While it is a long time until the members get to vote for their AMA VP in the early fall of 2004 it is not to early to start studying the possible candidates. The incumbent is guaranteed a spot on the ballot, and can only be kept of by a 3/4 vote of the EC - a very unlikely chance if history is any indication.
I think as a start it would be good to review the campaign statements made by the opposing candidates in the last District V election.
1998
Campaign statement made in 1998 election for District V VP [MA November 1998]
Jim McNeill (incumbent), Birmingham, Alabama.
Jim McNeill, B'ham, AL, AMA #L,2. I have the most experience, 25 years m the Council. I have held every office except Pres. AMA is a service organization formed to help you enjoy the hobby of model airplanes and have fun. AMA works with the FCC to provide you with frequencies; with insurance companies to protect you and your clubs and your field owners; and works with you to help you get and keep flying sites.
I travel constantly to your Fun-Flys, Contests, Club Meetings, etc, to expose myself as your AN4A representative. My Dist. Web Page is: http:\\
www.scott.net-ama. On my Web I try to show as many clubs as I can. At Fun-Flys I try to take pictures of the people in preference to the models. Then I highlight the contestants, CDS, officials, family members, spectators, in the magazine. To me every member is equal. Famous ones, new members, FF, CL, RC, all are the same to me. I have always reported to you the mysteries of Council meetings and you know Ns is true.
I am provided with an annual District Budget fed by your dues money. In spending it I try to be a river to my people. I mail out videos, booklets, Rob'ts Rules books, etc, all free.
This is a fun thing for me. Both of my opponents in this race are fine people. I think whomever you select you will get a good representative.
TONY STILLMAN
My qualifications: As life long modeler I have participated in free flight, control line, combat, R/C sport flying, R/C pattern, Scale, Giant scale, and the SAM championships. I have been an active contest director annually since 1976. I have directed local, national and world championship contests. In 1995 I was elected and served 4 years as president of the National Society of R/C Aerobatics. I was F3A team manager at the world championships in 1993, 1995 and 1997. Currently I am serving as Frequency coordinator. I have worked with almost everyone in the competitions department, the rules committee and operations in Muncie. I have an excellent relationship with AMA staff, officers and officials.
My plan to improve AMA and district five follows: By truly representing modelers of our district, I will make your voice heard in Muncie. Our district modelers need more input into the AMA council. I can make this happen. I will seek committee membership and assume my share of work and responsibility. Your voices will be heard through me at council meetings. Every Associate Vice President I appoint will come to you for input, will visit you, your club and flying field, then discuss any club problems with your officers. Twice each year they will report to me at a meeting of all Associate VP’s. Information gained from them will help me to truly represent you in Muncie.
Only with your help can all these things be done. I am qualified, able and willing to represent you and our district in Muncie. I have the contacts and friends there to help me do the job. With your support and YOUR VOTE I can bring these good things to you.
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Study the issues, become an informed voter in District V to make a difference in 2004.