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May 8, 2004
Dear Colleagues:
Election ballots are in your hands. For six months I have met with individuals and small groups, and for several weeks I have posted messages addressing the wide range of issues and problems we face as a society, and our strengths. Our most urgent task is to save our flagship program; I think we are up to the challenge.
While no major difference of opinion between Nancy Wolf and me has been evident, I believe there is a real difference in our preparation for leading NYFS. I will bring to our presidency deep and broad knowledge of both our many assets and our shortcomings. I understand collaborative governance and am committed to it. Just one example of this is my hope that Nancy (along with so many other committed, creative, and active members already hard at work) will continue her current leadership role.
I have the time, energy, and vision to lead us back to prominence in the psychoanalytic world. I ask for your vote to be president of our large and complex organization.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Dear Colleagues:
The New York Freudian Society has had a hard time attracting psychoanalytic candidates for our adult training program in New York. We now have an exciting new curriculum being fleshed out by our outstanding faculty, and a revamping of our training analyst system more consistent with our egalitarian ethos. Our scientific programs provide cutting edge intellectual stimulation for the professional community. Our Washington Program remains a shining example of achievement. These and other assets must be mobilized and coordinated to deal with the crisis of our flagship program.
I have campaigned for nearly six months, and I have written, called, and met with you. I was persuaded to run for office out of a sense of commitment to the Institute at which I trained and to the Society that has been my professional home. Having heard your ideas and felt your attachment to our Society, I am running for president with great optimism for our future.
Donald Kaplan used to say, “The closer you look at us, the better we look.” I have spoken with members I did not know or know well before this campaign, and I have rediscovered the truth of his statement. We have the talent and energy to renew our organization, but we must resolve our factional conflicts and do much more than stay the course.
Those who know me recognize my flexibility and openness. I have learned from mistakes and have broadened my perspective. I also have shown a thick skin in the midst of inevitable controversy. These are tough times for us; our very survival may be at stake. My recent retirement from CUNY affords me the extraordinary availability I know to be required for the tasks of our presidency.
If elected, I will continue to communicate with you as I am now doing, and I will be responsive. I will see that concerns are addressed, and that all points of view are heard and fairly deliberated. I am committed to sound and thorough process in leading our efforts. I look forward to participating with you in the ongoing work.
Sincerely,
Jeff
Last Updated 24 July 2009 (DHG) |
