2015 Brisbane Lions Board Elections - Democracy comes to town Dec 17th

[John]

Need more property developers with political agendas IMO.

and pork barrels.

 

[Haso]

and pork barrels.

And long prawns

 

[Paul D]

Coffee giant Phil Di Bella eyes position on Brisbane Lions board

http://www.news.com.au/national/cof...bane-lions-board/story-e6frfkp9-1227115079217

COFFEE king Phil Di Bella has nominated for the Lions board, giving the club a potential hotline to Premier Campbell Newman and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

The controversial entrepreneur’s sporting passion landed him in hot water this year when he was stripped of a Queensland business award after posting a series of anti-gay rants aimed at referees and TV commentators on social media during the State of Origin rugby league series.

 

[MacMum]

Agree.

However successful boards are generally made up of successful people in a variety of fields. By successful, I mean captains of industry type folk - not middle managers and public servants who really really like the club heaps.

Maybe I'm entering a bit of class warfare here, but someone like this TLR guy would be better off being an employee at the club in the digital and communications space, not a board member setting strategic direction of the entire organisation.

We tried that before, it didn't work. We now have people who KNOW football and are successful.

..and by the way, imo your post is a terrible put down of someone who has done very well on behalf of the supporters AND who the club has listened too.

In fact, I thought it was insulting, particularly if you don't know the man and what is day job is.....even then, day jobs don't necessarily indicate the persons capability either.

 

[Skoob]

Coffee giant Phil Di Bella eyes position on Brisbane Lions board

http://www.news.com.au/national/cof...bane-lions-board/story-e6frfkp9-1227115079217

COFFEE king Phil Di Bella has nominated for the Lions board, giving the club a potential hotline to Premier Campbell Newman and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk.

The controversial entrepreneur’s sporting passion landed him in hot water this year when he was stripped of a Queensland business award after posting a series of anti-gay rants aimed at referees and TV commentators on social media during the State of Origin rugby league series.

I'm not sure a "hotline" to the Premier's office will be of much use when Kate kicks him out of Ashgrove.
Anyway, as potentially advantageous as it might be to have close political connections, I'd prefer those connections to be not so close.
Oh and he is a pig, apparently.

 

[nigelicious]

I'm not sure a "hotline" to the Premier's office will be of much use when Kate kicks him out of Ashgrove.
Anyway, as potentially advantageous as it might be to have close political connections, I'd prefer those connections to be not so close.
Oh and he is a pig, apparently.

He is basically a board-level version of Fevola. I don't want a bigot representing my football club, in fact I go so far as to go elsewhere when I see "Di Bella" signs outside a coffee shop. Pass.

 

[MacMum]

When I read that article, I instinctly thought NO. Sounds too much like Sharpless and others, in it for their own interests.

 

[nigelicious]

RALEIGH TO BRING LIONS PREMIERSHIP CUPS BACK TO GABBA

Brisbane Lions board candidate Chris Raleigh promises to bring the Lions three premiership cups back to the Gabba from their current home at the Lions social club more than 20 kilometres away if elected to the board. Raleigh will also ensure the Lions premiership flags will fly at every home game. According to Raleigh, “having the cups on public display and having the flags flying at all Lions games at the Gabba is such an essential move. I also promise to have the cups on display at all Lions games in Melbourne”.

*snip*

What I will bring to the Lions board is as follows:

1. Give Lions fans a passionate, independent voice on the board;

2. Provide high level, strategic legal advice in all areas relevant to the Club free of charge;

3. Assess every decision on the basis of what is best for the Club, not my bank balance;

4. Bring the Lions premiership cups back to the Gabba and display them at all home games in addition to flying the premiership flags;

5. Have more affordable Lions social functions for adult fans such as a trivia night with a player sitting at each table with fans;

6. Organise regular information sessions to keep fans more up to date and involved with all board matters; and

7. I will be personally contactable at all times by all fans while on the board and invite fans to email me at any time atchristopher.raleigh@qut.edu.au.

Rizzler, while I am all for bringing greater member representation to the board, I have a couple of questions regarding your campaigning platform quoted above.

