>Over the past few weeks, many opinions concerning the participation of Ed
>Paul in the 1998 COA Bourse have been expressed on Conch-L, mostly from
>dealers.  As President of COA, I sincerely appreciate all of these opinions
>as they reflect what members in COA are thinking about.  As I have said on
>many occasions in the American Conchologist and in the COA general
>sessions, the over-all good of the organization always takes precedence
>over any personal desires, goals or objects.
>
>During the past two weeks, I have personally talked to many dealers,
>several COA officers, and other COA members concerning this issue.  It is a
>very emotional issue with the dealers, as this effects their profits at
>this prestigious event.  For that reason, I have intentionally taken my
>time in delivering a statement as to my decision on this issue.  I needed
>the time to consult with as many individuals as possible to evaluate the
>impact of my decision on COA.  I simply wasn't going to make a quick,
>reactionary decision.
>
>As COA President, I am charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the
>COA Constitution and By-Laws are not violated.  Several years ago, the COA
>Board developed a set of "Guidelines On Conducting A COA Convention".  They
>are exactly that, "Guidelines," nothing more.  They are not a part of the
>Constitution or By-Laws.  These "Guidelines" have never been presented to
>the general membership for vote.  Although the "Guidelines" are intended to
>help a COA Convention Chairman make decisions, they also give the Chairman
>the right to make changes or to make interpretations which he/she feel
>appropriate and in the best interest of COA.
>
>I am sure almost everyone who is a shell collector or a conchologist knew
>Leonard Hill.  His untimely passing took the shell world by complete
>surprise.  We were all shocked to hear the news of his death.  Len devoted
>his life to the love of shells, both as a dealer, a collector, and an
>author.  Len always supported COA in any way he could.  Under the COA
>Constitution and By-Laws, a membership is good for the calendar year.
>There is no declaration in these official documents that one's membership
>terminates upon death.  As such, Leonard C. Hill is a COA member until
>December 31, 1998, regardless if he is deceased.  Officially, Len is a
>member in good standing.
>
>Ed Paul was a close friend of Len over the years, and is now the executor
>of Len's estate.  Ed Paul has asked permission to participate in the 1998
>COA bourse under Len's business name, Global Shells.  He is not utilizing
>his name.  His participation is under "Global Shells".  As I have been told
>on several occasions, Ed is going to sell Len's collection and his business
>stock at this year's convention to clear certain debts of the estate.  Len
>had willed certain aspects of his collection to public institutions but
>these donations can't be given until the debts have been cleared.
>
>Our 1998 COA Convention Chairman, Linda Koestel, has made a decision to
>allow Ed Paul's participation in the bourse.  Under the current
>"Guidelines", Linda has the option and the power to do so.  I have talked
>to Linda on many occasions concerning this decision.  I am totally
>convinced that Linda made her decision in the best interest of the
>organization and broke no official COA rules or regulations.  For this
>reason, I fully support Linda.  As President, I am allowing Ed Paul to
>participate in this year's bourse.  I can find no COA rules or regulations
>that have been broken and, consequently, find absolutely no reason to
>over-ride her decision.
>
>I do not recognize Ed Paul as a COA member, as he clearly is not a COA
>member.  However, I am admitting Ed into the bourse as a representative of
>Len Hill, a long-time supporter of this organization.  Several COA members
>have expressed an interest in purchasing items from Len's collection.  As
>for our dealers, I certainly understand the position they have taken.  This
>is a major profit event for them and a means of supporting their business.
>
>I am certain my decision will not be viewed as favorable with everyone who
>reads this statement.  It has been the most difficult decision I have had
>to make in my two years as President.  Personally, I see merit on both
>sides of this issue.  I have taken my time to make this decision and I am
>totally committed to that decision.  The final decision stops at the
>President's door, and it has been made.  I can not satisfy everyone all the
>time.  I have always attempted to make decisions in the best interest of
>the organization, and I shall continue to take that approach until I
>relinquish the office of President.  Regardless of whether you agree or
>disagree with my decision, I hope you will appreciate the effort that has
>been given to render this decision.
>
>At the COA Board meeting on Sunday, July 19, I will ask the Board if they
>wish to establish a committee to evaluate the "Guidelines".  I have
>absolutely no personal goals or "hidden agendas" with this issue of Ed
>Paul's participation in the bourse.  My decision is based totally on COA
>rules and regulations, nothing else.
>
>Lucille and I leave for Orlando on Wednesday morning.  I will be happy to
>discuss my decision with anyone at the convention.  Due to the short time
>of our departure, I can't answer all the e-mails I may receive, but I will
>certainly read as many as I can.  I WILL NOT answer questions or address
>this issue at the COA Annual Meeting.  I have asked Linda Koestel to
>schedule a meeting where those interested will have an opportunity to
>express their opinions.  I will also invite President-elect Linda Brunner
>to attend.  The meeting time and location will be announced at the opening
>ceremonies.  I am certainly open to suggestions and would like to hear your
>thoughts and concerns.  However, my decision is final and will not be
>reversed.
>
>I look forward to seeing everyone in Orlando.  For those who will not be in
>attendance, we shall miss you.  I am sure Linda and all the members of the
>Central Florida Shell Club will present an outstanding convention.  I want
>to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the support everyone
>has shown me over the past two years.  No one loves COA more than I do.
>This has been a true "Labor of Love" that has been so meaningful to me.
>
>See you in Orlando.
>
>Dave Green
>COA President
 
Dave,
As a member of COA and a Conch-ler I have watched this polemic for the last
few weeks.  First one side then the other.  I can appreciate the pain that
has been caused to you to have to make a decision on a question as
difficult as this.  You had to "split the child in two" to come to your
decision.  I don't know what I would have done but I congratulate you on
being decisive and not wavering.  It shows the true sign of a leader.
        I just finished watching "Odysseus" and found your letter.  It
shows me that there still are leaders like him.  I may take flack for this
but I guess that's life.  Keep up the strenth and the courage to take on
the big questions.
        Dan Yoshimoto
 
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Dan & Hiromi Yoshimoto
1164 Vista Dr.
Eureka, California
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