Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Arbitration Committee Elections December 2014/Electoral Commission

A three-member Electoral Commission was proposed and gained consensus during the 2012 Arbitration Committee Election Request for comment. Editors wishing to volunteer as a commissioner should create a section on this RfC, and all editors are encouraged to comment on the suitability of volunteers for this role. Three volunteers will be chosen as Commissioners, and the remaining qualified applicants will be reserve members of the Electoral Commission. The three candidates with the strongest consensus will be appointed. One or more bureaucrats will help close the discussion if the consensus is not clear.

The mandate of the Electoral Commission is to deal with unforeseen problems in the 2014 Arbitration Committee election process, and to adjudicate any disputes during the election, but members of the Election Commission should only intervene when there is a problem that needs resolving, and either discussion isn't working, the rules are unclear, or there isn't time. Commissioners and reserve members are not eligible for election to the Arbitration Committee during this year's election. Commissioners must be identified to the Foundation.

The timeline for the appointment of the Electoral Commission is as follows:


 * ✅ Nominations: Friday 00:01 UTC, 10 October – Friday 23:59 October 17
 * ✅ Evaluation period: Saturday 00:01 UTC, 18 October – Friday 23:59 October 24
 * ✅ Commission selection: completed by Friday 23:59 UTC, 31 October

Results
The following users have been selected for the 2014 Electoral Commission:
 * 1) QuiteUnusual
 * 2) Mike V
 * 3) TParis

The following users are designated reserve members:
 * 1) Secret

Congratulations to the successful candidates. Thanks to all who participated. Samsara (FA • FP) 18:01, 25 October 2014 (UTC)

Chris troutman
I have been a user for about a year and a half. I have participated in RfCs, various WikiProjects, and I'm currently a campus ambassador and visiting scholar. (My user page provides more info.) Guaranteed I won't be a candidate for ARBCOM and I can be a fair and impartial commisioner. Although I've watched my share of RfAs and ANIs, I've never served as a member of the commission; I'm willing to do so, regardless. I am also willing to identify to the Foundation. Chris Troutman ( talk ) 03:33, 13 October 2014 (UTC)

Users endorsing Chris troutman

 *  NickGibson3900 Talk 07:15, 14 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Per Nick below -  NickGibson3900 Talk 08:44, 20 October 2014 (UTC)


 * 1) &mdash; Cirt (talk) 23:16, 14 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Why not? Secret account 17:16, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * Per Nick below. Secret account 18:38, 18 October 2014 (UTC)

Users opposing Chris troutman

 * 1) Purely due to the inflexible and detail obsessed attitude shown below, in relation to TParis candidacy. We don't need someone with such an approach involved with the Arbitration Committee Elections, where a little discretion and flexibility is a good thing. Nick (talk) 18:35, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 2) A candidate leading the opposition to another candidate  doesn't leave me with a good impression. --Rschen7754 18:42, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 3) Per Rschen7754, and the completely ridiculous reason Chris troutman left in his oppose comment below. Ajraddatz (Talk) 18:49, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 4) –  Juliancolton  &#124; Talk 19:36, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 5) Per above.  Go  Phightins  !  20:26, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 6) In fairness, I think that Chris does very good work at the Education Noticeboard – but we have at least three better candidates. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:06, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 7) Per Nick -  NickGibson3900 Talk 08:48, 20 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 8) Cloudchased (talk) 19:21, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

QuiteUnusual
I've been an editor for over eight years and contributor, on occasion, to the various noticeboards. I am not an admin here (because I failed an RfA). I am identified to the Foundation, a Steward (so I am "cleared" to review CU / OS and deleted data) and an OTRS volunteer. So I think I have plenty of experience in dealing with the type of issues that may come up during the ARBCOM elections. I see this role exactly as the RFC described it as likely to be boring grunt work. This offer to help is simply because I am happy to support my home project but I won't be upset if you prefer someone else. QuiteUnusual (talk) 09:18, 14 October 2014 (UTC)

