[Gordo]

OK, here is the latest word from Dave Mathewson. We have been keeping up via email and the news is official that he is running for Pres. Assuming he gets on the ballot....

Here's the deal, Since Dave Brown has said he will run again, there is only room for 2 more on the ballot. There are 4 who have accepted nominations at this time. That means the "Nominating Commitee" will choose 2 to run. I have no idea what they use for criteria. I hope it's not "who can we be sure has no chance?"

Well, assuming Dave M makes the ballot, we will have, in his words, "a tremendous uphill battle". It will take serious commitment to see it through, and a plan. As most know I have no problem with fronting a political agenda, and I'll make no acception here.

First order of business: GET OFF YOUR ASS!!!!!!! I'm saddened to report that the majority of active Bros (forget those who sign up and never return) did nothing to help with the rule 9 action. That will not do if we are to assist Dave M to overcome the incumbent's powerful standing in the RC community.

My plan looks like this: We will never win with the "average flyer". They have no reason to want change for the most part. What we must do is reach and motivate the special interest type flyer. Special interests are what make even a minority strong. If you could motivate EVERY 3D pilot and wanna-be, we could rule the AMA. Not because we would have superior numbers but because on average less than 10% of those who could vote do so.

But it's not just 3D pilots we must reach. All groups with very specialized interests should be targeted. Jets is one example. They have plenty of beef with DB, as do many others. We must motivate them to action. (more to come on this) If you are part or acquainted with other special interest areas, please speak up here.

Part 2: I bet your club doesn't even discuss the elections, right? CHANGE THAT!!!!! As the election comes into view, bring it up at meetings. Talk it over. The vast majority of your club's members know nothing about DB. Just read them some of the crap we've been fed and tell them Dave M is better. And even bring in your ballot, hold it up, say "mark it like this.......and mail it to THE RIGHT ADDRESS!!!!!"

OK, that is all for now. The Bros could be a serious factor in this if we push. Or not, depends on you.....

 

[Jim T]

Dave M wrote me as well and asked for our support. I told him he had my total support and all of the Bros support.
There are many ways to reach a lot of people but I think the most effective way is the internet. Your opinion will be viewed by hundreds and maybe thousands of people if your political views are in your signature. I plan on talking about Dave M to all the people that I talk to on a daily basis and bring awareness up as high as I can. We must get DB out of office and the fact that we have someone like Dave M to replace him is a miracle. We have to make this happen every way we can. I will do all I can and I will ask the same of you guys. It's good for us AND the hobby.

 

[TailTwister]

First off, I think it's complete bullshit that the AMA can choose it's own candidates. Put all of the names on the ballot, and let the members vote. Geeze, first they have the previous service hoops to jump through, then they can still refuse a candidate? BULLSHIT! I was talking to a fellow modeler here, and he pointed out that both he and I could run for President of the US, but not the AMA. How screwed is that?

Next up, let me say, again, that if Dave M makes the ballot, my vote goes to him. That's is, that's all, no second guessing that one.

Now, if Dave M, for some BULLSHIT reason doesn't make the ballot, are we thinking just vote against Dave B? I'd hate to feel like I might be trying to vote for the lesser of two evils. I think the US Presidential race boils down to this, way too often. Do we know anything about the other people that are looking to be nominated?

At my next club meeting, I will ask for two or three minutes to speak about Dave B and Dave M. We argue about lots of things, but the necessity of informed voting is not one of them. I might not get a good response, but even a vote or two would be good, at this point. I just hope I don't get boo'ed. My club is far to the conservative side. I'd guess the median age at the meetings is in the late 50s to 60s. Most fly gliders, so they care nothing about 3D, or how bad Dave B treats us. I hope to hammer the point about, "what if you are next?"...

Anyway, I'm with Gordo. You silent Bros need to wake up, and smell the BULLSHIT. If you love what we do, as I do, you will take this time to become more aware and active. Now is not the time for complacency or group apathy. This will end very badly, if we do not make this happen right NOW! Can you imagine how bad next year will be, if Dave B wins again? He now faces the strongest opposition since taking office. Can you imagine how he will be, if he still wins? Talk about a power trip!

Even if you don't have the strong feeling of Dave B opposition that some of us have, please back your Bros and vote for Dave M.

The soapbox is clear for the next speaker...

 

[ChuckAuger]

Well, what do we need to do to get Dave M on the ballot?? I don't have a real clear understanding of the processes involved..

 

[Gordo]

Chuck, there is nothing we can do to influence the Nomination process except try to get it changed. We are at thier mercy as to who gets on the ballot. That can be annother fight.

Dave M was totally sure he would make the ballot if DB didn't run again. That would have meant 3 slots open and that was easy. Now it's not clear.

 

[TailTwister]

Gordo, if DM is not on the ballot, what is plan "B"?

We need to work that out now.

 

[TailTwister]

From the AMA site.

