leaders for support. I also had no intention of taking advantage of my position in leadership. However, I see that it was wrong to send the request that I did.
I’ve come to see that leaders should strive to adhere to a standard higher than simply following the rules. Leaders should avoid even the appearance of impropriety. I failed at both those tasks. I created a situation where people were concerned that I had abused my position as a VC leader. The fact that I didn’t break any rules doesn’t matter, I am 100% responsible.
This has been a painful experience for me in many ways but it has also helped me to be a better leader. Moving forward my goal won’t simply be to follow the rules. My goal will be to always avoid a situation where anyone might ever accuse me of using a position of public trust to benefit myself.
I apologize to the community and my supporters for the harm this has caused. Please be assured that I have learned from this. I view myself as a man of integrity and I will continue to exemplify that in everything I do.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
Clik here to view.
Image may be NSFW.Clik here to view.
