2004 Election Campaign Statements
Editor’s note: Per AMA policy, campaign statements are not edited by AMA staff. Statements are published as they are submitted by the candidates.
AMA President
Dave Brown, Incumbent — Hamilton, Ohio
My name is Dave Brown, and I am a candidate for re-election as President of AMA. Before I make any statement, I would like to acknowledge that the candidates I am running against are good people who have worked hard for the AMA membership. I have nothing but respect for them.
Aeromodeling today faces challenges that are unique to the times in which we exist. Advancing technology, combined with our society’s focus on security, present many situations in which our basic right to continue to fly hangs in the balance. Working together, I believe we are in a good position to continue to enjoy model aviation, but we cannot allow internal strife to jeopardize that position.
My style of leadership is, and has been, to work hard to achieve consensus. Please understand that the President has very little absolute authority under the AMA Bylaws, and his influence on the direction the organization takes will be determined by his ability to lead the Executive Council to consensus. I believe my strength is in my ability to do that. The membership elects its representatives to the Executive Council, and the President has no control over who holds those positions. The challenge the President faces is to keep those sometimes-diverse people working together for the good of aeromodeling. I believe I do a good job of that, and I am willing to stand on my track record.
While no candidate for AMA President can promise anything beyond hard work and dedication, any candidate should be able to give you an idea of what he hopes to achieve. I believe that protecting your right to continue to enjoy aeromodeling is the first priority. In these troubled times, that may be as much of a challenge as we are able to handle. Flying sites are central to our activity, and we need to continue to support local efforts to find and keep flying sites, as well as working at the national level to create more opportunity for the establishment of local flying sites. Frequencies, and the usability of those frequencies, are central to the majority of our activities, and we need to continue to defend those frequencies against anything which threatens our use of them. We need to continue to work with the FAA in order to maintain our right to operate in the airspace, and we need to monitor all federal agencies to minimize not only the creation of rules and regulations aimed at model aviation, but the unintended consequences which may arise when those agencies pass regulations aimed at other activities. Of course, we need to do all of this while being efficient in terms of cost. In the end, we need to do all of this without losing sight of the fact that this is supposed to be fun.
I ask for your vote, but will state that it is more important that you do vote than who you vote for. This is your opportunity to influence YOUR organization.
Dave Mathewson — Baldwinsville, New York
My name is Dave Mathewson and I'm running for the office of AMA President. I am currently the AMA District 2 Vice President, holding this position for the last four years. Prior I was an AVP for both John Grigg and Wes DeCou.
I have outlined a vision and a set of goals that I believe would enhance AMA's ability to serve our members. Times change, and AMA needs to make a shift in what have been our priorities.
I believe we need to focus on promoting model aviation as a worthwhile recreational activity. This positive exposure would pay off in efforts to acquire and retain flying sites, our top priority in District II. In fact, AMA's opportunity to testify before a Congressional Committee investigating recreational uses of federally owned lands was a direct result of the work of our members in District II. Our emphasis on acquiring flying sites led to a dialog with the Commissioner of Parks in New York State that resulted in the implementation of a pilot program to determine the compatibility of modeling activities in New York State Parks. Other efforts led to a meeting with the Northeast Director of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. These are the types of efforts I would like to see AMA more involved in on a national level.
We need to continue to support our members who fly competitively, yet we need to focus more on our members who fly for fun, our largest and fastest-growing segment. In 2002 I created an annual District II Fly-In to help promote that concept. It has become a way for our sport members to come together to enhance their modeling experience.
The average age of our members continues to rise. We need to focus more on education and attracting young people into our hobby. Our best resource to realize this goal lies with our members. To enable you to accomplish this task we need to provide as much support as we can. This is why in 2001 I appointed the first AMA District II Education Coordinator.
Advancements in technology have taken model aviation to new levels. It's not realistic to expect every member of the Executive Council to be an expert in every discipline, yet we are still charged with creating guidelines under which our members fly—a difficult task at best. To address this problem we need to include those who participate in a discipline in setting guidelines for that discipline. Seeking the input of our Special Interest Groups is a good first step.
A trend has developed over the last few years where liability concerns are driving the direction of our Safety Code. I believe this is a mistake. Most of our members make an effort to fly safely. A better alternative would be to tailor the Safety Code to encourage reasonable, safe flying practices without individually targeting certain styles of flying, and then ask for your help to ensure that we all fly within those guidelines. You can be our biggest source of help in implementing a program to reduce risks.
I believe all of these areas need increased attention, yet not at the expense of what we are already doing. Our efforts with regard to frequencies, and cementing relationships with government agencies to ensure your continued right to enjoy our hobby, should not be overlooked.
