[dns-wg] proposal for appointment/removal of WG co-chairs

Colleagues, you may be aware that all RIPE Working Groups have been asked to devise and document a procedure for the selection of its Chairs. Some WGs have started to do that. Each WG is expected to come up with its own mechanism and decide on that themselves.

My personal view is WGs are too different and the community is too diffuse for consensus to emerge on a "one size fits all" approach any time soon. Perhaps WGs will converge on a common approach in a few years in light of experience with whatever mechanisms get adopted in the coming months. However, that should not delay each WG deciding on a procedure and using it. And documenting it of course!

With that in mind, here's a proposal for you to consider. The objective here is to have something simple and lightweight with the minimum of "rules" and "process". Feel free to disagree if you prefer something more elaborate. The key points in the draft are (a) the WG decides for itself how the WG gets run; (b) we work by consensus; (c) decisions are taken on the list; (d) there is an element of rotation.

As well as the expected list discussion, there will be some time in the WG agenda for RIPE69 to discuss matters. The hope is the WG can reach consensus on an appointment/removal mechanism by the end of the year (ish) and the first run of the WG Chair beauty contest (swimsuit round optional) by RIPE70(ish) in 2015.

Comments welcome.

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[1] The DNS WG will have N co-chairs. N will normally be 2 or 3, as
determined by the WG. 

[2] A co-chair will serve a term of N years, where N is the number
of co-chairs. Terms will be staggered so that one term expires every
year. A co-chair cannot serve more than 2 consecutive terms.

[3] The WG will be given adequate notice that a co-chair's term is
ending and to invite applications for that position. Anyone can
volunteer for appointment.

[4] At the end of a co-chair's term, the WG will decide by consensus 
who is appointed to the available co-chair position. In the event of a
tie, the consensus tied candidates will draw lots.

[5] The WG may decide by consensus to remove a WG co-chair at any time.

[6] Consensus will be determined on the DNS WG mailing list. The consensus
judgement will be made by the serving WG co-chair(s) and will exclude the
co-chair who is the subject of that consensus judgement.

[7] Any appeal over a consensus decision will be heard by the RIPE Chair
(or their deputy) whose decision shall be final.