“Member owned and operated” – for all but three years of its existence, that has been the motto of the Cook County Farm and Craft Market. However, the way its board of directors run things, I think “Do as I say and not as I do” would be a much better fit.
That edict might be useful when applied to raising children, but it is demeaning and insulting when imposed on a group of mature, talented and professional artisans.
The following is a list of violations of the market’s bylaws, both past and present, that I believe have been committed by the board.
One: Members shall speak respectfully to one another.
Two: Members can sell only what they create or grow.
Three: Settle any disputes arising on market day.
Four: The membership has the right to vote on how the market is operated.
Five: Members must keep their pets in their cars during market hours.
Six: Any member may call for a meeting.
I was recently dismissed from the market. The board contends that I was selling on a nonmarket day as a member of the market. I did no such thing as I know better.
My mistake was in thinking that if I paid $50 above our annual dues that would be acceptable, but I never tried to pass myself off as “Market of one.”
I have for years been critical of the board for not following their own rules and I feel that was the main motivation for my dismissal. I have always felt that those who make the rules should be the ones who most strictly adhere to them. To me, it appears that the CCF&C Market board does not share that view.
I yielded to the siren’s song of power. The board seems to have forgotten that the market consists not of strangers sharing the same parking lot, but their friends and neighbors.
Any satisfaction I may derive from exposing what I believe is a double standard is far overshadowed by my sadness at having to do so.
John Moos
Grand Marais
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