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Chango Blanco	9/28/2009 12:11:51 PM
For a while now I've wondered when this website would officially shut down due to lies that are expressed throughout. Though I'm sure many of you have read the paper. Seems First Basin was voted top Credit Union...oh wait...for the SECOND time in a row. Looks like thier doing something right wouldn't you say? And to all the people that work at First Basin, Congratulations. My hat off to you all. I will continue and always be..a member of First Basin. Good Day.

Chango Blanco	10/1/2008 10:54:07 AM
Dear Poster "On the Hill" Ok, so I don't doubt that there was some lobbying going on at the "Hill". But, isn't there always? Now, I'm not saying I prefer to fill the allready fat pockets of our Communist Goverment. All I'm saying is that your telling whats allready been told. Yeah, there are more restrictions on Credit Unions than banks. But let's see..would you rather do things the easy way..or hard way? Be a Credit Union and be able to so much for your customers, or go above and beyond as a Bank? You choose. And as far as the Government goes, they do not always decide the fate on Businesses. People do, and they always have. People in themselves are Anarchists. A group of people committed to the same defining goal. Anarchy is loosely defined as "Order Without Control" The Government was made by PEOPLE, is controlled by PEOPLE, and can be overturned by PEOPLE, if neccessary..by force. Have you even seen the inside of an official Government establishment? Ever voted? Ever fought for anything you believed in by protesting your words on the streets? Sent emails or called in to your local representative? No? Then you have no room to complain that things are not what they should be. If you sit around whining about whats wrong with everything..then get up and do something about it. Go to Capitol Hill, fight for the regulations to change the restrictions on Credit Unions. But for now the only way to improve is to convert. But, if you don't like the way it's going..leave. But if your plans or ideas have no gain for the Government, then assume your plan will fail. That's life people. Get over it. So, either accept the conversion, let FB grow so the community benefits. Or go join the local Communists of SFB, only willing to fill thier own pockets..sound familiar? The USSR is over with. SO, join the new age.

to chango blanco	9/21/2008 8:16:53 PM
citizens and members do not benefit from profits of a bank the share holders do credit union members profit from credit union membership by lower fees and charges the account holders of banks get to pay those shareholders with the extra fees and charges banks have that credit unions do not, hence the need for credit unions in the first place yes banks will sometimes have more account holders than credit unions have members but keep in mind these membership restrictions were imposed by bank lobbyists on the hill

mike martinez	7/21/2008 1:09:37 PM
I JUST HEARD THE BOD OF FIRST BASIN HAVE FILED SUITE AGAINST OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF A BOARD THAT JUST KEEPS ON AND ON. THEY SHOULD STOP ALL THIS AND GET BACK TO RUNNING A CREDIT UNION.

Chango Blanco	6/11/2008 3:05:01 PM
Dear "Save First Basin Member" As far as "personal attacks go, how about all the deleting of posts that don't support the cause of "SFB" Ok, so banks are for profit right? Well, what business isn't? There's at least some profit coming in to support the staff of the facilty correct? Now..let's look at a study of a former credit union in Wisconsin. --Prior to the conversion from a Credit Union to a bank. $333,000 in New Loans $177,000 in New Deposits --After the Conversion $3.9 million in New Loans $5.4 million in New Deposits Seems like a big jump of interest from the community. Lets continue. --The members also gained another $122,000 in assests. Hmm.. --During the conversion they lost a total of..now get this...11 accounts...totaling an estimated $4,318. Seems that there was only a small percentage that didn't approve the change. --Ok, so your saying, well that proves the change was not approved. Well consider the 3,124 new accounts that opened up within the first few months after the change. Seems to me that there was an overwhelming popularity with the conversion. --Over all the citizens gained. Now there are several Credit Unions that did crumble from converting but isn't that what business is all about? Seeing what works and what dosen't? But how will you know if you don't at least try? In this world it's either sink or swim. --In my research I did learn one true thing. The reason most did not convert was groups like "SFB" People are afraid of change. That is what is really comes down to. How do know if it will work if you don't let things happen? The answer is you won't. And more than half of those credit unions that did not convert to a "Bank" status lost thier business anyway. So I really don't see the point of these groups. --FBCU isn't just the place I do business with, they are also my family. And I'm going to speak up for them. And I will defend thier rights to convert and do whatever they deem fit to do for them to grow. ~Squinkers~