Nominations Committee (Standing Committee) (2004 Bliss Teague*): Mission Statement: To review and evaluate all nominations, making sure that each applicant placed on the ballot meets the criteria established. Consists of current vice presidents and the Executive Vice President (legal council if required). Bliss Teague ([email protected]), Chairperson; and Mary Lou Vojslavek ([email protected])(HQ).

Get on'em!

 

[TailTwister]

Sent to both of the previously mentioned e-mail addresses:

I am e-mailing to express my support for Dave Mathewson to be included on the ballot for President of the AMA in the 2005 election. I'm not sure of the criteria that is mentioned on the AMA site, but I'm aware that there are a limited number of positions on the ballot. Again, I support the nomination of Dave Mathewson to one of the ballot positions, pending all criteria are met.

Frank Brumbeloe
AMA 649563

Couldn't hurt, right???

 

[TailTwister]

Received at HQ June 17, 2004
Mary Lou Vojslavek

Not too "wordy" is she?

 

[Gordo]

Well, plan "B" would be to interview each of the candidates that are on the ballot and see if a. They can win, and b. They are pro 3D (Or at least not ANTI)

I refuse to vote "against" anyone, I truely believe that is wrong. If I can't find someone to vote "for" I guess we are in real trouble!!!!!

 

[latch66]

I'm in for Dave M.

But, we do need a "Plan B" in case if DM doesn't make the ballot.

When will the ballot be decided?

 

[Gordo]

Nominating commitee meets July 3rd. I have a question into DaveM to see if there is anyway to sway the commitee, and what the criteria are...

 

[TailTwister]

After reading what Dave M has to say, I really have a good feeling about the guy. Mathewson seems to have integrity, and I think I trust what he says. So, let's ask him who we should back, pending he can't get on the ballot. What about that guys?

 

[dave152]

First, thanks to those of you who have offered me your support.

Let me see if I can answer some of your questions on the nomination process. The number of people on the ballot is limited to 3. The job of the Nominating Committee is to select the best 3 qualified candidates for a place on the ballot. If 3 or less are running I've always taken the position that the Committee's only task is to make sure that the nominees meet the requirements. If more than 3 are running, then the Committee must select the 3 most qualified nominees that meet the basic requirements. In the case of President the nominee must be a Leader Member and have served for at least one year as either a VP, AVP, or Contest Board member. I believe everyone that's been nominated for Pres. meets those requirements.

I need to insert some campaign stuff here. The Nominating Committee is made up of all the District VPs and the EVP (the president isn't a member of the committee). I support a concept, as I have said several times on the District 2 newslist, that I first heard proposed by Bill Lee that would involve either AMA Leader Members or maybe club presidents in the process of determining who should be on the ballot for any AMA elected office. I think the process should be taken out of the hands of the VPs, if for no other reason, than to remove the perception it gives of some kind of backroom deals taking place. I don't believe that has ever happened in the 3 years I've been here, but I know that's the perception that some members have. I also support the concept of term limits and placed that issue on the EC agenda for discussion in early 2002. End of campaign stuff.

Emailing the Committee probably won't have much of an affect if the members do their job as described.

As for who I think I would support if I don't get on the ballot? Well, I prefer to be optimistic here so I really haven't given that much thought. I still think I have as good a shot as anybody. If it comes to it I'd be happy to offer an opinion, but it might help if you looked through some of the past EC minutes on the AMA website to see how the nominees voted on issues that are most important to you.

Anyhow, I hope this helps clears things up a little. If any of you have a particular questions, fire away.

Thanks,
Dave Mathewson

 

[Razorback58]

Thanks for your imput, Dave! I've been following most of what has been transpiring here and from what I've read you have my utmost respect. You also have my support and my vote! I like optomism...............

 

[Gordo]

Thanks Dave, we're really glad you are here. Here's to you getting THE NOD!!

 

[BIZZARO]

Thanks for your imput, Dave! I've been following most of what has been transpiring here and from what I've read you have my utmost respect. You also have my support and my vote! I like optomism...............

Well of course you do...That is why you live in HOPE... :lol:

 

[Razorback58]

You got that right Bill! :lol:

 

[Jonathan Ott]

If Dave M. does not get a nod, is there a write in slot? I seem to remember there beeing a write in blank for each position from the top down to the AVP's in each district ... right?

If there is, and he is not on the ballot, I'll write him in in red ink so as not to be missed. Hell, I might even put glitter on it too to make it stand out

Jon

 

[steener]

i just want to say that first of all, Dave Mathewson, you have my vote. second, i admire your professionalism in this debate. and last, i cannot tell you how much it means to me (and im sure im speaking for damn near everyone) that you come here and post your views, thoughts, and intensions, and do so with such a way that i feel you have been here for a long time. you are truely a REAL RC PILOT, OF THE PEOPLE, AND FOR THE PEOPLE.