Dear Laser Friends,
I advised you through the European Circular EC447 dated September 9, 2011 that I was prepared to stand again as European Chairman. Since then, however, I have been given extra responsibility within my company that will require more of my time. Additionally, my wife Minna is still recovering from her unfortunate brain stroke this year and she needs my attention. After much thought, further considerations and discussions with the ILCA office, I feel that the job of European Chairman needs someone who can dedicate more time to Laser class in the coming years than I will be able to offer.
As a consequence I reluctantly withdraw as a candidate for the European Chair. I have been in contact with Laszlo Matyas who has been very active and committed to his work as Vice Chairman. I am pleased to advise that he has agreed to offer himself as a candidate for the European Chairman position, and I am very supportive to this as we need some continuity in further developing our European Laser community.

Laszlo Matyas has confirmed that he remains also as a candidate for European Vice Chairman.
The European By-Law 1.3 says " Any nominations for elected officers (as appropriate) shall be made by Districts, in writing, at least eight weeks before the European Annual General Meeting. Elected officers willing to re-stand for election shall not require nomination by a District." If there are any candidates for the European Chairman or Vice Chairman please send proposals to the ILCA Office - office@laserinternational.org by 24:00 hours UTC+1 on 1st October 2011.
I will be pleased to offer whatever support I can to the new Chairman to be elected at next EAGM.

I look forward to meeting you in Tallin.

Best regards