elections

[tomsum]

All of the phrases aside that it has worked for 32 years, I firmly believe that an organization with 10,000 members needs to consider a more representative way of governing. I do believe that Pete's idea of elections was "shot down" by folks that appointed one another. That should be of no surprise to any of us. How about regional representatives that are elected to serve on the board of directors? My chapter has certainly discussed and supports such an idea.

[c.o.]

Wow!! There sure is a lot of interest regarding the political side of things lately! I kind of lean toward the old saying, "If it ain't broke don't fix it". But as always there are those that want to forge ahead and are looking for change. As far as I'm concerned, I'm in this great club for #1 The bikes and the history behind them. #2 The Friendships formed and a network to help restore/maintain these great old machines. #3 The magazine to look forward to quarterly. As long as these needs are met I don't see a need to stir the pot. I know this may not be enough for others, but it is for me.

Just my two-bits worth..................

[LouieMCman]

Or maybe Chapter Presidents voting, there are elected members.
Just another idea.

Louie

[INLINE4NUT]

I applaud the 3 of you for some GREAT IDEAS ! As for if its not broke dont fix it....welll we could debate this for days! I have read here and heard from the clubs officials that we need to change,ie. non US built MCs ect regional meets blah,blah blah now when it comes to changes in the way members are elected no one wants to hear it! Kinda smells a little to me ! Our dues were raised,I believe it was because we hadnt done so in a long time and the club needed the money.... I also understand the club just spent LOTS of money for a VERY NICE MC,Im glad but wish I and the rest of the membership would have had a say in this very important move,only because where will the MC be parked,who gets to ride it,and a whole host of other things come to mind,As Ive said the current slate of officers are doing a great job and I take my hat off to all of you,but I dont see why more people couldnt have a voice in the process. After all this is susposed to be FUN!!!!!

[jww]

I'm with you C.O. !!! #1, #2, & #3 are all currently available to everyone. With my being a previous chapter president, i will admit there are some things i would tweek given the opportunity. I'm sure there are approx. 10,000 more folks who feel the same. Notice how little things have and are slowly changing in our club. This tells me the current board is willing to listen, evaluate, and execute change while maintaining a focused direction. What more can we ask for? As for Chapter Presidents voting, there used to be a Presidents Meeting held at Davenport each year, with Pete and Trudy present to listen and learn. I suppose its still held, if not it should be. Good deal! I'm just glad this club allows open membership.....i probably would not have skid in this thing if votes were required to gain entry! johnny

[jww]

INLINE4NUT, guess word of a M/C purchase hasn't traveled this far south yet. Would like to hear more. If desired my e-mail is
jwhitsett@irs2.cc (no affiliation with "The IRS") johnny

[c.o.]

Inline..........I can see where your coming from. Maybe on the more important issues a ballot could be sent out with the magazine. A time limit could be set on a return of said ballot. This could be a way of having the members feel more involved in club matters. That way if a person doesn't vote then he/she can't b*tch. Just another thought.

Thanks for the like-mindedness jww............

[flthead]

national voting

national membership voting might not be required for membership ,but on the chapter level membership there's voting to see if you can join a chapter ,an select voting for some potential members at that !! so called rules should apply to all interested in joining a chapter

[RSmith]

Voting

Every member should read the minutes of the last board meeting, (in one of the last two magazines). In those notes, it describes the AMCA board also approving $300,000 in cash for a library .... and shows $500,000 in income, last year.

The huge expenditure, of $300,000 for a library, should have had member input/voting, in our opinion. Because surely, among that third of a million dollars, that was spent for a library, were our hard earned membership dues.

And as I checked with veteran AMCA members .... none of them ever heard a demand for a free standing library, either at Mid Ohio, Davenport, among themselves, or on this website?

Now someone reports a motorcycle was purchased too?

[RSmith]

Thanks David

David, we were able to find the "AMCA Library" information. It's on page 68, of the Winter, 2005 issue, of the AMCA magazine.

Under "New Business" #1 It says -

"The Board decided to make a library a priority and set up an endowment fund of $300,000 for this purpose.
The planned library would eventually have a full time librarian ...."

We agree with you and Steve G. . . . that a third of a MILLION dollars is a huge investment to make without membership input.

And once a Library is constructed, the AMCA board wrote
that "WE" will then have to hire a full time "Librarian" with salary and benefits.

[Lonnie]

Repeating the question, what MC purchase?
Lonnie

[INLINE4NUT]

LONNIE IT IS ONLY HERESAY THAT THE MC WAS PURCHASED AND i BELIEVE IT WAS A TORQUE FOUR, And I agree with the purchase! It is an important part ofMC history,but WE should had a say (I think) if someone would come forward and confirm or deny this it would put to rest the rumor.(Ive only reported what I hear ,the source has always been pretty good)

[Paquette]

I believe the mention of a library should be considered more of an archive with printed material ( original or copies) of accessory catalogs, parts books, repair manuals, etc. This would be a fantastic resource for club members. As for a librarian or archivist, it takes considerable skill and expertise to sort and catalog material and to make it available to researchers--it just goes with the territory------

[c.o.]

I have to agree with Paquette on that one. I think that with our being an "Antique" motorcycle club, that an archive with literature available to us all would be a valuable asset. As far as the cost goes, I'm sure most of us are aware on what an original book can fetch at auction! So a whole slew of such material would be costly indeed. Even copies can be none too cheap! If each member was dishing out huge sums of money per year to be involved in the club, then I could see the concern. This is a great club and I think that with an increase in members it just brings us an advantage to afford such luxuries.........

Just another two-bits worth.............

[Pete Gagan]

Hi Folks:
I'd like to clarify a few points for you. First of all, the Torque Four has indeed been purchased by the club. Although it wasn't cheap by some standards, it is a very sound investment, and if a future club board decided to sell it at an auction, it would be most profitable. It would be so even now.
Hopefully that will not be necessary. The opportunity presented itself, and we needed to act quickly. All will be explained in the next magazine. The bike will move around so all of you will get to rub shoulders with it, and maybe even get a short parking lot ride sometime.
The library (archives) endowment fund is merely money set aside, not spent. The club has been promised huge legacies of literature from a couple of aging members. If it falls into our hands we need to be ready to do something with it, as it serves no purpose sitting in boxes in someone's basement. If not, again there is nothing to stop a future board from pulling the money out and doing something else with it.
We do indeed take in a large sum each year, but we also spend a large sum on the magazine, etc.
As to elections, I personally am fundimentally in agreement. Consider though, that since I have been on the board, we have had two general membership surveys, sent out with return envelopes, etc. On both of these, the response less than 5%.
Therefore, there may not be sufficient interest by the membership at large in electing the right people. Who knows?
Rest assured, I'm listening.
Thats all for now. I'm going to look at the other posts and see if I can answer any motorcycle questions for anyone.
Cheers,
Pete Gagan, Prez.