[Proposal] Improving Transparency in Delegate Selection and NF HoS Core Team members accountability

House of Stake Governance
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Proposal: Improving Transparency in Delegate Selection

Background
The initial selection of endorsed delegates has raised concerns about transparency, consistency, and potential conflicts of interest. Some endorsed delegates, such as Nearweek (NF contractor) and Yuen (NF contractor), have direct relationships with the NEAR Foundation. In a process where conflict-of-interest rules are strictly applied, these candidates might not have been eligible.
Additionally, it should be noted that 2 of the 4 Screening Committee members are from the NEAR Foundation.

Issues Observed

  1. No published selection criteria – The Screening Committee has not shared the specific criteria, scoring method, or detailed comments used for endorsement.
  2. Potential conflicts of interest – Some selected delegates have direct contractual or professional ties to NF.
  3. Off-chain process – All decisions were made off-chain, limiting transparency and community oversight.
  4. Insufficient explanation – Public explanations do not align with the actual process or address raised concerns.

Proposal

  1. The Screening Committee should publish clear, comprehensive explanations for each endorsed delegate’s selection, including why NF-affiliated members did not abstain from voting on candidates who directly work with NF.

  2. Review and enforce conflict-of-interest policies to ensure consistent application.

  3. Require NF HoS Core Team members (Max Saal,
    Klaus Brave (Hack Humanity), Lane Rettig (NEAR Foundation) , Jack Laing — to publish weekly reports that include:

    • Activities completed and in progress
    • Budget and spending details

  4. Move key governance decisions on-chain to ensure transparency.

Goal
To ensure selection processes are clear, consistent, and aligned with the principles of fairness and accountability.

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