Save First Basin Member	6/10/2008 8:48:22 PM
Dear Chango Blanco, This is a forum for discussing the facts, not for making personal attacks on individuals. First Basin's $10.4 million dollars of net worth was created by 50 years of members-owners paying loan payments to support this community institution. Many First Basin members do not agree that efforts to convert the credit union they own to a bank "have nothing to do with them." We are the owners of this intuition, and its legal purpose is to operate for our benefit. The fact is, --Studies overwhelmingly show that credit unions that have converted to banks end up charging their members more. It's easy to see why: banks are taxed, credit union are not. (See our page about rates in the issues section.) --In past conversions, directors and CEOs have made millions of dollars in insider gains, while members have lost their ownership without fair compensation. This happened up in Dallas just two years ago at Community Credit Union. We don't want that to happen here in Odessa, and most First Basin members agree with us. That is why the membership appears to have voted against the proposal to turn our credit union into a bank, and we believe that is why Mr. Culpepper chose to shut that election down rather than allow the will of the membership be known. We will continue to provide the facts for all members. Thank you. Sincerely, Save First Basin

Chango Blanco	6/10/2008 10:12:51 AM
In Response to the "Credit Union Loyalist" Nature's Law 101? Are we back in school now? How about the aspect of change? Isn't that what the world is based on? Since the dawn of time everything has evolved in some form or fashion. Unless you don't believe in the Theory of Evolution. Everything changes, no matter how hard you try to keep something the same it will always change. So justice will prevail. That leans in our favor. The justice that change will take over and FBCU will evolve to bigger and better things. Better for the community, and better for the future. And to comment on the quote- "Some important life lessons will be learned by everyone involved AND "First Basin" will be something for other credit unions to ponder before they try this same hair-brained idea." I see this as a threat, again to the Evolution phase of life. Your telling me, that because a few unhappy and former employees don't like to see FBCU doing so well that they are going to stop other credit union from changing? That impeding the road of progress, and when you step in front of the train your bound to get run over. Step aside and let FBCU evolve. Use your time for more community worthy projects. Have you ever stopped to see how many families lose thier houses and belongings to fires each year? Or how about all those people needing blood transfusions? Or the cancer victims, or the homeless, or the mentally challenged? Have you thought of them? Maybe you should instead of pushing your way through society. Somebody is bound to trip you as you rush by. And when your laying in the gutter, we will be on the "Darkside" Because at least we have milk and cookies.

Credit Union Loyalist	6/10/2008 8:39:53 AM
I have been reading the online news coverage about this Texas credit union that tried its best to convince members into believing that a conversion to a mutual savings bank is good for the members. (I still can't figure out how they could say it with a straight face.) Has anyone suggested that your president may just be better off moving over to a bank? (or the "dark side" as called by some) How sad this is - since all this chaos has undoubtedly taken its toll - not only on people, but on business. But looking on the bright side, karma is alive and well. Have faith that at the end of the day - justice will prevail, as it usually does. Some important life lessons will be learned by everyone involved AND "First Basin" will be something for other credit unions to ponder before they try this same hair-brained idea. Hats Off to SAVE FIRST BASIN for having the tenacity and courage to fight for justice and for the life of YOUR credit union. You have become a force to be reckoned with and ultimately will bring the balance of power back in check. (Nature's Law 101) Good job!

