2003 Election Campaign Statements
Editor's Note: Per AMA policy, campaign statements are not edited by staff. Statements are published precisely as they are submitted by the candidates.
District II Vice President
Dave Mathewson, Incumbent — Camillus, New York
Three years ago I wrote in my campaign statement that I would focus on three primary issues if elected:
- flying site acquisition
- youth education
- improving communications in District II
Having been your District II VP for the past three years, I'd like to tell you what we've accomplished.
Flying site issues have consumed the majority of my time. While we haven't achieved all we'd hoped for, our efforts have opened new doors that will pay benefits to all of our members. Contacts made with political representatives like Congressman Ben Gilman, AMA's opportunity to present oral testimony before a congressional committee, and the opportunity to meet with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Regional Director have been some of the positive offshoots of our work in District II.
In 2001 I appointed the first District II Education Coordinator. We have worked hard to provide our clubs with the tools and materials necessary to promote model aviation to the children in our communities. From preschool activities to college programs, we have worked to provide the means to help our chartered clubs become an asset in their hometowns—an important consideration when we ask for support from the community.
The level of communication in District II has increased dramatically. We now have a website second to no other district site. We created a district email newslist to share information, and recently we created a district forum to supplement our newslist. This fall, we will be able to hold "virtual meetings" on our website where members will be able to talk with district officers in real time.
I have traveled, with my wife, to your events, missing only four weekends during the last three flying seasons. Those of you who have spoken to me know that if you ask me a question, you'll get a direct answer.
If reelected I will continue this level of commitment to the members in District II.
District IV Vice President
Bliss Teague, Incumbent — Hickory, North Carolina
I was born March 2, 1931, and finished high school in 1949 in the upper 1% of my class. While serving in the U.S. Army (Korea 1952–1954) I attained the rank of sergeant. I completed several technical schools in service and Starr Metal Building School afterward.
I became a field superintendent in commercial and industrial construction until 1972 with W.E. Dale Construction Co., and built schools, manufacturing plants, city halls, recreation centers, churches and dormitories.
My construction career continued at Twin City Builders where I was chief estimator and purchasing agent until 1978. I then worked with Hendrick General Contractors until 1980. From 1980 until 1992, I was president of Bowness Construction, Inc. There I was responsible for the complete operation and construction of multi-million dollar homes in the Grandfather Golf and Country Club, Linville Ridge, Elk River Resorts, and Linville Resorts golf communities. From 1992 until my retirement in March 2001 I held the same position with Griffin Contractors, Inc., Linville Division.
I became an AMA member for the second time in the mid-'60s. The first time was in the mid-'40s. In 1978 I became a contest director and have handled more than 50 contests since. I attained Leader Member status in 1989 and was appointed AVP for Western North Carolina in 1998. Then I was responsible for approximately 40 clubs and visited about three-fourths of them.
I have held the office of club president for over 25 terms, though not all consecutive, and was vice-president for several years. I was instrumental in starting the first modeling club in our area and securing four flying sites. I enjoy meeting people and talking modeling. Everyone has something to contribute and that makes modelers special. With your input and consideration, hopefully I can vote your wishes. As time and invitations permit, I would like to visit as many clubs as possible. Let me know what you think about the issues.
My modeling started at the early age of nine, being interested in balsa gliders and rubber-powered models. Then my interest moved to control line. I worked in a hobby shop to support my modeling. After a time out for family and home, I started back in the late '60s in radio control and building my own radios. Like most, I flew the trainers and sport types and then pattern and racing.
Later, I tried helicopters, some sailplanes and little electrics. Eventually, I got into scale and the larger models. I enjoy all facets of modeling, although I haven't tried them all. Perhaps some day I will.
If you think I can represent you fairly through your input and comments, then I would appreciate your vote.
District VI Vice President
Charlie Bauer, Incumbent — Norridge, Illinois
My name is Charlie Bauer. I'm a retired college professor and live in a suburb of Chicago. I would hope to continue to represent District VI as the vice-president. I have been designing, building, flying and crashing models since 1938. I compete and sport fly free-flight, control-line and radio-control.
The Executive Council is the policy-making board of directors for the AMA, and as such should be, and is, looking and planning for the future of our sport/hobby. I believe that the AMA has two main functions: first, and most important, is to serve you the members; second is to promote the sport/hobby through strong programs aimed at education and public relations. I serve on many committees of the Executive Council, one of which is the education committee, which has done much to increase the number of youth members. I chair the Flying Site Development/Improvement grant program that awards funds to clubs that file an application.
I'm not a politician and won't make promises I can't keep. I do promise to try to do whatever is necessary to assist individual members and clubs in our district to solve problems that fall within the jurisdiction of the AMA.
Our district is honored to have the International Flying Site and the AMA Headquarters in our backyard. The new headquarters building is finished and the museum will be able to expand. The flying site has been improved and is busy all the time.
If there are any questions you would like answered, please contact me:
- Phone: 708-457-0565
- Fax: 708-457-2177
- Email: [email protected]
District VIII Vice President
Horrace Cain — New Caney, Texas
You are an AMA Vice President (VP). What is your main priority? Is it the administrative area or the operational realm? Certainly, we each have our own ideas about what should be pursued and accomplished. All ideas are welcome.
