Re: [ICANN-EU] Answers (as a candidate) to Oliver Thuns questions

["Griffini Giorgio" <grigio@mediapoint.it>]

O.Thuns wrote:
> Some questions to the candidates. No technical ones, but about 
democracy and politics.
> 
> 1) How do you feel about the election and the endorsement-period (only 2 
> self-nominated candidates will make it)?

Sincerely speaking, I think that many people is overloading this election with 
a meaning that it doesn't have. Or at least it had not in the very early original 
intents (I think). 
The real little big step is being done in this election is the opening to the 
general public. If you think the member-endorsment stage as a way for 
people excluded by the Nom-Com to show they anyway deserve a place into 
the ballot and you pair what I'm telling with what has been answered by 
Andrew McLaughlin of ICANN to Andreas Fugner you will easily understand 
what I mean. (and also the surprise of ICANN in getting more than 158000 
memberships seem to confirm this thought)
Howewer this should not stop us in thinking that the process can be made 
more 'open' (in the 'directness' sense of the meaning) by step by step 
adjustments. The most difficult thing (opening it to general public) has 
already been done. Now it is up to us. 

> 
> 2) Should the ICANN be democratic?
> 
It is difficult for a corporation (any kind of) to be 'democratic' in all aspect of 
its structure and often being 'too much' (quoted) will mean have an 
undeciding one. The key point should be that who takes decisions (a single 
people, a board, an assembly) must keep in mind that its decision will also 
affect disagreeing people and that any effort to understand their points should 
be made giving, if allowable, a way to dissenting parties to prove - on the field 
possibly - what is better to do. I we base on the fact we are talking about  
'technical coordination'  the concept of 'technical democracy'  must be put on 
the appropriate level and usually is 'the field' which gives the correct answers.

> 3) Only 5 of 9 directors will elected in this election. When and how should the 4 
> remaining directors be elected?
> 
The Cairo resolutions states that just after the elections of these
first five directors (regional ones) it will immediately (Nov 1st 2000) starts an 
evaluation and study period of reconsideration on the role of the At Large 
Council (respect to which is currently stated on article II of the ICANN Bylaw 
which is currently suspended). Result of this study (targeted within the first 
half of 2001) will drive what will comes next. (there will maybe anyway some 
specific board resolutions on this subject). 
In the meanwhile seats will be held by initial at large directors which term 
has been extended on purpose. (unless board decides to shorten terms) 
(PS. I hope I've not missed some amendment or other resolutions telling 
otherwise)
I may agree on this way althought it also seems too much time but it is not 
an easy task , I admit. (if you try to read the article II of the ByLaws you will 
understand why I agree with reconsideration)

Best Regards
Giorgio Griffini