What is your logic regarding moving the premiership cups from their current location to the Gabba, from a business perspective? Having a quick look at the club's 2013 financial report (that was the first result on google), the social club was our single largest gross revenue generator and adds an important non-footy injection of funds. Now, given our financial situation and the social club's importance in that regard, I would think that having things like the premiership cups housed at the club's social venue help lend legitimacy to the connection to our club and provide drawing power for supporters to this crucial off-field arm of our business. This social club isn't an inconsequential bar in the suburbs, but a key revenue source (120,000+ members on board apparently, so they've had more than a few visitors since they opened).

If the cups are to be moved to the Gabba, where do you propose they will be located? Will the location be accessible by members from all sections, who enter via a number of different gates? Is the suggestion that housing the premiership cups at the Gabba that fans who would otherwise watch on TV will buy tickets to get a look at what was previously on display at our social club? Further, who will be responsible for safely transporting these cups interstate every few weeks? Where will they be securely displayed? At the opposition's stadium? Have the logistics to these concerns been considered before being cast as promises?

This just seems like a fairly pithy platform to pin your campaign to, with more than a hint of cynical politicking, and not necessarily well thought out. If it is an essential move as you have stated, *why* is it essential to the forward progress of our club?

 

[spotthedog1]

Yes. The fact he claimed that he "did not wish to insult" but then actively spells one candidates name wrong post after post is a in my opinion a snide insult and deserves an apology. Poor effort.

Seriously? It's a difficult surname, and even then, he was quite respectful in terms of addressing him as "Mr ____". Meanwhile, many other people on this board have addressed our previous and current board members as Bowers, Holmes, Sharpless, etc... Including directly stating that many are pork barrelling and only doing it to benefit themselves. Serious accusations with no evidence. Like or dislike what any of our board members have done, but most of these people are employed or running their own businesses, and still want to give up their time for free to give to the club. I feel that this entitles them to some respect, even if we don't agree with a particular action. Whoever gets elected to our board (well-suited or not), I will treat with some respect as someone trying to do the best for the club - though I may disagree with them quite heavily if they're well out of their depth.

I agree with most things that QAFL_Fan has said. Boards set a strategic direction for a business/club/organisation. If the aforementioned gentleman whose name I don't wish to try to spell does not have experience in business strategy, financial nous, legal or corporate governance, then I don't want him on the board. An AFL-club board is not the place for a person to learn governance. I also take no issue with the suggestion that AFL clubs have such a diverse set of stakeholders that they could be considered closer to governments than businesses. As such, I'd happily accept a senior government adviser or leader on to our board.

I don't see why you're bringing class warfare into this either John - it is about experience and suitability. If we are wanting someone to run out onto a field, we get an athlete, not a fan. If players want someone to represent them at the tribunal, they get a lawyer, not a fan. If we want someone to run and organisation, you get people with relevant experience. Passion is great, and I can see strong club passion in many of the nominees, but passion with no experience doesn't make one able to command organisational direction.

 

[Haso]

Seriously? It's a difficult surname, and even then, he was quite respectful in terms of addressing him as "Mr ____". Meanwhile, many other people on this board have addressed our previous and current board members as Bowers, Holmes, Sharpless, etc... Including directly stating that many are pork barrelling and only doing it to benefit themselves. Serious accusations with no evidence. Like or dislike what any of our board members have done, but most of these people are employed or running their own businesses, and still want to give up their time for free to give to the club. I feel that this entitles them to some respect, even if we don't agree with a particular action. Whoever gets elected to our board (well-suited or not), I will treat with some respect as someone trying to do the best for the club - though I may disagree with them quite heavily if they're well out of their depth.

I agree with most things that QAFL_Fan has said. Boards set a strategic direction for a business/club/organisation. If the aforementioned gentleman whose name I don't wish to try to spell does not have experience in business strategy, financial nous, legal or corporate governance, then I don't want him on the board. An AFL-club board is not the place for a person to learn governance. I also take no issue with the suggestion that AFL clubs have such a diverse set of stakeholders that they could be considered closer to governments than businesses. As such, I'd happily accept a senior government adviser or leader on to our board.

I don't see why you're bringing class warfare into this either John - it is about experience and suitability. If we are wanting someone to run out onto a field, we get an athlete, not a fan. If players want someone to represent them at the tribunal, they get a lawyer, not a fan. If we want someone to run and organisation, you get people with relevant experience. Passion is great, and I can see strong club passion in many of the nominees, but passion with no experience doesn't make one able to command organisational direction.

