An Open Letter to USPTA President Tom Daglis

Written by: Staff on 26th April 2012

An Open Letter to USPTA President Tom Daglis |

Dear Tom:

I am sending this letter in the hopes that you will respond to your membership before the upcoming national meeting. I have been warned there will be repercussions for choosing sides and I am willing to accept that.

J’accuse:

you of withholding information critical to your constituents regarding both the dismissal of USPTA CEO Tim Heckler and possible mergers with other organizations. Having read letters from four former Presidents and a host of other USPTA pros regarding Heckler’s services, it is evident the man contributed too much to this organization to be ousted without any explanation other than “We are going in a new direction.”

Many members of your constituency have asked for an explanation of this “new direction” the USPTA intends to take without Heckler’s stewardship, and you refuse to respond. If it is because he believes in USPTA sovereignty from USTA, then we should discuss that. If it is because he advocates for something other than the Board’s wishes, so be it. Presently, we organizational members are not privy to this information, and thus, view your autonomous act as injudicious.

Let me explain a few things about leadership and the consequences of tyranny:

When you are elected to office, you decide whether you are a representative, a dictator, or a representative leader. A true representative yields his personal principles to his constituency and trusts that the will of the people is more important than his own ego. A dictator yields his constituency’s views to his personal principles and lives with the consequences of a potential recall or failure to get re-elected. People in power positions may employ both methods effectively. Representative leadership, however, entails the elected official educate the public, providing them the requisite information for them to advise him on their wishes. On this, you have failed. You have unilaterally decided to remove a dedicated and innovative organizational leader and now fail to explain your actions.

“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson

Your current constituency is completely in the dark and demands an explanation. It is simply no longer acceptable to remain silent on the issue.

More importantly, rumors float about suggesting the USPTA and the USTA are in closed-door negotiations regarding a merger. Many private coaches believe the USTA is considering developing its own coaching education division, and that in order to protect its relevance, the USPTA feels obligated to join its ranks. Other rumors suggest the USTA is interested in purchasing or supporting the PTR, and that stands as a direct threat to our organization. Additionally, there are those that submit USPTA certification and APC’s will not be recognized by a new organization. Perhaps all of this is mere gossip, however, since the silence coming from your office remains constant, we members can only speculate. With our futures at stake, such speculation is not healthy and requires confirmation or refutation. You are in a position to provide this and, with every day you remain silent, you are failing your constituents.

Due to your previous unexplained unilateral actions, we, your constituents, are now concerned about your intentions regarding these matters. Be aware, there is now talk of organizing a national recall for your position. To mitigate the circumstances, we ask that you explain the USPTA’s position related to Tim Heckler’s removal, and its intentions regarding a USTA merger. We further ask that you inform the membership of the “new direction” you propose. For us to know where we are headed, the window of our future must be transparent.

Regards,

Craig Cignarelli

USPTA member 28300

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