Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee Elections December 2018/Candidates/AGK/Statement

AGK

Hi, I'm AGK, or Anthony if you prefer real names. I have edited Wikipedia for 12 years, been an administrator for 11 years, and was appointed as a community checkuser in 2011.

In 2012–13 and 2014–15, I served 4 years as an arbitrator. I volunteer to serve another term. By volunteering, I offer experience and some institutional memory – but, more importantly, what I hope you will agree is a long record of sound judgment. As a community member and administrator, I am probably known for being willing to make difficult calls and to work in understaffed administrative areas. As an arbitrator, I was less adventurous and I believe the committee should balance effectiveness with avoiding overreach. Alongside colleagues, in my prior terms I:

wrote the essay functus officio and facilitated, behind-the-scenes, the hand-over of inappropriate ArbCom responsibilities (like child protection) to non-volunteers at the WMF.
wrote the modern version of discretionary sanctions, a system which had lost balance, become known for harshness, and grown unfit for purpose over the years – but I think we have more to do
contributed to hundreds of arbitration proceedings.
drafted a number of final decisions

If selected, I will work for you to ensure that I (and the committee) work transparently, deal fairly with people, encourage contributor retention, and provide an effective process.

By no means, if elected, could I expect every person be happy with each of the hundreds of decisions I am volunteering to take. I will even be unhappy myself with a few: I agonised over several decisions while an arbitrator. However, I commit to examining matters diligently, to clearly explaining my decision to you, and to being approachable. Thank you for your consideration.