Finally, I am a proponent of term limits. I raised the issue before the Executive Council in 2001. We owe a debt to the current president for his quarter century of work on behalf of AMA as a member of the Executive Council. However, a member organization like ours regularly needs new people with new visions and new enthusiasm to remain a viable, thriving organization whose mission is to meet the needs of the members. I believe that I possess these qualities and I ask for your vote and the opportunity to lead AMA into the future.
Bill Oberdieck — Southgate, Michigan
For those of you that I have not had the pleasure of meeting, may I introduce myself. My name is Bill Oberdieck, currently serving as AMA District VII Vice President for Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
I have the honor of being nominated as a candidate for the office of President of the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
As VP for District VII I believe I have represented the membership with integrity and honesty and will continue to do so as President of the AMA.
During my tenure, I have established an open-door policy and a website to encourage communication between me, the clubs and the members. I have been successful in securing new flying sites and assisted in saving other sites that might have been lost.
I led the change that enables AMA members with large (over 55-pound) model aircraft to be able to fly their aircraft anytime, anywhere rather than only at AMA-sanctioned events provided the aircraft and pilot are qualified.
I have been instrumental in proposing a new Safety/Training video to be produced and supplied to all AMA-chartered clubs. The video will benefit not only the new pilot, but serve to assist the older members in implementation of the AMA Safety Code.
My experience of many years as a modeler has allowed me to fly a variety of models and to be close to those who fly everything from stick kits to turbines. I maintain those relationships.
As your President I intend to lead the AMA in the 21st century to accomplish the Mission, Goals and Vision of the Academy and its members with this aggressive agenda:
- increase the awareness of aeromodeling to the general public.
- increase the awareness of aeromodeling to local, state and federal governments to gain support for our activities.
- expand activity with all major youth groups with more AMA participation.
- incorporate major support for technological advancements in all the aeromodeling venues based on factual information.
- eliminate snap decisions without sufficient factual information.
- reduce ineffective and outdated policies.
- obtain greater media promotion and coverage of major events.
- encourage open communications with the general membership.
- promote safety and training tailored for each of the aeromodeling venues.
- promote the enjoyable activity of all the aeromodeling venues.
As your president I will not be able to accomplish any part of the agenda without the cooperation and support of you, the member, and the Executive Council. If you agree with my proposed agenda, then your confidence and voice will be your vote.
Together it can be and will be accomplished. Your vote for me is your voice — let it be heard. Thank you.
William "Bill" Oberdieck
District I Vice President
Don Krafft, Incumbent — Duxbury, Massachusetts
My name is Don Krafft. I reside in Duxbury, MA. I have been your District Vice President since 1985. During that time I have represented the members with their desires in mind while accommodating the needs of the Academy. Considerable time has been devoted to this activity and no changes are contemplated.
I have been retired from my occupation as an airline pilot since 1992; therefore I have the time to devote to the hobby. My modeling participation dates back more than 50 years and includes free flight, control line and radio control. My present interest is radio control sport flying but I have interest in all forms of aviation.
I am asking for your vote in this election so that I may continue to serve the District I membership.
Andy Argenio — Smithfield, Rhode Island
I have listened to the concerns of many AMA members. The consensus is District I needs a new Vice President who understands that leadership is action and not just position. We need to get District I into the 21st century.
Based on your suggestions, I would focus on four areas during my first term of office:
- Develop a District website that includes district news, a safety alert section, event listings, a discussion forum, and access links to District Officers and clubs.
- Establish scheduled meetings with District Officers. We need to work together to recognize problems, determine objectives and utilize our resources to achieve results.
- Promote aeromodelling through youth education and flying events. Electric-powered R/C airplanes have made it possible for us to bring our hobby directly to students. I have worked with teachers to acquire grant money and we now have ten R/C flight training labs in public schools.
- Reestablish confidence in the AMA by sharing information with you, so I can better represent your concerns and views on matters decided by the AMA Board of Directors.
District V Vice President
Judith (Judi) A. Dunlap, Incumbent — Summerfield, Florida
Hello, my name is Judith (Judi) A. Dunlap. I am the incumbent for District V, and I am asking for your vote in this election. Over the past six months I had the privilege of serving the membership of AMA District V as your representative to the Executive Council. As your District V VP I have dedicated my efforts towards seeking out member issues, presenting your views before the Executive Council, and supporting initiatives aimed at addressing member concerns.
I would like to focus on three primary issues if elected: youth education, improving communications in District V, and the promotion of our hobby to the public. I believe strongly in building a good public perception of our radio control hobby. Further, I actively practice what I preach and have for a good number of years.
A little history about myself: I was born June 6th and graduated commercial from a small school in Pennsylvania. After graduation, my first job was in Washington, DC with the CIA. My last job was with Western Development Corporation, where I was Office Manager/Assistant to the Vice President of a project called the Sawgrass Mills Mall, a 650-acre mall in the shape of an alligator.