Chango Blanco	5/23/2008 8:11:39 AM
You know it's pretty sad. That this forum is about speaking about honesty and fairness, and that's not what it's truely about. How sad. It's only about ridicule and lies. Talk about freedom of speech. Hypocrits. If it dosen't support the cause of "Save First Basin" then you'll get kicked to the curb. Funny, I find all this rather amusing. Keep deleting my posts, and I'll keep adding more. I rather enjoy taking in the annoyance I cause to others, so this is like a vacation. FBCU members know the truth, and just because a few people *cough*Letty*cough* got butt-hurt from getting fired. MOVE ON. Quit jumping into situations that have nothing to do with you. If you don't like the fact that FBCU is going to change, DON'T BE A MEMBER, AND DON'T DEAL WITH THEM. It's really very simple. You don't like what's going on, don't involve yourself. Because those of us that are faithful in FBCU are going to support them. And there are far greater numbers of us, than you. Here's the real truth, "Save First Basin" dosen't know squat about what's actually happening. If your really that involved in keeping a "Credit Union" persay. START YOUR OWN! You want things your way. Go somewhere else. Use your time for something more constructive than complaining about YOUR beliefs. This isn't church, it's life. And if you don't like our beliefs, then start your own religion. (__Y__)

;p	4/26/2008 5:25:36 PM
FBCU WON!!!!! WE Win!!! Don't be jealous!

SaveFirstBasin Member	4/25/2008 10:08:38 PM
Dear Member, I don't think you were at the same meeting as I was. FB employees had no recourse but to vote for incumbents as the vote was not secret. Clearly, a contested election requires secret ballots. There is no good reason that members were required to staple bracelets with there names and account information to the ballot. SaveFirstBasin members knew why they were there, but were never allowed to voice their opinion or ask any questions because FB employees shouted them down. Don't you recall the motion that was made and seconded by the opposition to form a committee of 3 FB Directors and 3 SFB members to discuss whether or not conversion would be in the Members' best interests? The ineffective Parliamentary Attorney didn't open up the floor for a discussion for this motion, but rather waited until a FB employee shouted to Table the vote, seconded by another FB employee and then Culpepper asked for Ayes & Nays. Of course, he decided that the Ayes won and tabled the motion. What does it say for the management of FB? It says that they are deceitful in not telling the membership about the election in order for the status quo to win by default. The substantial facts made by Mr. Culpepper in regard to his referencing the relationship between the Centers for Responsible Lending and National Center for Member Trust that impressed you so much are false. They are not related. I encourage you to do some research on your own instead of relying on Culpepper for your facts. Make up your own mind. Personal attacks against specific members of SFB are not helpful nor are they useful in a professional forum. The conversion is not over. Now that the incumbents have kept their chairs, they will try it again. Thank you for the opportunity to set the record straight. SaveFirstBasin Member

Member	4/25/2008 9:29:15 AM
FBCU employees did not seem like puppets to me. Those who were there with “Save First Basin” were the real puppets! After all, they had no clue as to why they were there in the first place. Carol Uranga even showed her ignorance by speaking out against the conversion, not realizing that the proposal had been terminated about a month prior. Ms. Moreno had to keep writing down questions for others to ask. Why? You would think that if her “followers” knew what was going on they would be asking their own questions. Also, if so many employees turned out to support Shem Culpepper and the board, what does that say about the management? They must be doing something right! Of course, there are those who are going to say that the employees of First Basin were bribed, promised raises, etc., in order to win the votes. But hey, they must have been pretty convincing, considering the results of the vote! As a former employee (and no, I am not a disgruntled ex-employee), I was really impressed with the unity and the morale that the employees demonstrated. If we would have had that kind of leadership back then, can you imagine where First Basin would be right now? Another thing I noticed: every time Mr. Culpepper said something to the defense of the conversion, he was labeled a “crybaby” and a “whiner” but the same didn’t apply to Ms. Moreno every time she had something to say. Talk about a double standard! Shem Culpepper has been very open about the conversion. Those who claim he has not told the truth just don’t want to admit that they are wrong. I was very impressed with the way he presented the facts – and that he actually had substantial proof, unlike those at “Save First Basin”. People, the conversion is OVER! If everyone is moving on, why can’t “Save First Basin” do the same? Maybe “Save First Basin” should devote all this time and energy to doing something that will actually benefit the entire community. Here’s a suggestion: become a foster parent for some of the kids from the Eldorado community! You certainly have the time for it (seeing as how some of you can’t keep a job).

