Although there is a present crisis at the SSA, involving a substantial
amount of money, the problem is pretty basic - the lack of financial
oversight.

I am a lawyer and have served non-profit organizations and insured that what
happened in this case did not happen. There are plenty of lawyers or CPAs
that could have easily prevented this from happening, by respecting the
bylaws and other corporate regulations. There are good attorneys and CPAs
in Hobbs, NM as well as elsewhere. On the other hand financial
mis-management can occur anywhere.

Moving the SSA should not be done because of financial mismanagement. That
would not solve the problem. If Hobbs is not the best place, for other
reasons, then a move should be considered by the Board. If Hobbs is the
best place, then it should remain there. Hobbs is not the cause of the
financial loss.

The lesson learned will prevent it from happening again. This is a perfect
example of why checks and balances are important. The Board members were
elected and they tried their best. That they failed to do an adequate
pre-flight was a simple - but costly mistake, which I trust they will not
repeat.

This is an opportunity to make improvements to the SSA. Fix the things that
are broken - but do not discard what is good about it. It is a non-profit
organization that helps us enjoy the freedom of flight.

Colin