Freeman retains Monte presidency
DAVID Freeman was re-elected as Montefiore president on Sunday despite a campaign backed by a number of communal leaders to oust him.
Freeman, who won the vote over Jonathan Shteinman 361-247, was elected together with his entire ticket by Montefiore members at the organisation’s annual general meeting on Sunday.
“I am pleased that the board-endorsed nominees got elected but what was more important was that the outcome was, in my opinion, in the best interest of the Home,” Freeman said.
The two parties have been embroiled in a public stoush since the Montefiore board called on all members to vote against the rival ticket in a scathing letter two weeks ago.
Freeman and vice-president Gary Inberg faced a strong challenge from a renewal ticket headed by Shteinman and Richard Scheinberg, who said that Freeman has been on the board for too long.
However, he told The AJN, “Having been president for the past 10 years, during an extremely complex growth phase of the organisation, I am extremely proud of what I and the board has been able to achieve but I certainly don’t see myself being president for another 10 years.
“The board and I certainly understand the need for a planned succession strategy which we envisage being implemented over the next few years.”
Shteinman said that he hopes the succession plan will be implemented and that this AGM will be a turning point for the organisation.
“Last year, 160 members voted at the AGM and this year 610 voted, so I am proud that we increased the member participation and interest in what is going on at Monte,” Shteinman told The AJN.
“To receive the support of such a wide array of community leaders and personalities was immensely gratifying, as was getting 247 votes, or over 40 per cent, from a standing start.”
He didn’t rule out running again next year, saying “It is a fact that this important community institution has been within the control of a limited number of individuals for an awfully long time and it is up to the wider community to decide whether to wrest back such control.”
JOSHUA LEVI
Montefiore president David Freeman (seated) has been re-elected despite a strong challenge led by Richard Scheinberg, pictured at the podium.
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