SaveFirstBasin Member	4/24/2008 9:16:55 PM
It is unfortunate that like Mr. Culpepper, Get a Life accuses SaveFirst Basin members of "lies" but fails to identify any lies or false information. We welcome discussion of the fact, but not slander. We will continue to stand by all our information. Mailed ballots are permitted in the bylaws, and would have allowed all the members to participate. Unfortunately, most members were unaware the election was taking place, as Mr. Culpepper and the Board had chosen not tell them about it and as a result, the incumbents won the election by a vote from 0.02% of the membership. That is a disgrace. It is unacceptable for the elected leaders of a democratic institution to decide not to tell the voters they are up for reelection.

GET A LIFE!!	4/21/2008 11:17:35 AM
YOU VERY WELL KNOW IF YOU WERE AT THE MEETING THAT VOTES WERE NOT TO BE SECRET BALLOTS, ALSO BALLOTS WEREN'T MAILED IN ADVANCE BECAUSE ELECTIONS WERE HELD DURING THE MEETING... THANK GOD THAT SHEM FINALLY HAD A CHANCE TO TELL THE MBRS THE TRUTH...WE HAVE HEARD LIES AFTER LIES FROM THIS GROUP FOR MONTHS. AND AS PRIOR MANAGEMENT THEY KNOW BALLOTS HAVE NEVER BEEN SECRET SO WHY RAISE THIS AS A POINT AT THIS MEETING? DID ANY OF YOU READ THE PAPER AFTER THE MEETING,THAT ANOTHER CREDIT UNION IS MAXED OUT ON LENDING FOR BUNISESS,OH THAT JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE THE CREDIT UNION THAT ONE OF YOU FROM SAVE FIRST BASIN SITS ON THE BOARD. YOU COMPLAINED THAT THE CREDIT UNION HAS SPENT HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON THE CONVERSION,YET BECAUSE OF YOU THEY HAD TO HIRE A CPA FIRM AND A LAWYER FROM AUSTIN. IS THAT NOT WASTING MBRS MONEY THAT COULD BE USED FOR SOMETHING ELSE?ALSO, HOW COME REMARKS AGAINST SAVE FIRST BASIN ARE BEING DELETED?

Cliff Proffitte	3/19/2008 10:56:45 AM
Amazed complains about spelling and then doesn't even capitalize the first letter in his/her paragraph, WOW, am I surprised? Letty, thank you for being brave enough to challenge Shem and the Board in their attempt to convert "our" credit union to a bank. You and your group are to applauded for your efforts. Please don't be bothered by people writing to this web site and not being willing to sign their name. The majority of the membership is behind you and Shem knows this or he would not have stopped the voting. Keep up the good work and have faith that it will all work out in the best interest of the credit union and the membership. Clifford R. Proffitte

Disappointed	3/18/2008 8:44:07 AM
Letty, you are reminding me more and more of Brittany Spears! Besides that, you and "your people" are apparently illiterate, to say the least. What is it in your life that makes you crave all this attention....and couldn't you figure out another way to get it?

AMAZED	3/17/2008 9:46:40 PM
okay,so which one of you ladies (and I use the word loosely) is Moe, which one is Larry . and which one is Curly? You people think you are so clever, yet one of you can't even spell. You three are hilarious. Keep up the comedy show, we all need a good laugh. Oh, by the way Ms. Moreno, what job have you quit recently?

The Party goes on.	3/14/2008 5:27:30 AM
Has anyone seen the OAOA this morning? Shem's at it again. Spending more of the Credit Union's money. What a " Cry Baby " his becomming.

Success for now	3/11/2008 12:41:05 PM
Why does First Basin not have their telephone number in all of the local telephone directories? For us that do not use the Names and Numbers directory it makes it very difficult to call the credit union when we cannot find the telephone number. A well run business needs to have as much exposure as possible and make it as easy as possible for members or customers to make contact. $5.6 BILLION made last year, WOW. Shem should be running a bank instead of a credit union with that kind of expertease.

Success for now	3/10/2008 7:07:46 PM
It is interesting that the dividend rates dropped just days after the vote was canceled. I noticed in the paper that Shem said the CU earned 4.5 BILLION last year, now if that was true I know why he wanted to convert to a bank. I wonder if that was a misprint or did Shem really say that to make those that against the conversion look bad in front of those that don't know the facts. It does not matter, we need to get him and the Board replaced ASAP.

