English Chess Forum

As regards the Presidency- although I've never met or spoken with John Paines, I can only assume from his work with Mensa, and work within the ECF, that he has a lot of the skills a president in it's current role would require. However, I spoke with someone from Clifton Chess Club last night (which is the last club he's listed as having played for on the grading database). When I asked if he'd heard of John, and was he aware that John was running for Presidency his responses were "who" and "really?" respectively. CJ De Mooi, on the other hand, has a big public profile, and a genuine desire to improve the profile of chess. At the London Design Festival he turned up to promote chess largely off of his own back, and spent the day commentating, having his picture taken, and generally making a positive impact. On the other hand, if the presidency is to remain in it's current form then I have no knowledge of CJ's admin etc skills, or indeed whether he has a particular desire to be involved with that side of the presidency.
So my opinion is thus- if the ECF President is to remain as it is, with similar power's to the CEO, then John Paines would be the choice, but if the president is to become a figurehead, responsible for attracting publicty and sponsors into the game, whilst leaving the day- to- day running of the ECF to the CEO then CJ would be the choice.

The Board and Council want to move towards more of a figure-headed President, rather than one who takes on some of the administrative burdens of the CEO. The current arrangement is an uneasy one and only works with tremendous goodwill between the two officers.
The appointment of C J would be a sort of halfway house. He will make a good ambassador for chess and the ECF. He also wants to contribute to the development of the ECF. There is absolutely no doubt C J would present a much better image to the public than anybody else (including me) on the Board, or possibly in all of English chess. When C J was an active player, he managed to play more than 400 graded games one year. As Ben has said, he showed considerable skill when commentating on a game in Trafalgar Square. He was graded over 150. Hardly a dilettante.
I fear the candidature of John Paines is just to stop C J, a very negative attitude.
All incumbents of all posts mould and are moulded to the requirements of the activity. I have little doubt that C J will be able to do that. John would hardly have to adjust at all, others would have to take on the public image aspect of the role. It is being suggested there be a non-executive Chairman next year and John might take on that role excellently.

Of course, as putative ECF Director of Marketing, I prefer the candidature of C J.

Stewart Reuben

Stewart Reuben wrote:I fear the candidature of John Paines is just to stop CJ, a very negative attitude.

Not a good start then, who is John being backed by?

I was watching Channel 4 News the other day when Jon Snow was interviewing Raymond Keene re the K vK match....and I thought that Jon would be an excellent choice for ECF President...obviously interested in chess, well connected in the media....well regarded...good personality.
As for the two candidates on offer....I`m not sure what they will bring....hopefully, whoever takes the post will be able to project a good image for the game, and help take the ECF forward in a way that sees the various factions more positively committed and purposeful in there endevours in the interests of chess across the UK.

Carl Hibbard wrote:

Stewart Reuben wrote:I fear the candidature of John Paines is just to stop CJ, a very negative attitude.

Not a good start then, who is John being backed by?

He's been nominated by Alan Martin of Chess Centre Limited fame

I've had a few messages asking if I'd be able or willing to visit various tournaments around the country if I was lucky enough to win the election.

The answer is yes. I've already committed to attending several 4ncl weekends, the London Chess Classic, Hastings and the 2010 British Championships (I consider these events essential to English chess so less an effort, more a duty) but often turn up at events as a spectator for the sheer pleasure.

Although I am extremely grateful for all the support various people have offered me, I have refrained from active campaigning and will only offer something in response to specific questions. If the chess community considers my merits insufficient, I will accept that but, as I've previously stated, I can only promise to do my best for English chess and nothing more.

CJ

Unrelated but didn't know where to put it otherwise.

I have a ticket for the British Museum's Moctezuma exhibition.

It is for TODAY (16th October) at 6.10pm. It's free to whoever wants it so please PM me with an email address and I'll send it on. First come first served!

CJ

...and CJ you won't forget the Welsh will you ?

We would be sad to lose your support.

Susan
Women's Director Chess, Wales

Susan Owens wrote:...and CJ you won't forget the Welsh will you ?

We would be sad to lose your support.

I wouldn't dream of it Susan. I live in Wales and my support will always remain!

CJ