As, with all but one, of the members of the EC, I have had the opportunity to communicate with Dave Mathewson on several occasions. These are my recollections of Dave Matheson, if the substance or dates are wrong, I will stand corrected, and they are most certainly not his entire record. Some is a matter of EC Minute record, and some are my impressions.

First, Dave is an avid supporter of model aviation, and the AMA. His record in the EC is a matter of record. He is committed to open communication with the membership, and has been helpful, even when I asked questions or held positions that he was opposed to.

In his very first EC meeting in Nov of 2000, he put an item on the agenda, ultimately carried, to re-instate combat. In Feb 2001 he, along with most of the Council, supported a setback for pylon, potentially saving it from extinction, and at the same time granting the VP’s the right to waive pylon requirements in certain circumstances. In April 2001 he made a motion, again, supported unanimously, to bring district frequency co-coordinators to the same level of recognition as other district officers. In July 2001, he voted with the minority, against a motion that changed the safety code imposing rules a night flying.

In Feb 2002, he led a discussion in the EC about Term Limits for officers. Since it would probably take a by-law change, this idea has languished, although it has some support on the EC.

During the period where a dues increase was being considered, I found Dave to be like almost everyone else. He was not happy with the idea, but, realized that it was a necessity. He also was of the opinion that a larger increase than absolutely necessary was a better concept than having to raise the dues each year. The events of 9/11 were still fresh, insurance rates were increasing, and it was obvious the trend would continue into the future.

He has long seen the potential of embracing park flyers. He is convinced that drawing young people to the AMA is the future, and sees the enthusiasm of youth for “foamies” as extremely positive. He has made proposals for less expensive memberships for park flyers, which fell due to budget restraints. He was a major proponent of the Trial Membership, designed and aimed at the park flyers. His work on the park flyer committee has set the guidelines to define and recruit park flyers.

He was for the concept of rule #9. When it became apparent that a rule, that had been aimed at large aircraft had other, unintended consequences, he took a position against the rule. From the reports of others, I understand he led the debate in the successful discussion preceding the vote to remove the wording from the safety code; an agenda item proposed by Sandy Frank.

He has been the liaison with the JPO in the successful effort to update the safety code, and rules pertinent to turbines.

He has expressed exasperation with the length and breadth of the Safety Code. He has expressed his realization that the code can not micro manage every aspect of the hobby, but also recognizes that the Safety Code has a legitimate place in promoting saftey.

His efforts on the Frequency Committee have kept a spotlight on the potential help the radio manufactures might give by way of a reduction in the distance necessary for separation between clubs and/or flyers.

He is on the Publications Committee and he supports the concept of VP’s column’s covering district events, as opposed to national issues. He firmly believes it is the charge of the President to represent the AMA to the membership and supports some sort of an “Ask the President” format in MA or on the net.

I have found him to be very pro-safety, but, not at the expense of trying to micro manage clubs.

I have found him to be very supportive of the AMA president, the EC and the EC members. At the same time he is very obviously willing to take a position on his personal views when they differ with the leadership. The district 2 forum is, to my knowledge, the only district that is not moderated. He has consistently answered questions openly and honestly in both public and private communications. In his first run for office, a large plank in his campaign was open communications. I have challenged him and he has shown he meant it.

I have no doubt that Dave Mathewson will run a positive campaign, along with the other candidates.

Hi J_R,
I'd like to add that he's very pro active regarding issues and members. As with most AMA members I never communicated with my District VP, but he took it upon himself to contact me. It was 2-3 years ago that I got myself all worked up about some issue, don't remember which one there were (are) so many, regarding something about the AMA and was posting my thoughts on RCU, or maybe RCO. A few days later I got an e-mail from Dave asking if I had any questions that he could answer was there something he could clarify for me.
He could have just dismissed me as another AMA naysayer, but he didn't and I'm grateful that he did take the time out to contact me.
When you talk to him about an issue he'll explain both sides and give you his opinion and an explanation why he's for or against.
He's set up a really nice DII website and he's an active modeler, unlike some other members of the EC.
IMHO Dave is an honest, standup guy who is really concerned about the direction that the AMA seems to be heading: a rule for every possible thing that could happen. Dave feels that the vast majority of modelers have common sense and know what's right and wrong and obey the rules. The few that don't, well, new rules aren't going to do anything to change them.
Dave's got my vote and I hope he wins so we can get DB out and get new ideas in at the top level of the AMA.
The thought of DB negotiating with the Feds on the future of modeling sends chills up my spine.
BRG,
Jon

Hi ya'll,
I just noted that Dave Mathewson is a canidate for president. That is a clue to his character as I have been working closely with him for several
months with never a mention of that desire!
I expect you are aware that I am ram rodding the attempt to get the safety code mess straightened out.
Do know that with ALL the extensive efforts Dave Mathewson was the only official who volunteered assistance and has been at my right hand constantly.
As I can remember John Worth was the last AMA official that seemed to
understand what AMA was , what was needed and got action. John was
responsable for AMA as we have it.
In short best could be said of Dave Marhewson is that in most respects he is a reincarnated John Worth with the same attributes.
Sure would be great if we had a decent vote volume this time?
Be good.