I just know you're great at parties.

 

[John]

Seriously? It's a difficult surname,

I stopped reading there spookthatcow3.

 

[John]

I just know you're great at parties.

You will always find him in the kitchen......

 

[leaper]

I have a bit of experience dealing with and being on boards. One of the main criteria is the ability to work hard. I have seen plenty of high profile duds (with all the qualifications - indeed we have had some). Because someone hasn't had board experience shouldn't preclude them. Representing the rank and file I don't see as a bad thing. It has been to our detriment in the past not to have this person. I remember an employee of the Bureau of Meteorology telling me that occasionally they have to stick their arm out the window to see if it is raining.

 

[Skoob]

I don't see why you're bringing class warfare into this either John - it is about experience and suitability. If we are wanting someone to run out onto a field, we get an athlete, not a fan. If players want someone to represent them at the tribunal, they get a lawyer, not a fan. If we want someone to run and organisation, you get people with relevant experience. Passion is great, and I can see strong club passion in many of the nominees, but passion with no experience doesn't make one able to command organisational direction.

Firstly, Jorgo would be proud of the "Fan" references.
Secondly, again, there seems to be the assumption that James Kliemt (see what I did there? I just took the time to know and spell his name, which by the way is used throughout this thread so you don't need to look far) doesn't have the credentials to contribute meaningfully to the board of a football club.

"Not a fan", "not a fan". What presumptuous crap. Are the other board members not "fans".

 

[nigelicious]

 

[Tassie4ever]

I'm not sure a "hotline" to the Premier's office will be of much use when Kate kicks him out of Ashgrove.
Anyway, as potentially advantageous as it might be to have close political connections, I'd prefer those connections to be not so close.
Oh and he is a pig, apparently.

You should be aware that in posting a view with a political slant about 50% of those reading your contribution will have a contrary view. I'd be willing to take a bet that Can Do will get a return gig.

As to political connections, get real. That's simply reality. Wherever we end up with our new setup, it won't be done without political input. That's a certainty. Example- we'd never have gotten the redeveloped Gabba without ALP support.

This bloke may or may not be "a pig", but just like Mitch Robinson who you also didn't hold back on, if he is selected he'll be our pig. Might be best not to go out too hard too early.

 

[blynd_freddie]

Seriously? It's a difficult surname, and even then, he was quite respectful in terms of addressing him as "Mr ____". Meanwhile, many other people on this board have addressed our previous and current board members as Bowers, Holmes, Sharpless, etc... Including directly stating that many are pork barrelling and only doing it to benefit themselves. Serious accusations with no evidence. Like or dislike what any of our board members have done, but most of these people are employed or running their own businesses, and still want to give up their time for free to give to the club. I feel that this entitles them to some respect, even if we don't agree with a particular action. Whoever gets elected to our board (well-suited or not), I will treat with some respect as someone trying to do the best for the club - though I may disagree with them quite heavily if they're well out of their depth.

I agree with most things that QAFL_Fan has said. Boards set a strategic direction for a business/club/organisation. If the aforementioned gentleman whose name I don't wish to try to spell does not have experience in business strategy, financial nous, legal or corporate governance, then I don't want him on the board. An AFL-club board is not the place for a person to learn governance. I also take no issue with the suggestion that AFL clubs have such a diverse set of stakeholders that they could be considered closer to governments than businesses. As such, I'd happily accept a senior government adviser or leader on to our board.

I don't see why you're bringing class warfare into this either John - it is about experience and suitability. If we are wanting someone to run out onto a field, we get an athlete, not a fan. If players want someone to represent them at the tribunal, they get a lawyer, not a fan. If we want someone to run and organisation, you get people with relevant experience. Passion is great, and I can see strong club passion in many of the nominees, but passion with no experience doesn't make one able to command organisational direction.

Grate post Mr Spotthebog1

 

[Cousin Jed]

Agree.

However successful boards are generally made up of successful people in a variety of fields. By successful, I mean captains of industry type folk - not middle managers and public servants who really really like the club heaps.

Maybe I'm entering a bit of class warfare here, but someone like this TLR guy would be better off being an employee at the club in the digital and communications space, not a board member setting strategic direction of the entire organisation.

