Campaign Statements
Ed. Note: "Candidate statements reflect the opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. Candidate statements are published word-for-word as submitted by the candidate and are not edited by the Academy of Model Aeronautics' staff for grammar, punctuation, or spelling. The Academy of Model Aeronautics reserves the right to remove any portion of any statement which it determines, in its sole discretion, may contain potentially defamatory remarks."
District II
Eric Williams
Schenectady, New York
Since my appointment by Gary Fitch, I have been privileged to serve as your District Vice President. I am honored to represent each and every member. Aeromodeling has changed my life and the lives of others in countless positive ways. My goal is to carry this forward so we may expand the hobby that means so much to all of us.
I have been fortunate to serve in various club offices, and as an AMA Leader Member, Contest Director, Intro Pilot, and Associate Vice President. These experiences allow me to understand the needs of clubs and modelers alike. As your District Vice President, I will work to provide resources to assist and build local clubs at the grassroots level, where aeromodeling really happens.
In 2008 I led the AMA Executive Council in its strategic planning sessions. I have represented AMA before New York State environmental officials and at organizational events such as the Conference of Mayors, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Red Bull Air Races. I will continue to put these experiences to work on behalf of our members.
We have much to learn from our shared modeling experiences. It is paramount that we equally support all of our modeling categories. We must always uphold AMA's history and traditions while welcoming new interests and technologies.
Model aviation has some work ahead. Protecting our hobby from unnecessary government regulation, preserving flying sites, encouraging aeromodeling competition, and promoting our hobby are all priorities I will vigorously support.
Virtually every weekend I travel throughout the district, spending time with clubs and members. As your District Vice President I will continue to visit your events, listen to your ideas, and support your clubs.
Thank you for the warm welcome I've received. I ask for your vote to continue to serve as your representative.
District III
Nelson Gould
Macungie, Pennsylvania
My name is Nelson Gould and I live in Macungie, PA. I am seeking the office of District 3 Vice President. I have been a modeler since the age of 6, starting out with a Jim Walker Firebaby and a .049 Cub. I have been president of several clubs in my local area as well as held other club offices. I have served for over 25 years as the District 3 AVP and Contest Coordinator for District 3 East. I fly radio control and control line models. At this point in my life I am able to devote the necessary time to the demands of this office.
I seek this position so that I can continue to give back to the sport of model aviation that has been so good to me. Model aviation has influenced my life from an early age, beginning with learning how to read plans, continuing into my life's career in architecture and engineering, and most recently serving as general manager of an engineering company comprised of more than 200 employees. I have had experience working with state and federal government and the legal community.
As District 3 Vice President, I will continue to work for strong communication between members, local clubs, special interest groups, and the AMA, as well as work with government bodies on all issues that confront us as a modeling community. A positive working relationship must exist with local, state, and federal authorities to secure more available lands for modeling fields.
Increasing and retaining membership in the academy is important to the success of our modeling community. To ensure a thriving membership, individual members must enjoy optimal benefits without increased cost and pressure. We need to put more emphasis on youth membership, for they are the lifeblood and the future of our modeling society.
Thank you for your support.
Mark Radcliff
St. Marys, West Virginia
My name is Mark Radcliff from St. Marys, WV, and I am your current District III VP running for election. My father started me in modeling at a young age with free flight, u-control, and then RC. I became enthused with RC aerobatics and began flying pattern competitions when I was 15. Eventually I flew on four US Aerobatic teams (1975, 1977, 1979, 1981) representing the US and AMA in World Championships in Switzerland, the USA, South Africa, and Mexico.
Model aviation and AMA have been good to me. In 2007 I decided it was time to give back to model aviation and got involved with AMA as an AVP for District III. When Bob Brown was elected President I was honored to take his place for the remainder of 2012. I am currently serving on several AMA committees and know there are many challenges ahead including the ongoing AMA/FAA rule proposals in which I am actively engaged.
Membership must grow to support education, competition, and other programs. We must reach out to people buying park flyer aircraft and give them reasons to join AMA. I have the modeling, professional, and practical background to address these and other issues facing AMA. I am an active CD, fly Masters, IMAC and Vintage pattern, Scale, and am a member of NSRCA, IMAA, IMAC, VR/CS, FCM, and three local clubs. I am very passionate about model aviation and believe my various competitive and non-competitive activities will translate to representing all modelers in District III.
I would sincerely appreciate your vote in this special election since the future of model aviation is very important to all of us.
Gary Slusser
Nescopeck, Pennsylvania
My name is Gary Slusser, and I would like to thank the members of District III that have nominated me for Vice President; it is truly a great honor. As District III Vice President, my first priority would be the AMA members residing in District III. Our hobby and passion is facing a crucial time.
There are certainly issues that need to be addressed not only by me, but by all of the AMA community. However, currently, I see four significant issues facing our hobby: (1) memberships have declined; (2) ... [statement truncated]
District IV
Bliss Teague
Hickory, North Carolina
I became an AMA member for the second time in the mid-1960s. The first time was in the mid-1940s. 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 1960s in radio control and building my own radios. Like most, I flew trainers, sport types and then pattern and racing.
