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I believe that of the three candidates for National Coordinator, Richard "Isaiah" Harrison is the logical choice. I have long felt he was a highly effective communicator who deals with situations in a prompt and decisive manner. However, he does not react in knee jerk fashion...when he feels it is necessary, I have observed that he immediately requests more information or clarification before he takes a stand. Once he has the information he needs, he makes a decision and states his position in a calm and clear manner. He has often championed the rights of CCs when he felt they were being treated unfairly. On several occasions, even when it was clear that he did not agree with the actions or opinions of the particular CC in question, he still made every effort to find a compromise and pursue as fair an outcome as could be arranged. I admire his ability to put his personal feelings aside in the interest of finding reasonable solutions to problems. He has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to listen to all sides of an issue and to give consideration to opposing ideas. When he disagrees with someone, he has shown that he can do so with courtesy and respect. Having said all that, he does not shy away from difficult, sensitive, unpopular or challenging issues. He has been actively involved in all issues of importance to our Project, always seeking equitable and workable solutions. I feel that Richard "Isaiah" Harrison is exactly the kind of person we need to lead us forward, and at the same time, maintain the goals we originally envisioned for The USGenWeb Project. Pamela Storm Wolfskill Coordinator, City & County of San Francisco, CA

What a breath of fresh air your replies are! I think you are right on target in every aspect. As a result, I would like to hereby offer you my "public endorsement" in your candidacy. As NC, Richard would offer consistency of participation that will allow us to hit the decks running. He has consistently shown level-headedness, a willingness to listen to all sides of any issue and to put the future of the Project first in his decision making. The operating procedures he suggests would add a level of professionalism to the Project that is sorely needed. Jana Black SW/SC CC Rep

It is my pleasure to endorse Richard "Isaiah" Harrison for the position of National Coordinator of The USGenWeb Project. I have known Isaiah since 1998 when I first became involved in the Project, and three words come to mind to describe why I believe Isaiah is the right person for NC. COMMITMENT—Isaiah has been actively involved in USGW on a continuous basis ever since becoming the Jones County, IAGenWeb County Coordinator in early 1997. His county site is a showcase of USGW excellence, and he has always participated actively in discussions on Project lists. He has served us well in USGW leadership positions—having been a past State Coordinator of IAGenWeb and also having served on the USGW Advisory Board the past two years. INTEGRITY—Isaiah is a man of his word, and there are no self-serving motives in his decision to accept the nomination for NC. He did not seek out the position, but instead he was encouraged by many to run for the office. He will always tell things the way he sees them, and he is tough-skinned enough to withstand the complaints and invective which are often hurled at AB members and the NC in particular. TEAMWORK—Isaiah has the leadership skills to enable the Advisory Board to start working together as a team. He was the Board's top choice this year to serve on the Mediation Panel for handling grievances. He is responsive to the concerns of others in all sectors of the Project, as is exemplified by the fact that he was instrumental in getting RootsWeb to lift the ban on several USGW Project members in 2001. In short, I believe that Richard Harrison is the right person at the right time to lead The USGenWeb Project through the fast-moving changes which confront Internet genealogy in the 21st Century. John Schunk Coordinator, Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

I have known Richard Harrison for several years, beginning with my term of office with the USGenWeb Advisory Board. In that time, I have observed that Mr. Harrison has always been an intelligent, reasoned, *reasonable* voice and advocate for our Project. I've never seen him lose his cool, have never seen him become sarcastic or fail to act as a true gentleman. His ability to cut through the emotions and personalities and grasp the true essance of issues has allowed him to offer insights and solutions that are fair and equitable to all involved. Qualities such as leadership, enthusiasm, integrity, and wisdom are what makes "Isaiah" Harrison the person I believe we need to guide The USGenWeb Project as National Coordinator, and therefore I offer my endorsement of his candidacy. Shari Handley Somerset County, MDGenWeb Coordinator Wicomico County, MDGenWeb Coordinator Sussex County, DEGenWeb Coordinator MDGenWeb State Coordinator DEGenWeb State Coordinator

I got to know Richard through our shared Board service and quickly recognized that he could be trusted to do the right thing for the Project. So when he announced his acceptance of the NC nomination I knew we had someone we could trust to truly coordinate our efforts and who didn't carry baggage that could embarass himself or the Project. I believe Richard will establish procedures to smoothly move the business of the Board along without unduly ruffling feathers along the way. I believe he will provide leadership and guidance while keeping an open mind about ideas and opinions put forth by the Project members. My gut feeling is that most Project members are reasonably satisfied with their Project and will willingly follow the lead of someone of solid character and quiet good judgement. In Richard Harrison we have that someone. Joe Zsedeny CC, Pembina County, ND CC, Ramsey County, ND File Manager, NDGenWeb Archives ASC, NDGenWeb Project

Richard Harrison appears to be the calm before the storm. The USGenWeb needs him. Richard has no personal fights or vendettas and is interested in the future of the project. He has shown commitment and integrity as a leader in the IAGenWeb for 3 years, and now as an Advisory Board member. Please consider Richard as our next NC. Sally Youngquist Lee County, IAGenWeb Coordinator Butler County, IAGenWeb Coordinator USGenWeb IAArchives, State Coordinator

I have worked with Isaiah this year and corresponded with him several times the year before. I have absolutely no reservations about giving him my whole-hearted backing of his candidacy for National Coordinator. I have read what he plans to implement as Advisory Board procedure and agree with it because it indicates that he plans on working WITH the Board. An agenda and a National Coordinator that is committed to the best interests of the Project; takes the time to consider all sides of an issue; speaks softly, but authoritatively; and one who is available, will not only give the Advisory Board life, but will enable the Project to move forward. Phyllis Rippee, CC Wright County, MO