As your AMA District VP, I will communicate with you concerning the affairs of the AMA and the Executive Council. I will welcome your inputs regardless of the pro or con that you may present. Agree or disagree, my door will always be open.
If you elect me, I will bring forty years of experience in AMA business, including previously serving as a VP from District VI. I was once an active control-line and free-flight modeler. While I have flown mostly RC since 1973, I do keep my hand in control-line sport.
While many current modelers think of AMA only in insurance terms, I think of AMA as a service organization charged to assure a secure future for this world of model aviation. AMA cannot be all things to all people, yet AMA can provide much more than insurance.
Any activity needs organization to focus the goals of the group. Model airplane people need flying sites and public acceptance. AMA needs to be very proactive in establishing the worth of model aviation as a recreation, sport, competition, and/or a very worthwhile activity. Only through national recognition can the required facilities be acquired and maintained.
As your District VP, I will pursue these goals. Evidence: the Jetero RC facility near Houston.
Vote for flying fields and national recognition. Elect Horrace Cain to AMA District VIII Vice President.
Dr. Sandy Frank, Incumbent — Weatherford, Texas
Hello, I am Dr. Sandy Frank. I am asking for your vote in this election. I have been an AMA member since 1957 (Life Member #69). I have built and flown all types of C/L, F/F and R/C models. My late father, Murry Frank (an AMA Fellow), taught me as a child about modeling and the personal fulfillment of AMA volunteer work. I have been a local, regional and national volunteer AMA worker for more than 39 years. I studied aerospace engineering at UTA.
I am 55 years old and hold a Ph.D. I have operated my own successful business (now retired). Aeromodeling is my life. I can and will devote the time and effort needed to represent you well to the AMA Board of Directors.
I promise not to push any personal agendas, philosophy or politics on you or the AMA. I shall represent the will of the majority of the membership within the district in the important matters which the AMA Council must decide. I will support no dues increases, no AMA-instigated lawsuits, local modeling support (especially local flying sites) as AMA's highest priority, presentation of all of aeromodeling so as to gain national recognition and support, and last but not least open communications between the AMA and all of its members.
Historically only 10% of the membership votes. So please vote! Your vote is needed and important! Your vote for me will be sincerely appreciated.
Contact:
- Address: 105 N. Brazos, Weatherford, TX 76086-3207
- Phone/Fax: (817) 599-7131
- Email: [email protected]
I am available 24x7x365 to assist you.
Michael Moss — Sulphur, Louisiana
I will start by telling you a little about myself and why I would like to be your next D-VIII Vice President. I have been in RC for over 15 years and have been involved in several areas of RC: big-birds, helicopter, pylon, and scale. Some of my duties in our club are teaching new members to fly airplanes and helicopters, CDing our club's five yearly events, building and maintaining our club website, and I am also the groundskeeper for our club. One of the greatest joys I get out of RC is teaching new pilots how to fly. It's like raising children. You can feel their excitement when they are learning and it gives me a feeling that I have some worth by passing along something that they will have and enjoy forever.
My platform will be simple. I hope to build a feeling in the D-VIII membership where they are encouraged about their future in D-VIII. Every member should feel that he has the right to have a VP that is open to his suggestions and that members should feel they could contribute to their club or the district by running for any office.
Normally when you see or meet a leader anywhere they will never ask you what you think they are doing wrong and whether you have ideas on what they should be doing. How often do you think any of our leadership wakes up in the middle of the night worrying about how things are going or can't get back to sleep worrying if they are doing all they could be doing for the members?
I do not want this job for life. I only want one or two terms if need be to see if I can bring a feeling of unity back into District D-VIII and the AMA. I believe that as a VP, at every event you attend you should announce to the pilots that you are there and you want to know what's wrong with the district or your performance—just to keep in touch.
Your friend, Michael Moss
District X Vice President
Richard Hanson, Incumbent — Scottsdale, Arizona
Over the past ten years I've had the privilege of serving the membership of AMA District X as your representative to the AMA Executive Council. As your District VP I have dedicated my efforts toward seeking out member issues, presenting your views before the Executive Council, and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing member concerns. I've traveled throughout the district to meet with individual modelers and the local leaders of our AMA chartered clubs, and I've gained an extensive working knowledge of the local and regional issues challenging the existence and growth of this great sport/hobby.
The events of the past two years have presented uniquely new challenges for our hobby and have introduced a new set of threats to the existence and survival of model aviation. Though I strongly believe the number one issue facing the hobby remains the acquisition, retention and development of aeromodeling flying sites, concerns regarding homeland security and possible terrorist activity involving model aircraft have created significant indemnity and public/governmental relations issues.
As we continue into the 21st century, AMA is faced with addressing and resolving these critical issues. Moreover, in meeting these challenges AMA must have effective leadership, a clear focus on its purpose and an innate vision for the future. Our success in achieving this vision depends greatly upon the participation of the individual modeler and the involvement of the local AMA chartered clubs. As such, I will strive to elevate AMA's support for the local organizations and their involvement in this endeavor.
If aeromodeling is to survive we need strong and resolute leadership in our national organization and all of us must do our part. With your support, I pledge to continue advocating the interests of District X and will ardently endeavor for the preservation and advancement of model aviation.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
