In defense of D'Amours' speech

I was there and I have to ask, "Was D'Amours' GAC speech really that bad?" As I heard it, he addressed three issues: credit unions' drift away from their original purpose; the need to serve the underserved; and the diminishing role of credit union volunteers. There is no question that predatory growth tactics exist and I do question why some credit unions act as they do. As for serving the underserved, yes that is a favorite topic of the Chairman, but at the GAC, Rep. Jim Leach and NCUA Vice Chairman Yolanda Wheat said essentially the same thing. I see nothing wrong with our governing agency putting the heat on us to serve a portion of the public that does get left behind. Maybe it isn't the role of the NCUA to sing this song, but if it makes credit unions do it, then I call it a success. Regarding the lack of unpaid volunteers on the CUNA board, I actually agree with D'Amours on this one, to a point. Would it be a horrible thing to have some volunteers on the CUNA board? No. Could they save one to four seats for just volunteers, as they do for league presidents and different size credit unions? Yes. Would it make a big difference? No. I do agree with critics that his choice of location to make this particular speech was questionable, but the fact that the Chairman continues to push for these topics, I believe, is a plus for our industry. It keeps the topics hot and forces others to discuss them. Mark G. Mahoney President/CEO Chicago Police FCU