Users endorsing QuiteUnusual

 * 1) Rschen7754 13:19, 14 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 2)  Snowolf How can I help? 22:01, 14 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 3) &mdash; Cirt (talk) 23:17, 14 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 4)  → Call me  Hahc  21  00:04, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 5) Nick (talk) 17:07, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 6) Secret account 17:16, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 7) Pharaoh of the Wizards (talk) 22:41, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 8) Ajraddatz (Talk) 17:48, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 9) –  Juliancolton  &#124; Talk 18:31, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 10) --Tryptofish (talk) 21:03, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 11) Quite capable. And he should be an admin, but first things first, put him on the commission.  Go  Phightins  !  21:46, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 12) Discreet, diplomatic, über-trusted, personally modest, and technically experienced. Similar to steward and crat qualities, which this candidate clearly has. Tony   (talk)  11:03, 19 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 13)  NickGibson3900 Talk 08:45, 20 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 14) Third choice.  No specific indication of experience with the SecurePoll software, but has a lot of experience in other roles in Wikipedia and Wikimedia, so I trust him to learn what he needs to, if anything. Neutron (talk) 22:40, 20 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 15) Cloudchased (talk) 19:10, 21 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 16) Most definitely. --Floquenbeam (talk) 15:34, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 17) – Philosopher Let us reason together. 15:01, 23 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 18) ///Euro Car  GT  23:55, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

Secret
As there is a strange lack of interest in this role several days in, I will offer my services to join the electoral committee. Hi, my name is Jorge Aranda. I have been an editor since August 2005, administrator (on and off) since July 2006, and a OTRS agent. During all my years in Wikipedia, I have been a contributor and occasional closer of the various noticeboards and specifically active in articles for deletion, so I'm well versed in "policy-based consensus". Experience and leadership is essential for this role, and I feel I qualify, having helped out in several ArbCom elections in the past (2007-2008) and had ran for the committee prior but withdrew. I read the RFC in detail, so I'm well aware what is required for this role. My activity slowed the last several months as I became more active in several reddit sports forum, but I'm willing to take time off from that. I will identify to the Foundation if I get selected. Thanks Secret account 00:41, 15 October 2014 (UTC)

Users endorsing Secret

 * 1) -- Stemoc 01:51, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 2) Nick (talk) 17:07, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 3)  TheAustinMan (Talk·Works) 00:56, 16 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 4) — G FOLEY   F OUR!  — 01:20, 16 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 5) –  Juliancolton  &#124; Talk 18:31, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 6) —  xaosflux  Talk 19:53, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 7)  NickGibson3900 Talk 08:46, 20 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 8) Seen him do well for years.  More than versed, is skilled at "policy-based consensus".  --SmokeyJoe (talk) 04:21, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 9) – Philosopher Let us reason together. 15:02, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

Users opposing Secret

 * 1) Secret is not reliable enough to be appointed to this position, as decent a person as he is. AGK  [•] 10:14, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 2) Cloudchased (talk) 19:21, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

Mike V
After receiving some encouragement from others, I've decided to step forward and offer to assist as an election commissioner. I started editing back in 2007, became an administrator in 2008, and have been most active since late 2012. I currently serve as an OTRS respondent, an SPI clerk, account creations member, and have identified to the Foundation. Through these roles, I have gained experience collaborating with others to discuss and resolve sticky situations and would be comfortable addressing any concerns that could arise during an ArbCom election. As for the technical aspect, I'm quite comfortable with the new version of SecurePoll and feel capable of setting it up with the WMF, should it be completed in time for this election. If not completed, I'm willing to get up to speed with the former version. This year I've helped set up the foundations of the election process and if appointed as an election commissioner, I'll do my best to ensure the election continues in a smooth and timely manner. Best regards, Mike V  •  Talk  04:21, 15 October 2014 (UTC)