Former Employee	3/7/2008 6:22:56 PM
I am a former Employee of Fist Basin and no I didn't leave on bad terms. I worked for the Credit Union for 3 years and in that time, I was always taught to be professional and most of all to treat each and every Member and Co-worker with respect. I beleive I always strived to acheive that goal. It saddens me now, but doesn't surprise me of how Letty is being persecuted now in the press and web sites. Letty was always a professional and good person from what I know of her. And no, she and I were not close as you may be thinking, but I do know that she has done nothing wrong but tried to educate herself and always strived to do the best with Members. That has to count for something. Doesn't it. This public slandering from insiders, of her character is wrong. Mr. Culpepper it starts with You sir. You should be a leader of this fine Instituion and set the example. How do you expect your Staff to be professional if you can't be? Allowing your Staff to publically slander anyone's character - Sir is wrong. You have to be the grown-up. Wake Up. I am sure that Your initial intentions on this conversion were somewhat good. But the Members have spoken. If Members can't trust in what you are doing, what else is left? Stop blameing everything on disgrunteled Employee's and clean up your Staff. This was once a " Great " credit union. Make us beleive it again. I wish you well and no malice. Letty, hang in there. It isn't easy when you fight for something you beleive in. God Bless

Letty Moreno	2/26/2008 6:42:46 AM
Dear Cristina, Thank you for your comment. Our CEO and Directors have spent at least half a million dollars preparing for this election. (But they have refused to release the total amount spent.) Why would they cancel the election days before the results are released, then announce plans to spend all that money over again on a new proposal? Blaming their decision to cancel the election on these alleged phone calls just doesn't make sense. Why will they still not release the election results? Can you provide a statement from the company that oversaw this election saying that no one at FBCU had access to the results of the election? If so, please email it to savefirstbasin@gmail.com. Thank You. Sincerely, Letty Moreno, Save First Basin

Cristina	2/24/2008 12:12:57 PM
There is no victory for anyone. First of all, nobody within the credit union, including Shem, knows what any of the ballats said. So its nots not a matter of "Shem and the Board Members didnt like where the votes were leaning towards" but its a matter of straightning out several lies and misconceptions that have been spread about the conversion. Everyone at the credit union always try to look out for the best interest of our members. So please, before you make any quick decisions, call the hotline at the credit union and get informed. Everyone is willing to listen to your concerns and answer all your questions, even Shem Culpepper.

Dennis Schwartz	2/19/2008 11:09:23 AM
I am not a member of your credit union. I was a banker and investment broker for 30 years, (and worked in a credit union for 3 of those years).Recent advertisements regarding the conversion, to a bank, have been on the radio. I just wanted to say: DO NOT allow your credit union to convert to a bank. Someone is trying to pick up a lot of banking assets on the cheap and will cheat the members out of their institution. Your fees and rates will increase and you will be lucky if you get by with breathing in the lobby without having to pay a fee. Now you are not for profit. If you convert, go find another credit union. I know how bankers think. Good luck. Dennis Schwartz

Success for now	2/18/2008 6:12:28 PM
When is the annual meeting and how do we go about getting members on the Board of Directors ballot? I am sure that only two or three are up for relection but we need to replace as many as possible now and have a recall election for the rest as soon as possible. It was made clear to me by the CEO that it is only a matter of time until they try it again. As soon as they investigate and figure how other credit unions have been successful in their attempts, he and his "wantaberich" directors will bring it back. Next time it will be costing the members, not the Board or CEO, a lot of money to to get them their BANK. I agree with someone else, if they want a BANK let them dig in their own pockets and/or borrow money to start their own. They don't have the right to do it with MY money and MY equity in the credit union. I belong to the credit union for a reason and it is not to belong to a BANK with all of the negatives that go with BANKS. BANKS are good and they have their place in the financial world but not as a converted credit union. We cannot rest on our success, we MUST become proactive in control of our credit union.

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