In our group the executive board (officers and three standing committee chairs--or whatever of the three are filled)are supposed to choose from any volunteers. If more than one person steps up to do the job, we vote (bylaws). We're just starting out, so it really hasn't been an issue before, but like I said, I see it coming down the pike!
I feel strongly that no one person should have the authority to pick chairs--I myself am not comfortable with one person having that much power, and it could lead to problems down the line if you get a real ninny in that position.
I agree with Bertha--it's not a popularity contest, and truth be told I unfortunately do have a big set of ba**s--that's how I get into trouble so often! My problem is that I seem to bring out the worst in some people, and they in me, so whe this issue came up, I was accused of not being able to be impartial. I beg to differ, because I AM capable of being able to put things to the side if I think it's the best for the group, but whatever.
My main concern is making sure the best possible job is done, and some of the others disagreed with me wanting to
ask some people to chair a position that another person seems to think is "theirs"--people want me to let it go--that good enough is good enough for now.