Hal [email protected]

Hal, as one that has built many Debolt kits from the Interceptor, and that early small hi-wing RC of old -- forget its name -- including many CL designs, Sportwing, All American, etc. and some of our conversations at Toledo when I was a Dist. VI VP, I have always had the utmost respect for your inputs. However, to compare D.M. with J.W. isn't one that will get additional respect.
In my opinion, Earl Witt was the last really progressive-for-AMA Officer. Far too many of EW's ideas were grabbed and credited to others. EW received NO help from one ED, JW.
While JW was a master at maneuvering Johnny Clemens' directions, JC was responsible for a number of ideas that JW did the legwork for.
Had I just been in a club with JW, I would have been amazed at his abilities for RC originations and pioneering of the times. As the AMA ED, in my opinion JW just couldn't keep up with the big growth that RC was bringing to AMA. He displayed his need to allow personal-control interests overshadow the needs for flexibility during AMA's first on-its-own NATs, Oshkosh '73. Long story!![:@]

Anyway, good luck on your work to get the Safety Code revised. How long have they been working on a revision of the Bylaws? Have you seen anything on that yet? I haven't.

Now since I have done so poorly in my attempts to run for office the past couple years, and anyone I favor seems to crumble when I support them, I suppose I will say I support Oberdieck 1st, and Brown second. Hope that helps!!!

Now Hoss, you're not suggesting Hal is old enough to remember how long that has been going on, are you?

Abel

When do or can we vote for Dave for AMA president? How do we?

If you are a current member of AMA, you will receive a renewal package in October of the year, +/- a couple weeks. (Unless something happens like 2 years ago, that they screw it up or have reasons to change /delay the period. )

This renewal package will contain (or it has for the past significant # of years) a ballot attached to the renewal. The names will be posted for your vote plus a write-in space.
The ballot must be detached from the renewal and mailed to the address on the ballot --NOT AMA.
The business of renewal has nothing to do with the ballot, and vice versa.

Therefore, if you wish to vote, as soon as the letter arrives, detach the ballot, vote, and drop it in the mail.
You do NOT have to renew at that time. Actually, IMO, it's best that you don't renew just then. That will assure you vote procedurally correct and NOT send the ballot back to AMA as thousands of single digit IQs so do each year.[:'(]

edited to include +/- a couple weeks.

I'd like to enter here, my support for Dave Mathewson. I like his open mindedness, and his acceptance of people who question the actions and motives of the AMA. He defends what he believes is correct, and aske for input on all issues. He does so, without becoming truly "defensive". He does so without too many "what ifs", and the few he uses are logical.

Dave Mathewson was asked to come to a closed forum with The Profile Brotherhood to discuss his thoughts on 3D and it's regulation by the AMA. For those who don't know of the Brotherhood, we do not pull punches, watch our language, or even focus too much on the feelings of those who cross us. And that is how we are on RCU, imagine us in a closed forum with an AMA politician! By the end of the discussion, Dave Mathewson had patiently answered all questions, and supported all of his positions. By the time it was done, he had earned the respect of the Profile Brotherhood, and is openly supported by most of it's active members. We have been waiting for months to confirm his place on the ballot.

Dave Brown has a very good record of service within the AMA, and I'll not debate against him in that regard, but it's over. He has lost touch with the membership, and I for one will not give him my vote.

I 100% support Dave Mathewson for AMA President. I believe that the other two candidates are far less encouraging for the future of AMA growth.

My $0.02

Hi Horrace,
Good to see your input and thoughts.
Seems my thinkinf-statements need clarification.
I did not mean to insinuate that John Worth was God or above all else,
actually his ability was toi appreciate members desires, needs, etc. and
FIND people able to make the needed efforts. The same applied to AMA
itself. He also would carry someone else's conceptions to frustratuion.
Point is John Worth was a "doer" during AMA's 26 years of growth and
his attention went a long way to bring us where we are.
How am I aware? The several different major chores he laid in my lap
are the foundation of several of the major competitions today. working
with those over a long period made one easily aware of John Worth.
A major AMA problem I see today is we do not have a John Worth clone!
You be good and get out the vote!

Hal deBolt

I decided to delete this post due to the fact that I said some unfounded things and should not have. After thinking about it I decided it would better serve me and everything I believe in not to let this exist any longer.
I apologize if it has offended anyone or their beliefs.

JimRoss
AMA 778628

Jim

Don’t worry about being politically correct. If you have concerns, your opinions are as good as anyone else’s. If you post something that is without merit, someone will step in and let you know… normally in no uncertain terms.

Your desire to get the vote out is admirable. Hopefully, we will get some much needed help form RCU and RCAdmin. There is not much we can do in preaching to the choir, which is, to a large extent, what is done in this forum.

