Greg Gimlick
Oct 24, 2007, 10:05 AM
We have the rare opportunity to change the course of the AMA with this presidential election and I hope everyone is encouraging their club members to mail in their ballot.
We have three candidates for president that are all fine individuals from what I've learned by my contacts with them over the last couple of years. Of course opinions being what they are - I have mine and I'm endorsing Dave Matthewson to be our next leader. Nothing negative to say about the others, but I do feel that Dave brings the tools to the job and the objectivity to enact change.
I've never met a candidate more active in the hobby and with the support and traveling companionship of his wife as Dave. She's as active as he is and that's a plus when you're going to live AMA like the president is.
With the new proposals to enhance memberships and benefits we're going to need someone with the energy, understanding, and drive that Dave brings to the table.
We've all heard the complaints online and elsewhere about the AMA being run by a good ol boy's club or a bunch of old guys out of touch with the hobby. I won't completely argue that point because I do believe we're in dire need of some fresh ideas and youthful thinking if we're to survive as a viable association. Our new executive director is on the right track and I think he can work well with Dave at the helm. Change is needed on many levels and from what I've seen, Dave is willing to listen to all the ideas and not afraid to try new things. Dave is a proactive person and not reactive which has been a problem in recent years at the executive level at AMA. Of course that's another opinion, but I'm throwing it out there anyway.
Dave's expertise in business management and his involvement with so many committees at AMA give him exceptional qualifications to understand the multifaceted nature of the business of AMA. We are a large business and require both a listening ear and stern hand of leadership at times. He's worked with the FAA, the insurance side of it, and almost every other aspect of the AMA's business.
I encourage you to vote and get others to. You don't have to vote my way, but you must vote if you have ever whined about something at AMA. If you don't vote - don't whine. I didn't write this to start a running debate, but to throw my opinion out there and my personal knowledge of a fine candidate.
I encourage you to vote for Dave Matthewson.
We have three candidates for president that are all fine individuals from what I've learned by my contacts with them over the last couple of years. Of course opinions being what they are - I have mine and I'm endorsing Dave Matthewson to be our next leader. Nothing negative to say about the others, but I do feel that Dave brings the tools to the job and the objectivity to enact change.
I've never met a candidate more active in the hobby and with the support and traveling companionship of his wife as Dave. She's as active as he is and that's a plus when you're going to live AMA like the president is.
With the new proposals to enhance memberships and benefits we're going to need someone with the energy, understanding, and drive that Dave brings to the table.
We've all heard the complaints online and elsewhere about the AMA being run by a good ol boy's club or a bunch of old guys out of touch with the hobby. I won't completely argue that point because I do believe we're in dire need of some fresh ideas and youthful thinking if we're to survive as a viable association. Our new executive director is on the right track and I think he can work well with Dave at the helm. Change is needed on many levels and from what I've seen, Dave is willing to listen to all the ideas and not afraid to try new things. Dave is a proactive person and not reactive which has been a problem in recent years at the executive level at AMA. Of course that's another opinion, but I'm throwing it out there anyway.
Dave's expertise in business management and his involvement with so many committees at AMA give him exceptional qualifications to understand the multifaceted nature of the business of AMA. We are a large business and require both a listening ear and stern hand of leadership at times. He's worked with the FAA, the insurance side of it, and almost every other aspect of the AMA's business.
I encourage you to vote and get others to. You don't have to vote my way, but you must vote if you have ever whined about something at AMA. If you don't vote - don't whine. I didn't write this to start a running debate, but to throw my opinion out there and my personal knowledge of a fine candidate.
I encourage you to vote for Dave Matthewson.