Secretary/treasurer candidate Colin Smith makes his case to SND members

This just arrived in my inbox:

(Each candidate for office is given the opportunity to address the membership directly before the election deadline, which is Dec. 15. What follows is from Colin Smith, candidate for Secretary/Treasurer.)

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 With only one day left to vote in the Society for News Design elections, I wanted to take this moment to strongly urge all SND members who have yet to cast their ballot to do so. And while your vote is important, your involvement is doubly so.

 SND, like the industry it represents, is evolving, and we need your help to continue to reflect not just the needs of the current membership, but those who have yet to join who will be working in jobs that have yet to be created. This is an exciting time for journalism and the need for clever, interesting and innovative storytelling, branding and navigation has never been more important.

 But this evolution cannot happen without your continued support and input.

 As Secretary/Treasurer I would endeavor to continue the excellent work already done to shore up SND's finances, streamline operations and identify and expand upon SND's fundamental goals. And while SND continues to have what are, in my opinion, some of the best members of any professional organization (apologies for the obvious pandering), we must place a strong focus on building membership among SND's student affiliates. Much of the heavy lifting has already been done by SND's regional and state leaders, and now it's time to push this effort into high gear.

 The future is uncertain, but the path grows clearer by the day. SND has and always will be the news industry's source for inspiration, innovation and instigation and while the tools are rapidly changing, our core values are not.

 So please take a moment to cast a ballot for this year's SND officers -- it's your chance to get re-involved with a truly unique organization that could really use your help right now.

 Have questions? Of course you do. I'd be happy to answer any of them via e-mail (cdsmith@sltrib.com) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/colinsmi).

 Thank you for your time.