I take your point but how do you judge a successful board and has the board done anything to make it successful?

 

[Skoob]

You should be aware that in posting a view with a political slant about 50% of those reading your contribution will have a contrary view. I'd be willing to take a bet that Can Do will get a return gig.

As to political connections, get real. That's simply reality. Wherever we end up with our new setup, it won't be done without political input. That's a certainty. Example- we'd never have gotten the redeveloped Gabba without ALP support.

This bloke may or may not be "a pig", but just like Mitch Robinson who you also didn't hold back on, if he is selected he'll be our pig. Might be best not to go out too hard too early.

I think he (Newman) might sneak back in too, but I'd wager one more term and even his own will eat him.

Of course the club needs government support, but that is not to say there need be cosy back slappin' favours for the boys type relationships that we've already seen in Ipswich.
On the Robinson comparison/analogy, I probably did go too hard too soon, and am looking forward to seeing him play. I have no such worries with board members though. At best, his mates in the LNP might sling us some cash, big deal, doesn't change his character one iota. If he is to be "our pig" I will feel no compulsion to support him like I do the players. I don't support Milner or Sharpless and certainly didn't support Angus.

 

[matwt73]

Grass roots activism doesn't necessarily preclude someone from being competent in a board sense. Looking at his other credentials should be a determining factor and arguably the activism demonstrates a greater understanding of the soul of the club. At the end of the day being a successful board is about getting the right executive team in so it just becomes a matter of rubber-stamping and oversight. With the expansion of the size of the board diversity becomes a strength.

This.

The fact that a person is a member of a 'supporter activist group' should not be seen as a negative.

Certainly if that was all a candidate brought to the table, then you might be sceptical of their capacity to fulfil a role at board level. But personally I would prefer an activist supporter with some relevant management, professional or business experience, to a manager, professional or businessman with no previous interest who was co-opted or parachuted in.

 

[John]

This.

The fact that a person is a member of a 'supporter activist group' should not be seen as a negative.

Certainly if that was all a candidate brought to the table, then you might be sceptical of their capacity to fulfil a role at board level. But personally I would prefer an activist supporter with some relevant management, professional or business experience, to a manager, professional or businessman with no previous interest who was co-opted or parachuted in.

That is not a negative and those that peruse it as such and then have the 7 asterisks audacity to write rubbish about class warfare and other such nonsence should look at themselves in the mirror and conside their hypocrisy.

 

[GingerGreatness]

Peter Garrett ftw!

 

[Fatcat08]

Its interesting that when you throw up the words social media people think its just sitting there posting on a twitter or facebook account and it colours their perception a fair bit. Now I don't really know James but I think that his job is far more reaching than just a few social media accounts. From linkedin

Lead Queensland Police digital/social media strategy and solutions.

- Led the QPS social media team throughout the 2011 Queensland flood disasters. Developed world’s best practice for using social media for emergency management.

- Created and maintain the largest Police Facebook page in the English speaking world. Half a million likes in a state with a population of 4.5 million.

- Fundamentally reshaped organisational media and community engagement strategies. Shaping the brand around values of openness, accountability and community engagement.

- Led a project creating a multi award winning state-wide network of local police blogs averaging 2 million page views per month

- Created and maintain the official whole of government real time emergency management site for the state of Queensland.

Thats a pretty impressive set of work and shows a fairly large amount of strategic thinking and acumen as well as real world application. Given the world we live in and where its going digitally I certainly think someone with this set of skills is worthy of putting his hand up for the board and given the current blend of skills already on the board, James's skills is certainly an area of under representation. I fail to see how its less relevant than being involved at a high level in business, accounting or law. It will be interesting to see what his platform for election will be.

Also I don' think his work on The Lions Roar should be a negative at all. In just over a year it went from nothing to an organisation that has gained significant media coverage and presence (not something easily accomplished as a supporter group of one of the most media irrelevant sides in the comp) and affected real change for the fans. If anything it only re-affirms the skill set and relevance to a board appointment.

 

[Haso]

I think we all know the moral of this story, guys. When in doubt, defer to authority and our social betters. Those guys are rad.

 

[Skoob]

Peter Garrett ftw!

Pssst. Pink bats.