AMA News Campaign Statements - 2012/10

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,
listening to your ideas and supporting your
clubs.
Thank you for the warm welcome I’ve
received. I ask for your vote to continue to
serve as your representative.
Nelson Gould
Mecungie, 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 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 with 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
is 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 4 US Aerobatic
teams (75-77-79-81) representing the
US and AMA in World Championships
in Switzerland, USA, South Africa, and
Mexico.
Model aviation & 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 of which I am
actively engaged.
Membership must grow to support
education, competition, and other programs.
We must reach out to people buying the park
flyer aircraft and give them reasons to join
AMA. I have the modeling, professional, &
practical background to address these and
other issues facing AMA. I am an active
CD, fly Masters, IMAC and Vintage pattern,
Scale, 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 &
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)
flying sites are becoming scarce; (3) youth
interest has diminished over the years; (4)
new FAA standards that can apply to model
aeronautics.
These certainly are not our only problems,
but are four recurring difficulties that
we must seek to find innovative answers
for. Current President, Bob Brown, and
other AMA officers have addressed these
problems with the implementation of novel
ideas, and programs (i.e. Tag Day, trial
memberships). But, we can not stop there.
We must continue to refashion our ideas
towards model aviation, and continue to
be future-oriented in our approaches. For
example, I would like to develop plans for
an AMA-owned flying site in District III.
We should look at the feasibility of creating
AMA sites in every district. I believe this
can help alleviate some of the problems
facing the AMA, and will better serve our
members. The issues facing our hobby
can be addressed with well-thought out,
strategic approaches. If we come together as
a community, there is no doubt in my mind
that the AMA will grow stronger.
Sincerely,
Gary Slusser
Bliss Teague
Hickory, North Carolina
I became and AMA member for the
second time in the mid 60’s. The first time
was in the mid 40’s. 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 approximately threefourths
of them.
I have held the office of club president of
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 60’s 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 little electric. 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.
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
controlline then Radio control with a little
free flight and rubber power in the mix.
I am a cofounder of one controlline 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 for or 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 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 EC.
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 aero modeling 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, a contest director since the mid 90’s.
I volunteered as a contest coordinator for 10
years, and have been a District VI Associate
Vice President for the last 4 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 4 sons and 6
grandchildren and are currently teaching our
4th 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. I would push for
programs to maintain or decrease dues. We
need programs to help clubs improve their
memberships and to gain involvement from
current members. Better communications
to the membership on programs that exist
that aren’t widely publicized, as well as
more electronic form processing to speed
up application and eliminate cost to the
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.
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
AMA.
I support all aspects of modeling, RC,
control line, free flight, fixed and rotary
wing and all power systems from turbines
to gliders. I believe that all venues can
peacefully coexist as we are truly all
of similar minds and interests. I have a
tremendous passion for all aspects of the
hobby.
Fifteen years as a pilot and full scale
aircraft owner gives me additional insight
into dealing with the FAA for compliance
and regulatory issues concerning the safe
operation of aircraft. This experience will
be invaluable as we head deeper in FAA
regulation.
My current role as Director of
Transportation Land & Marine Operations
for a large privately held multi-faceted
company has given me the opportunity to
sharpen my management, organizational,
and communication skills. Working with
the FAA, US Coast Guard, DOT, OSHA
and others has prepared me for these DVP
responsibilities.
I am committed to AMA’s continuous
improvement processes and advancement of
a safe, secure and enjoyable environment for
all. I will maintain a strong volunteer base to
promote District VIII and AMA.
Let’s keep our sport fun and safe! Thank
you for your trust and vote.
Mark S. Johnston
Albuquerque, New Mexico
My name is Mark Johnston and I want to
be your next District VIII VP. I currently
serve as the Associate VP for NM and El
Paso and have done so for the past 5 1/2
years. I joined AMA in 1993 and am both
a Life and Leader Member. My personal
hangar includes aircraft for RC sport, scale,
soaring, fun fly, and helicopters, but I
enjoy free flight and control line models as
well. I have traveled to many clubs across
the district and also attended AMA’s 75th
anniversary event in Muncie, IN. To gain
an appreciation for the depth of duties
of the VP position, I have attended EC
meetings and the XFC event in Muncie and
have met many staff and EC members.
I have served as President, Vice
President, Treasurer, Secretary, Newsletter
Editor, Board Member and Contest
Director for two clubs at various times
over the past 11 years. I was appointed by
the Mayor to serve on the Albuquerque
Balloon Park Commission. My mission
there is to retain availability for model
aviation at the Balloon Park. I am also
involved in the city’s 25-year plan for
the park, as well as monthly meetings 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 and enjoy.
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!
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 the 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