Ira Lee Riddle Announces Write-in Campaign for CJA President
(posted 3 July 2007)

Dr. Ira Lee Riddle chairing the Bylaws Committee during the annual CJA meeting at the US Open, August 2006

Following is the announcement received July 2, 2007 from Dr. Ira Lee Riddle announcing his write-in campaign for CJA President

To: Chess journalism community
From: Ira Lee Riddle

Although it is at the last minute, almost literally, I have decided to run a write-in campaign for the CJA Presidency. I am already on the ballot for the Vice-Presidency position; should my write-in campaign succeed, I will withdraw from that position. If the write-in does not succeed, then I will still be a candidate for the V-P position.

Over the past few years, I have grown upset and tired with the non-civil manner in which our CJA officers have conducted themselves, both in e-mails and phone conversations. Nothing is accomplished by threatening others, refusing to accept their e-mails, or telling others that if they communicate with someone disliked, then they are also on the “disliked” list. Journalism is concerned with communication, and that should not be a one-way street. If two people disagree, then they can still be civil and even friends.

I am not running against anyone in particular. Our current president, Jerry Hanken, is a fine writer and has done a very good job of getting new members for the CJA. However, the tone of governance is something I do not wish to see in the future. Should I win, I will do my best to ensure that all communications are civil towards each other.

As you read through the following partial resume, you can see that I have been active in all areas of chess. I currently edit and publish The Delaware Chess Newsletter, and write its reviews as well as articles for various other publications. I am waiting for the latest issue of the Florida Chess News to see one of my articles in it.

Chess Activities

International Level

FIDE International Arbiter

Director: 1st - 11th PSCF Futurities, 1st - 4th Phila. Invitational International Tmnts., several other FIDE-rated events.

National Level

USCF National Tournament Director

Tournament Director Certification Comm. (Chmn.: 1984-1987, 1989-1991; member: 1991-1996, 1998- )

Scholastic Chess Comm. (Chmn. 1981-1983, member 1979-1981, 1989-1991)

Rules Committee (member: 1990-1995)

Rulebook Revision Comm. (co-editor 1991-1993)

Prison Chess Comm. (member 1994- 2004)

Nominations Comm. (Chmn., 1996-1997)

Elections Teller (1992-1999)

Publications Committee (member 2000- 2004)

Organizers’ Committee (member 2001-2004)

Director: 1987, 1990 US Opens; 1980, 1986, 1992 Junior Opens, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1993 Denker Tmnts., 1980-2, 1997-90 U. S. Amateur Team South, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 Pan-American InterCollegiate Tmnts 2003 U. S. Senior Open

President, Chess Journalists of America 1989-1995

Editor/Publisher The Chess Journalist 1991-1993

Chief Judge, CJA Awards Program, 1992-1995

Member of Judging Committee, 1998-2001, 2003-2005 State Level

President, Pa. State Chess Federation, 1978-2002

Editor/Publisher, The PennsWoodPusher, 1980-2001

Editor/Publisher, Delaware Chess Newsletter, 2004-

Chief Director: 1978, 1985-7, 1989, 1992-3, 1995-6, 1998-9, 2001-2, 2005 Pa. State Championship, 1979-1998 PA Scholastic Tmnt., Pa. State Scholastic Tmnt, 1979-1998 Pa. Team Tmnt, 1980-81, 1984, 1986-2005, Delaware State Tournament, 2004, 2005

Author of many Chess Life articles and TDCC Corner in the Ratings Supplements.

I ask for your support in my campaign. ...

Ira Lee Riddle