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.
In the past months I have been working on District 5's web page; I hope you have had a chance to check it out (amadistrict-5.org). The web page I set up will keep the members informed: locator, manufacturers, email, photos, events, sale, just to name a few.
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.
If you think I can represent you fairly, I would appreciate your vote. Thank you.
Manny Sousa — Gulf Breeze, Florida
Since the District V Vice Presidents serve on AMA's Executive Council, which "has the authority to supervise the affairs of the AMA and to establish policies," your vote is an important opportunity to make a significant difference in AMA management.
I have been a modeler since age 7. I have competed with models, as well as full-scale airplanes, boats, and cars. In 2003 I was National Champion in FAI R/C Scale and was a member of the U.S. Team for the 2004 R/C Scale World Championships in Poland.
I am an AMA Leader Member and Associate VP. I was the founding President of the Holley Flyers RC club in 2002. I have served as Contest Director for pylon races, combat events, and fly-ins, including the prestigious Rally of Eagles.
I have a master's degree in Management and I am a retired Naval Aviator with 248 Vietnam combat missions in F-4 Phantom and A-7 Corsair II aircraft, including combat command of an A-7 squadron.
Other Navy jobs included: Landing Signal Officer (LSO); Safety; Maintenance; POW/MIA Affairs; Professor of Naval Science at Northwestern University; Naval Academy Assistant Academic Dean; and Director of Naval History.
I won many yacht races, including the Annapolis-Bermuda, and was an ocean racing sailing coach at the Naval Academy. I double-handed my 35-ft sloop WINGS trans-Atlantic to Europe and returned in 1986–88.
I authored articles published in yachting, education, model, and full-scale aviation magazines. I currently fly full-scale sailplanes, as well as my restored 1941 Culver Cadet.
I have lived in District V for twenty years and currently reside in Northwest Florida with my wife Carin, my high school sweetheart.
I submit that I have the time, experience, education, drive, resources, and leadership ability to serve your best interests in AMA.
Tony Stillman — Pensacola, Florida
I want to be your District V Vice President because I'm firmly convinced that I can improve AMA operations, AMA-to-member relationships, and increase services to the membership.
I am fully qualified and an active modeler. I started modeling at the age of eight, moving through control line and into R/C by fourteen. I still fly many different types of models from free-flight to Giant Scale R/C. Modeling is in my blood.
I joined the AMA in 1971 and became a Contest Director in 1974, and have CD'ed and co-CD'ed many events including several USA Team Selection contests and World Championships. On July 16, 2003, I was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame. I am currently serving on the AMA Frequency Committee. On a local level, I have served in every office of my local club.
The main function of the AMA VP is to represent the district membership where AMA policy is made. I will enlist counsel from the District Five membership in order to make informed decisions at Muncie. I will focus on enlisting interested, active modelers to serve as AVPs. I will make every effort to avail myself of today's electronic media to maintain an open and effective line of communication and require my AVPs to do likewise. I will make it a goal for myself, or one of my AVPs, to visit your club at least once a year to hear from you!
Each AMA District has access to funds to use within the district at the VP's discretion. I will be accountable to my district membership as to how this money was spent each year to best serve the district.
As you can see, much work needs to be done. However, I can't even start without your vote. I want you to be proud that you are an AMA member from District Five! Please take time to vote, and make sure your flying buddies vote as well. Thank you for your support!
District IX Vice President
Mark T. Smith — Shawnee, Kansas
I am Mark T. Smith and I want to represent you as your District IX Vice President. I seek this position to ensure effective communication with the District IX members and the Executive Council. This will be done by creating a District IX website that will contain four components: news of District events; a District IX calendar of events; Q&A about concerns you have and suggestions on how the AMA can serve you better; and, finally, a central clearinghouse for the District's needs and opinions. I will explore the feasibility of a District IX fly-in, pledge to visit as many major District events as possible, and return all telephone calls and emails within 48 hours.
I have held officer positions in many clubs, am a Leader Member, served as VP of our AMA SIG 705 National Competition Fun Fly Association, and was Contest Director for the 2004 Nationals in Muncie; thus I am currently a member of the AMA National Competition Committee.
I graduated from Purdue in 1972 and received my MBA ten years later. In April 2000, I accepted a special early retirement from the executive staff of Sprint after 28 years of service. I have an extensive background in legal and regulatory matters and have testified before many state and federal regulatory bodies including the FCC.
My decision to retire was difficult, but now I am pursuing my new passion for teaching. I am currently an adjunct professor at Baker University and Capella University which affords me the flexibility to travel, fly airplanes and commit the time to be your District IX VP.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
