[Foundation-l] Travel policy

Mon Jul 9 17:22:59 UTC 2007

<<<Jimbo wrote:

I do not agree with this reasoning.  If it were legally possible (and  
it is not) I would like to see the possibility for board members
to get at least a small paycheck  (10,000 euros per year or similar).

I think that board diversity is an important goal.  And the practical  
reality is that serving on the board of the foundation takes up quite  
a bit of time and energy for all of us, and that is not likely to  
change.  Reimbursement of board expenses is quite important to  
ensuring that people are able to serve without their service being a  
financial burden.
>>>

I don't believe that it is wise to attempt to remunerate board members
through liberalization of travel policy.  There are a number of problems
with this even if you accept that some means of remunerating board
members is necessary.  The largest problem with doing so is fairness and
parity: Some board members will gain more than others.  Those who travel
more, those who are more willing to push the edges of policy, and those
whose situation permits them to claim the greatest expenses will benefit
the most.  I also believe that such policy works at cross purposes with
the board's mandate to control costs.  How can someone control costs and
yet seek to remunerate themselves through the travel policy at the same
time?

If you believe that board members should receive a stipend, we would be
better off finding a better and more transparent way to achieve that. 
Even if they are on the board we can remunerate them for services
provided in some other capacity.

On the other hand, I believe that the foundation would be better served
by drawing its board from individuals who have already achieved
sufficient financial independence that they need not look to the
foundation as a source of financial support.

Steve