Users endorsing Mike V

 * 1) —  xaosflux  Talk 05:10, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 2) Rschen7754 13:21, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 3) Nick (talk) 17:07, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 4) As one of the people who encouraged him to run, I feel I should vote despite being a candidate myself. Secret account 17:15, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 5)  → Call me  Hahc  21  17:42, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 6) Pharaoh of the Wizards (talk) 21:21, 15 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 7) Strong support  Go  Phightins  !  03:09, 16 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 8) --Tryptofish (talk) 21:04, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 9) Seems to know what he's talking about on the technical stuff.  I think that's the most important part of the job. Neutron (talk) 22:38, 20 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 10) Definitely one of the top 3 candidates. --Floquenbeam (talk) 15:34, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 11) – Philosopher Let us reason together. 15:06, 23 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 12) ///Euro Car  GT  23:56, 23 October 2014 (UTC)

TParis
This nomination is about three hours late, and I apologize. I'm willing to accept the opposes as a consequence if WP:IAR is not enough justification to add my name anywho. I have served on the previous election commission and although we have a very rough time having to start and stop the election, I believe we were successful in getting a determination out within a reasonable amount of time. As always, I have no interest in running for Arbcom and I am confident with my ability to remain objective.

I am technically competent having developed the WP:UTRS tool as well as supporting X!'s tools while he was away and now supporting Cyberpower678 and Hedoil in their support of the tools. I consider myself a somewhat competent sysop with experience closing contentious debates with diplomacy. Examples can be see at the Hillary Clinton rename, the previous WP:ACE2013 elections, and all over ANI.

Users endorsing TParis

 * 1) I was the one who told him to run again for this position, considering the lack of candidates. I support of course Secret account 04:05, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 2) Obviously.  → Call me   Hahc  21  06:48, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 3) Rschen7754 08:05, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 4) To balance out the completely ridiculous oppose by Chris Troutman below. Ajraddatz (Talk) 17:48, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 5) TParis has my full support, I frequently find myself nodding in agreement with his decisions, closures and words of wisdom imparted across the site. The oppose below is ridiculous, immature and a stain on Chris' character. This is a volunteer project, we have to accept sometimes people aren't able to do things right this very instant on Wikipedia, so there's no excuse for Chris' frankly dickish comment because something was done a few hours late. There should be more appreciation that busy people give their time at all, and I'm grateful TParis has volunteered to give up some of his free time with this candidacy. Nick (talk) 18:40, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 6) I am taking into consideration that this is to be a three-person panel. I'd be entirely happy with either Secret or TParis in what, for my !votes, would be the "third" position, but I think that TParis may have more experience with the technical aspects, so that is why my third endorse is here. --Tryptofish (talk) 21:09, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 7) Experienced candidate, well qualified for the task. 28bytes (talk) 01:17, 19 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 8) Per 28. Tony   (talk)  11:07, 19 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 9) Same as Ajraddatz, and a qualified candidate -  NickGibson3900 Talk 08:47, 20 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 10) Most experienced candidate, was on the election commission last year when the first set of votes didn't get counted, and presumably learned what to do to prevent that from happening again. And knows all the other stuff that needs to be done.  Neutron (talk) 22:35, 20 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 11) Cloudchased (talk) 19:10, 21 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 12) Seen him do well for years.  Per all above.  --SmokeyJoe (talk) 04:24, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 13) Don't always agree with TP, but he's got a good solid head on his shoulders. --Floquenbeam (talk) 15:34, 22 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 14) This goes without saying. – Philosopher Let us reason together. 15:06, 23 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 15) ///Euro Car  GT  23:56, 23 October 2014 (UTC)
 * 16) Pharaoh of the Wizards (talk) 01:57, 24 October 2014 (UTC)

Users opposing TParis

 * 1) This candidacy seems illegitimate because you were late to nominate yourself. Frankly, if this isn't important enough for you to meet a simple deadline, I don't think the community needs you in this role. Chris Troutman  ( talk ) 17:19, 18 October 2014 (UTC)
 * This was poorly promoted with only notifications to two noticeboards and TParis had no idea that the electoral commission was running until I told him so. Secret account 18:38, 18 October 2014 (UTC)