Chapter 19 - GIDEON LOSES A VOTE HE NEVER OWNED
The Foundation Board election happened six months after the portrait.
Gideon applied for a director seat.
Good.
Openly.
No legacy shortcut.
Qualifications:
Strong.
Commercial-law background.
Insurance expertise.
Prior committee service.
Problem:
His role in the Continuity Presentation.
The nominating committee asked.
He answered.
“I participated in an exclusionary framing of the modern family section because I believed it would elevate my own standing.”
Not pretty.
Then:
“Do you still believe blood relationship should determine foundation representation?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because the foundation is a cultural charity, not a hereditary office.”
Correct.
He was not elected that year.
One vote short.
My vote?
I did not have one.
I was not on the nominating committee.
Gideon called.
“You happy?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“You losing a foundation vote does nothing for Elsie.”
He was quiet.
Then:
“I’ll apply again next year.”
“Good.”
May you like
That surprised him.
Accountability is easier when the other person remains possible afterward.
