Key Statements From the Letter

They acknowledge protections negotiated into the proposal:
“These answers improved our understanding of the proposal.”

But clarify that better information did not change their conclusion:
“The meeting left us better informed, but it did not leave us persuaded that the agreement should be approved.”

On unresolved terms:
“These are not peripheral implementation details. They determine who holds authority, what USBA receives, how performance is enforced, and whether the organization could emerge from an unsuccessful alliance financially and operationally whole.”

On the decision before the Board:
“Based on the information presently available, we cannot recommend approval of the proposed alliance at this time.”

On what should happen next:
“We believe two responsible paths remain available to the Board.” The authors describe either pausing for independent review and community engagement, or voting against the current proposal and beginning a transparent, time-bound process for a stronger alternative.