MUFON International Director Responds to Petition Email

Hi All,

Just a note to clear up comments being made by former MUFON members.

First of all, I would like to apologize to SDs and their state membership. I did not want to cause anyone guilty feelings by not being able to send money, even though voluntarily, to MUFON. Some states were able to do this because they have developed an income source from their meetings or by personal donations. Other states were not able to donate since they didn't have any funds. In fact, some states don't even have enough money to pay for a meeting room. MUFON is able to assist states in efforts to raise money for their state.

Even though some states couldn't afford to send funds to MUFON they have provided MUFON with time, energy and commitment to our mission. Money isn't the only thing that makes MUFON run. It is the untiring efforts FIs make in their investigations; it is the dedication SDs and ASDs provide in seeing UFO information gets out to the public; it is the energy it requires for states to hold meetings every month and it is your commitment to seeing MUFON's mission statement is fulfilled. Yes, in kind support of MUFON is as important as dollars. No one was intended to be made to feel guilty.

Another concern that has been expressed to me is the resigning and removing of SDs within MUFON. I will explain.

Over a year ago Ken Cherry made derogatory comments about MUFON members, witnesses, and UFOlogists. I and the BoD asked Ken to apologize publically. Ken elected not to apologize and was removed as SD for Texas. His choice. Steve Hudgeons took over as SD for Texas and is doing a great job.

An aside and for your information. Ken Cherry has started his own UFO group and has written a book about the Stephenville, TX UFO event. I have not read the book but according to those who have reported to me, Ken is not very kind to MUFON even though he was one of MUFON's lead investigators at the event. Maybe he didn't like how he investigated the event?

Christine Dickey, by her request, was removed as SD for Arizona. Chris had health and family problems and wanted to resign as SD. We agreed with her. Health and family are the most important part of our lives. Jim Mann volunteered as SD and is doing a great job in AZ. Chris has since had a change of heart and wants her SD job back.

Marilyn Carlson had a problem with a FI. The FI reported to MUFON there were problems going on within the Oklahoma meetings. Others indicated their concerns about Marilyn. MUFON's ethics committee was asked to investigate what was going on. Marilyn was not the problem in this case. We asked Marilyn to step down as SD until the investigation was complete which might take up to six months. This was asked of her to protect her from the possibility of the investigation appearing to be one sided. Marilyn didn't like this and resigned. Chuck Pine took over as SD and OK is moving right along.

Elaine Douglas was removed from her position as SD because she wasn't truthful about her ASD. Strange, now this same ASD is one if the originators of the petition going around.

Leslie Varnicle was removed as SD of Colorado due to her management style not being beneficial to MUFON's success. In fact, not one person has resigned from the Colorado MUFON Board. Interesting. Barry Roth, Doug Wilson, Jude Talaba, and Cheryl Gantz have agreed to keep Colorado up and running while a new SD is put in place.

James Clarkson has resigned as SD for the state of Washington due to his dislike of MUFON's bureaucracy and his desire to conduct UFO investigations on his own. James will be missed. We have two others qualified to take over Washington.

I would also like to point out there is not a "hit" list on SDs for MUFON. That is silly. MUFON's SDs and their state members are the reason MUFON is considered the best UFO Investigative organizations in the world.

The public and media look to MUFON for the facts and truth about UFOs. The reason they come to MUFON is because the commitment we all have for MUFON and fulfilling our Mission. MUFON investigates, others report.

I wish you all the best. I, also, thank all of you for your untiring commitment, support, and efforts in seeing MUFON's Mission Statement is fulfilled. "The Scientific Study of UFOs for the Benefit of Humanity."

Hang in there, this, too, shall pass.

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns.

All the Best,
Clifford Clift, ID MUFON