The devaluation of the Executive Director’s award

In 2005 Bob Bowers received the “AIDS Network Executive Director’s Award”.  In 2004 he received the agency’s “Client Services Award”.   Bob was AIDS Network’s biggest supporter and was the first to answer the call whenever they needed someone to speak on behalf of the agency.

Four years ago Bob was the golden child of the Network until he started asking questions.

Questions like:

• Why wasn’t I provided a client reassessment of need in over four years?
• How much of the money raised from the ACT Ride goes to client services?
• Why are you calling us “embittered dissidents”?
• Why won’t you meet with all members of ACT UP Wisconsin?

Questions like these and many others were borne out of Bob’s belief that activism involved more than accepting the company line at  face value.

Mark Pocan will be in good company when he receives the 2009 Executive Director’s award.  Bob is a model of integrity.  He has unmatched passion for the issues involved in the fight against AIDS.   He is constantly fighting the forces that would continue to stigmatize those of us living with HIV/AIDS.

Mark Pocan, on the other hand,  used his political acumen to get $350,000.00 inserted into the state budget.   Political favors for a failing agency have now become the criteria for the Executive Director’s Award.  Integrity and passion for the cause have been thrown out the window.

Pocan’s refusal to meet with ACT UP, his tossing around stigmatizing labels aimed at those who raise concerns regarding AIDS Network and his unwillingness to address the issues brought to him in his capacity as co-chair show anything but integrity. Karen is making a mockery out of this award through her selection of Mark Pocan as this years recipient.

Rep. Pocan will receive his award at the AIDS Network Awards recognition ceremony on December 1st at 6:30 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 1609 University Avenue in Madison. Mark your calendars.