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Stop the spread of myths about DNF

Two patently false myths regarding Durango Natural Foods keep resurfacing (in print, online and at public meetings) from the old DNF board and its ardent supporters and new board members Jules Masterjohn and Dan Randolph (Herald, Letters, April 19 and May 12).

First myth: A campaign of fear and misinformation was waged against the DNF board, disrupting public dialog between owner-members and halting the democratic cooperative process. This regards their shocking August announcement to share plans to merge DNF, having signed a letter-of-intent with a goal of completion within two months. Attempts to spin this myth as mere disgruntlement by only two DNF owner-members, who initiated a petition signed by 200 members to remove the board and prevent further damage to DNF, fail prima facie.

Second myth: Due to the petition that ended discussions, members weren’t informed. Masterjohn wrote that once accurate information is presented, owner-members can decide for themselves the future direction of the co-op.

For the facts, with supporting documents, read the new DNF-edition of www.TheUnheardHerald.com. Compare their public claims, Documents—DNF Board, with their own internal documents, Documents—Evidential. They are misleading, inaccurate or outright fraudulent.

The facts are: Fear and misinformation was perpetrated by this authoritarian board. The mythical merger morphed into a full-blown sale of DNF for the price of our mortgage, a quarter of DNF net-worth, with the dissolution of our local co-op – no local co-op, no DNF members. The board has never presented supporting information justifying statements like its an incredible opportunity.

Fear was rampant among DNF staff when Geoff Wolf, board president, abruptly fired Kimberly Wiggins, while promoting Brian Gaddy to GM; handing him a functionally crippled organization. Kim was our finance, accounting and bookkeeping manager. Staff morale was rock-bottom with high turnover.

Fortunately, Kim was just elected to the board as board treasurer at the first meeting.

Acknowledging truth is essential to healing, along with openness, transparency and a board-cultural shift that’s more inviting, welcoming and inclusive for member-owners.

It must address the question: What is co-op democracy and board accountability?

Root Routledge

Durango



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