After all, it is Halloween.
The unsigned memo we all received tonight is obviously a deliberate attempt to suppress the vote in this year’s coop election by making one type of legitimate vote look like a threat.
General proxies are a standard way to vote in all corporate environments, including coops. In fact, when general proxies aren’t encouraged, the result is often a turnout less than a quorum and postponement of the election.
Last year, there were approximately 909 votes cast for board candidates. More than a third were cast by general proxy — more votes were cast by general proxy than were cast by shareholders actually attending the annual meeting.
Traditionally at East River, challengers have favored general proxies over directed proxies. Why? Because the board, with memos like these, has created an air of mistrust around the election process, and cooperators looking to oust the incumbents aren’t comfortable relying on the Coop’s own lawyer to handle their directed proxies properly.
Vote however you like. Of course you should not feel pressured. But if you want to vote for our endorsed candidates — James Keenan, Faith Schreier, Julian Swearengin, and Mike Turner — feel free to do so with one of the proxies attached to our flyers (or download one here: for building 1, building 2, building 3, or building 4).
JAMES KEENAN is a native New Yorker and 9-year resident at East River. During his previous stint on the board he advocated for more communication with shareholders and more financial transparency. “I care deeply about the tradition and history of our neighborhood, but we must be willing always to stay open to new ideas that will improve our quality of life and strengthen our financial security.”
FAITH SCHREIER has been a cooperator for more than 46 years and thinks it’s time for a change. “We need new and caring directors who will trust and listen to shareholders. We have a right to know everything about our expenditures and we should be able to read minutes from board meetings so that decision-making is not all done behind closed doors.”
JULIAN SWEARENGIN is an attorney and father with 20 years’ experience at some of the world’s largest banks and law firms. “If elected, I would also work to ensure that your right to basic information is never violated, that the Board’s major decisions are transparently reported to you, and that the Board and the Cooperative are professionally and ethically managed.”
MIKE TURNER is an accountant and small business owner worried that the current board’s strategy of increasing our debt while reducing flip-tax revenue means a big maintenance increase is right around the corner. “We should be looking at every square foot to maximize our outside revenue and reduce the financial burden on shareholders.”
MICHAEL MARINO is a development officer at NYU and the founder of Friends of Corlears Hook Park. “In my time working with the park group I have become immensely adept at navigating various city agencies and bringing multiple community groups together.”
TED PENDER is a 13-year cooperator, retired horticulturist, and volunteer gardener throughout the city. “I am interested in improving the amenities for our Seniors (as I will soon become one).”