NCBA proposed structure change

Jack,Dick,Rod Wesselman,Jim Sizemore,Bill Bennett and myself met in Connell this past Monday to discuss this issue. We also had Patti from the WSBC on a conference call to give us information and answer questions. I will be the first to say that I had not given this issue enough consideration mainly because I was under the misunderstanding that the proposed changes were not in the works.
There was a NCBA governance task for appointed with 21 members. We are fortunate in Washington was represented by both Sid Viebrock and Patti Brumbach. The outline and proposal can be found here

http://www.beefusa.org/NEWSNCBATaskForceRecommendsMajorStructureChange39978.aspx

I first want to say I appreciate the time and effort Sid and Patti and the rest of the task force put into this proposal. I do however have several concerns about this proposal. I am currently trying to keep an open mind and do more research and give the idea more thought. I was hoping we could get some discussion here so we could come to some kind of consensus before Convention in San Antonio.
I can appreciate what they are trying to do in making us "more nimble in response to issues" I just do not see how this is going to improve that much. Right now you have a policy set and that is policy for the year. Even in a rapid crisis I dont see how this setup will improve on what is current. I maybe need a scenario where I can see more value. I find it hard to believe that the unknown could present something much more critical than the "cow that ruined Christmas". I thought NCBA leadership, staff as well as the WSBC responded quickly and properly.
I feel that the perceived and potential positive merits of this structure will fall far short of the unintended consequences and downfalls.
in short form here are my worries

1.perceived non separation of checkoff dollars and promotion from NCBA policy and control
2.concentration of power in the hands of fewer. I can live with how policy is made now however I feel somewhat marginalized. As a cow/calf producer from Washington Cattlemens affiliate I am a very small speck in the NCBA structure. This new structure will in my mind have the potential to marginalize my standing even more.
3. the current committee makeup i feel has in the past and is working today
4. there are many people out in the country, both NCBA members and non members that have concerns about the separation of federation and policy sides now, this will add to that concern for many and cause some loss in membership to both NCBA and many state affiliates in my opinion
5. I feel that this proposal marginalizes the CBB as well and I feel they are an important entity
6. I do not feel we need to run and hide from bullets every time some other national organization criticizes NCBA. That being said I do not think buying them a box of ammunition and giving them a few free shots is a great idea.
7. This proposal has an air of elitism and a we know whats best for you and we don't need as much input from as many people so let us do it this way. In today's political climate that is suicide in my opinion.
8.This will be construed as the federation side "circling the wagons" to make sure some of the checkoff task force recommendations are not implemented. i.e new contractors. As well as some type of securing of jobs for beef commission staffs.
9. My biggest fear of all. We have needed an increase in checkoff level for quite some time in my view and we have it as WCA policy. An increase was going to be a hard sell out in the country as it is, this will guarantee that many out in the country will not support a assessment increase and may very possibly spark enough dissatisfaction for a referendum vote that may not be favorable.

Again I am open minded about this but those are my opinions at this time.