Everton unveil new Fans' Forum members

Whilst I welcome the attempts of Everton Football Club for the Fans Forum to become a fully dedemocratic body I think it's fair to say that they have failed, in spite of their best intentions.

The progress the forum has made over the years lends me to believe that eventually this body will be one that we can all, justifiably be proud of. It's not that long ago that "our" representatives were selected for us (some may well think that's still the case) but at least the fanbase are now given the privilege of having a vote in a ballot.

My greatest concern is the way the result has been announced. I'm not aware of the result getting announced anywhere outside of a vague proclamation of the winning candidates. No mention of votes cast for each of the 12 candidates. No mention of how many supporters took part in the ballot, turnout, spoilt papers etc.

Can you imagine the outrage if a Returning Officer announced at next year's General Election who the winning candidate was, from a pre-ordained selection process, without any details like how many votes had been cast for the individual candidates along with spoilt papers, turnout etc?

For me, democracy isn't just about giving people a vote, it's about them taking a full and active part in the democratic process.

Personally I wish Lisa, William, Peter, Gary, Kevin and Steve every success for the future and that they promote all fully open, transparent and democratic process in the future.

Up the Toffees

Dave, as it was overseen by Electoral Reform Services, couldn't you ask them for the information?

What I'd like to know, given the Club's actively blocking BU members from participating in GM's, is did any BU members apply for election and was thjeir application blocked?

Who said full democracy is possible or desirable? What is important is that the representatives are genuine supporters broadly representative of the fan base as a whole not narrow factions with an axe to grind against the club or individuals within it. A full democratic process does not guarantee a satisfactory outcome from anybody's viewpoint.

John we already know that a full democracy is not desirable by the board who will do what they can to make it not possible, the Desperation Kirkby vote has proven that, as well as vetting attendees of the AGM.

The last lot of Fans Forum members that were 'broadly representative" brought us the much reviled Mickey Mouse Clubhouse badge so it would be a nice change to have some genuine supporters in the Fans Forum that are aware of the problems the Club face.

Eric, you do a disservice to previous members of the Forum who have been genuine Evertonians many of them following the team home and away. The badge was a matter of opinion and taste and hardly the biggest issue facing the club or supporters. The Forum did not bring us the badge. They were asked for their opinion about what was proposed but they were not responsible for the choice made by the supplier. The latest badge was selected following a democratic vote by supporters which is about as far as I would take democracy in running a football club and further than the vast majority of clubs would go.

Eric;

You are correct, the whole process was managed and overseen by the ERS. An organisation that are undisputed experts in their chosen sphere. I have exchanged a number of emails with the ERS. Sadly they are unable to share any information with third parties and suggested that I contacted the Everton fan centre (not to sure why).

I directed my query with the club, via email with Richard Kenyon. Sadly he isn't prepared to share any information either. Not votes cast, not the turn out, nothing. I explained my concerns that the democratic process isn't just about the freedom to cast a vote, it's to take part in the whole process. It's to analyse the whole thing. Given that the whole process has been concluded without anyone knowing the essential criteria for their selection, in my humble opinion it makes the whole process questionable.

John;

"Who said full democracy is possible or desirable?" you ask. I not too sure anyone did, but it should be. We live in a democratic society. Not a third world country, a dictatorship or a military junta!!!

The club has previous here, totally ignoring the wishes of the small shareholders who suffered from years of the Board ignoring their right to General Meetings.

You go on to say "that the representatives are genuine supporters who are broadly representative of the fan base as a whole, not narrow factions."

Just how you define "genuine supporters" is beyond me. Is a genuine supporter someone who went to Krasnodor, or who attends all home and aways? Maybe someone who's had a season ticket for 40 years? Has been elected to various positions within local, regional and national fan organisations?

Or do you mean as long has you're not a supporter of the Blue Union?

Yes, you are right on your final point, "a full democratic process doesn't guarantee a satisfactory outcome from anybodys veiwpoint." What it does guarentee is that the broad church of views of Evertonians is at least listened to.

The whole process should be inclusive, not exclusive like it currently is. My criticisms aren't of any of the individuals who are currently on the Fans Forum or who've previously sat on it. I know may of them and they are amongst the most dedicated, loyal, passionate and knowledgeable Blues you could ever wish to meet.

The road to democracy has always been a troubled one, with many twists and turns along the way. But ultimately the Fans Forum will be a democratically elected body. Not because I want it to be, not because the Blue Union want it to be but because UEFA, Platini and EFFP demands it

John #3, on the contraary, it is you that does a disservice to genuine supporters who happen to be members of the BU or KEIOC by suggesting that they are "narrow factions with an axe to grind against the club or individuals within it." when they have been proven correct in exposing the deceit of the Club in their dealings with the fans, particularly over the Desperation Kirkby fiasco.