2007 Campaign Statements
AMA President
Richard D. Hanson Scottsdale, Arizona
During my tenure on the AMA Executive Council I've frequently asked myself: "Are we fulfilling our primary responsibility of serving the AMA membership, are we achieving our mission of furthering the educational and technological advancement of model aviation, and are we doing everything possible to secure the future of this great sport/hobby?"
Don't get me wrong; I'm in no way critical of the organization or this wonderful hobby. I've enjoyed every minute of my 40-plus years in model aviation and over 14 years serving on the Executive Council. The Academy of Model Aeronautics is an absolutely superb organization. Even so, greatness does not come easy or without constant dedication to the ideals and principles that have made this organization great.
The AMA has come a long way since its inception in 1936 and the hobby has vastly grown in complexity and diversity. I believe there is much more that could be done and should be done. It is this belief that leads me to dedicate my personal time and efforts to the Academy of Model Aeronautics and to seek the office of AMA President.
The AMA must have effective leadership, a clear focus on its purpose and an innate vision for the future. Our success in achieving this depends greatly upon establishing a clearly defined set of goals and objectives that leads the organization toward achieving our primary responsibility of serving the membership and brings our vision to fruition. I offer three very simple yet critical goals for the Academy.
- The promotion of model aviation as a recognized, viable, and acclaimed recreational activity for adults, families, and our youth. The success stories of aeromodeling and its worthy contributions to our communities, schools, youth programs, and social welfare need to be told to our neighbors, politicians, governing bodies, and the general public.
- The fulfillment of our National Flying Site Assistance Program geared toward helping modelers, local clubs, and associations in the acquisition, development, and retention of flying sites. Though the criticality of this issue may vary from region to region, there is no doubt that without flying sites we will no longer have a hobby. Moreover, the problem is not going away but rather is growing in severity and gradually impacting all areas across the country. The failure in establishing an effective and proactive safeguard today decidedly foretells the gradual dwindling and extinction of the hobby.
- Further development of outreach programs that introduce model aviation to newcomers of all ages. These programs need to be enhanced and expanded to bring the enrichment of model aviation to a huge generation of baby boomers rapidly approaching retirement, young families struggling to lock in traditional family values, and to a generation of troubled youth torn by competing and often detrimental interests.
I am a commercial pilot with over 6,000 hours in helicopters and airplanes. I'm an accomplished public administrator, having served in leadership roles for over 26 years in public service and 27 years of active duty and reserve component military service.
As your AMA President I pledge a resolute commitment to the pursuit of excellence and improvement. I will make it my goal to bring the organization into 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
What does the future hold? We have seen tremendous changes over the last few years. Electric flight is now a major part of aeromodeling. AMA must address these changes and help create an environment in which both traditional and new facets of modeling can flourish. With a new AMA President to be elected this year, the next three years may see many changes.
I don't take the job lightly. I would appreciate your support to help me continue the work that I started three years ago.
District IX Vice President
Mark T. Smith (Incumbent)
Shawnee, Kansas
I would like to serve District IX as your VP for another term. The past three years have been extremely busy and rewarding. I reviewed my 2004 campaign statement and am pleased to report that each of those promises have been met or exceeded, which include establishing a District IX website, holding a Lawrence, KS district fly-in, and traveling to all six states to meet with modelers to encourage continued open communications. Clearly, these accomplishments are due in large part to an extraordinary team of Associate Vice Presidents and other volunteers we've assembled over the last three years. These folks represent AMA for each of the District IX states as my "eyes and ears" and have done an outstanding job! I also must confess that I have been so pleased with the warm, friendly welcome I have enjoyed when visiting modelers around the District.
Areas I would like to continue to work on over the next three years include:
- Stimulate the growth of our Association by implementing various creative marketing programs.
- Grow the number of Leader Clubs in our District.
- Grow and aid in securing flying sites for our clubs.
- Support the introduction and education of model aviation to our youth.
- Push for a maximum of three terms in office for Executive Council members so that new, fresh, and creative ideas can be implemented, which results in ensuring the longevity of a healthy AMA.
I would like to continue this modeling journey and, with your support, I believe we can accomplish even more in the next three years. Thank you!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
