Earlier this year, I wrote a column and post about proposed governance changes to the Canadian Internet Registration Authority in which I expressed concern that the plans would remove the ability for CIRA members to nominate their own candidates to the board. The Board decided to hold off on the governance changes, but the incident provided a timely reminder that CIRA is entering a new stage with millions in annual revenues and considerable debate about how organize itself and to best to spend its money.

I served on the CIRA board for five years during its initial formation and have now put my name forward to serve again. The 2012 CIRA election process is currently at the member nomination support stage. If you are a CIRA member, I would appreciate your support so that my name appears on the final ballot in September. If have a registered dot-ca domain and are not a CIRA member, register here.

My priorities are simple. First, ensure that there is a public interest and consumer voice on the board. Second, promote governance reform that will allow CIRA to play a more effective role in public policy related to the Internet in Canada. I believe this can be best achieved by following the InternetNZ model that separates the domain name functions from the public policy work. By allocating a set percentage of revenues annually toward an independent public policy body, CIRA would create an organization able to more actively participate in critical Internet policy issues such as net neutrality and lawful access. My full statement is posted at the elections site alongside the many other excellent candidates. The election will run from September 19 – 26, 2012.