The March 31 Editor-in-Chief's column was a very gutsy and provocative piece. While I am not sure I agree with all of it, there are many issues raised that are critical for credit unions to address.
I am not sure your solutions all address the root of the problem. I am totally opposed to taxation as the solution for what ails credit unions. The problem is that the credit union movement was supposed to be member driven. Because the world changed in the 1980s and 1990s for credit unions, the myth of member-owned is total bull. Credit unions for the most part are customer driven. Financial services are ubiquitous for most people so customers go to the next bank or credit union down the street or with a click of the mouse.
Credit unions are supposed to be simple solutions to peoples' lending and savings needs. The industry has wandered off the path. All the issues that you bring up are a manifestation of the problems caused by the totally unnecessary complexity. Paying a board of directors to continue to screw up is not a solution.
Bill Brooks
Certified Financial Planner
CU Prosper
Rehoboth Beach, Del.
