More on the proposed merger

Here's a history of the progression from CGA BC's website:

http://www.cga-bc.org/about_us.aspx?id=21822

Members are being asked to answer a single question about our support for the merger. What do you think? Is this democracy? How should I answer this question?

Recognizing that the original merger principles still apply and that the CGA-BC Board is committed to protecting the rights of all of its members and students, do you support a merger between CGA-BC, ICABC and CMABC to create the Chartered Professional Accountant designation?

I have lots to read, and before I start, I am pondering...

Q: Does an anonymous poll of members using a survey company with what appears to be no security replace a vote? (of course the security may come after you vote, but I'm not testing it until I decide which way to vote)

Q: What's to stop someone populating the poll with multiple responses? (not that I'm going to try doing that, but someone might)

Q: If we merge, how can the board of the old association make promises on behalf of the new organization? Wouldn't that new merged board and the entire membership be starting fresh?

Q: What about  the people we've hired who have worked at the Association for many years? Is there any job security, and the rights of the current staff at the association, both BC and Canada? What's the cost of winding down / merging / can the Association cover those costs without having to sell the building? Will staff be promised jobs or will the Association be looking at payouts? What contracts are in place now?

Q: As for the net assets, and the intellectual property values? It's a Not for Profit Organization, so the members have no right to the assets or the IP. The new board of the new NPO will control everything. Innovation, creative process, unique identity, branding ...everything I've paid for with my dues for 27 years...

Huff and a Puff, gone, and 8 people I don't really know get to decide? Is this a threat or an opportunity?  Shall we wipe the slate clean? I have a week to answer. What would you do?