I want to take a moment to respond to some comments made by Darwin.
I spoke with Mr. Tougas. He is a very nice guy. I believe his intentions are noble.
I appreciate Darwin acknowledging that my intentions are noble. I believe any of us DVP’s, AVP’s, Club Officers, etc. who volunteer to do this work should be recognized for the effort and time they put forth.
The problem is his lack of experience in things model aviation related.
Here is where I just have to respectfully disagree. I have a deep understanding of modeling. I have built free flight models, control line models, nitro and electric powered R/C models as well as R/C sailplanes. Am I the most experienced modeler in the district, no, but neither is Mike. My point is I have more than enough experience to understand the issues facing our membership.
I don't even know if he owns any models.
I’m not sure how that conclusion could be reached. My garage, and bank account would beg to differ.
His background in modeling wasn't offered with no mention of it in his campaign information.
In my [link=http://ama-district-x-election.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-candidate-statement.html]Candidate Statement[/link] from last year I discussed my start in modeling that dates back to 1968. In addition I discussed my related aviation background [link=http://ama-district-x-election.blogspot.com/2009/08/my-background.html]here[/link].
I have a great deal of experience in dealing with the FAA. My job includes responding to Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM’s) we face a serious challenge to our sport by the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) rulemaking that is going on right now. I intend to work very hard to defend our ability to conduct our sport without undue constraints.
I also have worked for 23 years as an Aeronautical Engineer. This has given me a skill set that I believe will make me a better DVP. Specifically it has taught me the value of measurable long-term goals, the skills to accomplish them, and the skills to work with different groups to achieve success.
Forget a Regional flying site. It was barely affordable 15 years ago and would be completely cost prohibitive now. It ain't gonna happen.
We’ve talked about this issue a lot in this thread. I’m simply going to repeat what I’ve said previously. If we do nothing and say it can’t be done we will be 100% right. If we set goals and work together I believe an AMA West Flying Site is ours for the making. George Bearnard Shaw wrote,
“You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’" That says a lot about many things we face in life and how we can approach them.
Ultimately it is not up to Darwin or I who the next District X Vice-President will be, it is up to the members. Last year half of those voting responded to my campaign and were satisfied with my experience. I was honored by their choice and hope to earn it again. I am working very hard to persuade the other half of our voters to take a second look and decide I’m the right person for the Office, only time will tell.
Lawrence Tougas
Candidate for AMA District X Vice-President
[link=http://ama-district-x-election.blogspot.com/]http://ama-district-x-election.blogspot.com/[/link]