To the NPA Members

To the NPA members

Re Barry Springer’s Response to Greg Volk and Nick Percival

While there are differences of recollection of what has taken place, we observe that Springer’s reply does not come to grips with the fundamental problems facing the NPA:

1. The imposition of the views of Springer, Newburn and some of the directors regarding the very essence of the NPA without the support and approval of the membership;

2. The dictatorial style of leadership of Springer and Newburn: and

3. The overwhelming fact that the membership does not accept the leadership of Springer and Newburn and wants them to resign.

These are not new issues. They have been with us since well prior to January of this year when an astounding 150+ members called for Springer’s and Newburn’s resignations. We are now in August and, unfortunately, Springer and Newburn are still defying the will of the members. An effective organization requires the general support of its members. It is the members of the NPA who produce the work, form the scientific committees, discuss the scientific issues amongst themselves and give the organization the substance that holds it together. Springer and Newburn do not have that general support and have not had that support for far too long. For the survival of the NPA, we respectfully ask them to resign as directors and officers of the NPA.

Greg Volk
Nick Percival
David de Hilster
Lou LaFollette
Duncan Shaw