Later, I tried helicopters, some sailplanes and small 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.
Since I have committed to several projects and if you think I can represent you fairly through your input and comments, then I would appreciate your vote.
District VI
Dale Arvin
Jeffersonville, Indiana
A candidate for District 6 Vice President. Dale Arvin, AMA 4135, Jeffersonville, IN. I have been a modeler for over 55 years, a contest director for over 40 years, and a Leader Member for over 30 years. First flying control line then radio control with a little free flight and rubber power in the mix.
I am a cofounder of one control line and two R/C clubs. I have worked with city, county, and state governments to secure flying fields for two of these clubs.
I am an active modeler on both the local and national level.
My business background is in sales, design, and project management for environmental control equipment.
I am a firm believer in the AMA and in what AMA can do for model aviation. It will be my intention to aid the AMA by providing good feedback on what the modelers in District 6 need and what the modelers in District 6 can do for the AMA.
If elected it will be my pleasure to represent the modelers in District 6 to the best of my ability to help you realize the maximum enjoyment from this wonderful hobby/sport. Your input will be important to me and I will carry your suggestions to the Executive Council.
Thanks for your support.
Jonathan "Randy" Cameron
Springfield, Missouri
I am honored to have been nominated for the AMA District VI Vice President position and I am asking for your vote. I've been involved in aeromodeling since I was a child with my father, and love every aspect of this hobby and aviation. I have been an AMA Leader Member since the mid-1980s and a Contest Director since the mid-1990s. I volunteered as a contest coordinator for 10 years and have been a District VI Associate Vice President for the last four years. I've held about every club officer position in multiple clubs over the past 30 years.
I've been married to my wife, Fina, for 28 years and she has always supported me in our hobby. We have four sons and six grandchildren and are currently teaching our fourth generation of family flyers.
I'm a 22-year Air Force veteran, where I was an electronic communications technician and project manager. I'm currently a system administrator for a hospital.
Areas I feel the AMA needs to improve in:
- Programs to involve more youth to continue hobby and AMA growth.
- Flying site assistance and retention, to include financial assistance and education to local and national government.
- Programs to maintain or decrease dues.
- Programs to help clubs improve their memberships and to gain involvement from current members.
- Better communications to the membership on programs that exist but aren't widely publicized, as well as more electronic form processing to speed up application processing and reduce costs to members and the AMA alike.
If elected I will maintain a 24/7 open-door communications policy via phone, email, etc. One of my goals would be improvements to the District VI website, including a blog for district members. I will do my best to understand and communicate your issues to the Executive Council. Feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Thank you for your vote.
District VIII
Randy Brown
Kemah, Texas
I am Randy B. Brown from near Houston and am a member of Ft. Bend and Alvin Flying Clubs. I am humbled and excited by the prospect of becoming District VIII VP.
I received my first AMA card at 14 and have been a modeler for over 33 years. Dedicated to the continued growth and safety of the hobby, my experience as president of my local club gave me hands-on experience in helping a club grow and prosper.
As District VIII Safety Coordinator, Contest Director, and Large Model Aircraft Inspector, I have gained insight into the needs and desires of AMA members. I have promoted and organized large modeling events including full-scale aerobatic and skydiving performances as a way to motivate new people into aviation and to discuss park events.
AMA faces challenges in the near future which will impact modeling for the rest of the century. I want to help us move through these sensitive times as we negotiate with the FAA and face new modeling opportunities with advancement in technology and creativity.
If elected, I will work towards making progress on these obstacles and I will also place a strong focus on our members. While membership decline has slowed, our utmost attention is required in regards to recruiting and maintaining membership of all ages. AMA needs all of our help in order to allow us to continue enjoying the hobby we all love.
Your vote is important, so please take the time to vote! Thank you for your time and support. I hope to see you at the field!
District X
Lawrence Tougas
Fairfield, California
It has been an honor to serve as your District X VP. This has been an opportunity to meet the members, learn the lay of the land, and build relationships with the Executive Council and AMA staff. I have worked hard to understand the issues that are most important to you.
I promised I would concentrate on protecting flying fields, use the internet better, and develop a West Coast AMA flying site.
To help your flying field I have made it a priority in the District magazine column to discuss techniques to build relations with your community so that they will see you as a good neighbor and an asset. I also stand ready to marshal the AMA to help you in your time of need.
Use of the internet has been greatly expanded under my leadership. I have overhauled the District website, www.ama10.org. It went from a dead website to one that has an active blog, photo albums, and bios on your district staff. I have used it to expand the monthly magazine column for months when we have so much information it won't fit in the magazine.
It is my sincere desire to have an AMA property in the western United States. I have been working the issue and have had a great start. We currently have a dedicated financial account approved by the AMA Executive Council to segregate funds donated to the effort.
The biggest issue I heard prior to taking office is that the District VP was never seen. Well, I have made a big change in this area. I have spent a lot of time on the road; with your vote I will continue to do so for you.
Sincerely, Lawrence Tougas AMA 232
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