Keep kickin the door down. You never know what’s on the other side.

JR

Jim

Your post is the most offensive tripe I have ever read. [:'(]Just kidding I really don't know what you were worried about seems pretty good to me but then again I usually have both feet in my mouth.

BTWIn the upper right hand corner of the post frame is the revsions list... You may change but you can never hide[X(]

J-R and Lilcrankshaft,

It's all good. I wasn't trying to hide anything, just rethinking my position on running my mouth prior to brain engagement. Clutch slipped and some unnecesary shavings came out before I could kill the engine.

Looked like a pretty reasonable post to me...you asked valid questions and have valid concerns...

Guys I just set up a new forum in the AMA forum where Dave Mathewson (who is running for AMA president) will be fielding questions directly so you know where he stands on the issues that face the AMA right now. You can find the forum at the top of the AMA forum. If you use MyForums you may have to add it to your list by clicking settings and selecting it although I believe I have added it to all members who browse this section with a global db call.

RC ADMIN.
Is the ask DM the only one or will you as an administrator ask the other two candidates as well to respond?

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.a...081&tostyle=tm
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.a...553&tostyle=tm
It helps if you read the posts of others on occasion.

Has your crystal ball developed a crack?

J-R no need for a crystal ball, cracked or otherwise.
I thought the question was legitiment.
I presume that the candidate has to ask the administrator for space instead of vice versa. in my opinion would be the proper way.
from what I'm seeing I don't see a request being forwarded to rcu from either of the other candidates. I'll venture a bet that the other two have never been contacted to responded to any of the forums.
But then I may be wrong. won't be the first time.
For now it appears the Q/A is loaded to be one sided. just an opinion.

excaliber

First you said such a thing would not happen.

I am not sure how you decided what would be ther proper way. It's not exactly a traditional method of communication for AMA candidates. We know from past experience that, at least all of the presidential candidates, are aware of what happens in RCU's AMA discussion froum. The invitation is extended. Each can take advantage, or continue with the attitude that the internet is just so much CB type chatter.

Marc made it clear on several occasions that something would be done to accomadate all of the candidates. If the bulk of the candidates ignored him, so be it. Just so much CB chatter, you know.

Is your prveious comment about the others offering rhetoric haunting you about now? Having someone as close as you are posting anonomously rather than as a real preson is not going to get it in this election.

When it was being discussed here, you po-po'ed the idea that ANYONE would participate. Your observation was wrong. I suggest that you make sure Bill O is aware of the invitation, rather than whining.

Just for the record, Bill was invited by RCAdmin to participate.

J_R:

Excaliber is NOT an anonymous poster. Check his profile, he's Lamont Cranston. He made his money fighting crime as "The Shadow."

If you wonder why he retired, his "Mysterious power to cloud men's minds" stopped working correctly, it clouded his mind, and it remains in that condition.

Haw.

DM is the one, if YOUR mind is not clouded.

Haw again.

Bill.

Hi Bill

See post #17, this thread:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_20...anchor/tm.htm#

J_R:

Interesting. Never read the pulps, just listened to the radio show. I did ride a Vincent "Black Shadow" for many years, though, and enjoyed it greatly.

S and I have been talking "Back channel" about Excaliber's "Secret Identity," do you have anything more to indicate the initials might be "BO" other than the aroma of his posts?

Haw.

Bill.

Bill

No. I can't know.

I don't see much point in any opinion type attacks on a candidate. I have done that in the past. It serves no useful function, except to create a backlash.

excaliber is another case. He continually is in the pig pen, down in the mud and slinging. Whoever he may be, his support of Oberdieck is not useful. There are enough documented issues in this campaign to allow insightful decision making by voters without speculation.

Look at the records of the candidates in the EC. See how they voted. Examine the effectiveness they have on committees. Look at the positions taken by ALL of the candidates. We have a pretty good idea of where the president stands, we can ask one candidate anything we want, and the third candidate's record and accomplishments are on display.

As an example, and this type of thing has not been discussed much in this forum, we know that one candidate is at odds with the experts on li batteries. We know another is on a committee trying to entice new electric flyers into the AMA and has shown a keen interest in the technologies involved. We know one candidate has stated "I am not well versed with electrics. I guess at this point I really don't have a strong opinion or experience with them. Or what they are capable of."

On the turbine issue, one candidate was adamantly opposed to the new regulations. One candidate voted for implementation of them. One candidate voted against the new regulations. All documented, no guessing

These are real issues, with real documentation. If you are into electrics, or turbines, the documented facts may be enough so they may make a decision. There are many other issues where the facts are documented. The adherence, or lack thereof, to rules is also there for all to see. Pointing them out is one thing, throwing mud behind is another.

The words, acts and visions of the candidates are all documented, yet we wind up throwing mud. If we are going to discuss this stuff, why not use the facts instead of opinion?

I find it interesting that DM is more focused on electrics than the other guys and then up pops Fred Marks.

The Shadow knows when to stay out of town.