October 8th FAA metting notes...

[blackpowderscout]

Since I was representing SouthernAirboat.com at the FAA meeting yesterday, I thought I would bring you up to speed on what went on there.

Capt. Richard Moore of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was the first speaker. He was very enthusiastic in thanking us (florida airboaters) for stepping up to the plate and helping out in the sound study testing. He mentioned that there will be two public worksops for further discussion of the muffler legislation to be held:

26 Oct at the IGFA in Davie from 6:30-9 Pm
27 Oct at the CFCC in Ocala from 6:30-9 Pm

Capt Moore also discussed the importance of educating airboaters about the new law changes and it was brought to his attention that SouthernAirboat.com can be a wonderful tool for spreading the word.

Finnally, Capt. Moore touched on the fact that courteous airboat operation can be the best way to keep the heat off of us.

Next, Brian Rehwinkel of the FWCC spoke about how the state plans on spreading the word about the changes. He also touched on the quiet airboat competition idea. It was decided to go ahead and create this competition. More word on this in the future. Brian solicited ideas from the delegates present on how best to get the word out on the changes and the code of ethics. It was decided to go ahead and create this competition. More word on this in the future. Some ideas included using info at ramps and a brochure which he had a draft of on hand. This brochure was well designed and we should look for them in the future and distribute among our community.

Next we elected new officers. Phil Walters (aka gatorstick) was elected President and Bob Hoover (swampjet) was elected Vice President.

Phil Walters talked about the importance of all of us contacted mebers of our local and state governments and talking to them of our issues. This grassroots campaign is the cornerstone of American democracy and the anti's are doing it so we need to also.

Jerry Wetherington of the newly formed United Sportsmens Airboat Association spoke to us about why the sportsmen of the Alachua county and surrounding areas united to form a single organization. This was in response the sheriff of Alachua county moving to the lake and stirring up trouble about airboat sound.

Also, the FAA was presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recogniton for the efforts in support of Hurricane Katrina relief.

We voted to increase the annual dues for membership in the FAA from $100 to $200. This increase will help offset the anticipated increase in future costs related to preparing for an expanded role for the FAA.

Finally, it was agreed upon to hold the next meeting in Broward County on the 1st weekend of February, 2006.

Adam

 

[rick]

Thanks Adam.

Also got this from Phil Walters today:

Accolades from Saturday's activities:

*Thanks to past officers Walt Shirley & Ralph Hedgecoft for their guidance & service to the FAA

*FAA Safety chair Robert Dummett for gaining CONGRESSIONAL RECOGNITION to the Airboaters of Florida for their service in hurricane Katrina Relief

* FAA Public Information Officer Lauren Brown for performing above the call for providing Airboat-Sportsmen information to the media during Hurricane Katrina

* To all who pledged $$$ to hire our lobbyist. CONTRACT SIGNED! Special thanks to the folks who take it upon themselves to "Git 'Er Done": Dan Brantley KRVSA, Bob & Janis Hoover CCAA, Jim Brown LCAA, Terry Latner Airboat World, Dave Markett KRVSA & CCAA, Robert Dummett Airboat Safety, Southern Airboat.com and the many unheralded who also contributed $$$ and labor to this effort.

* Incoming FAA Officers, committee members, delegates and volunteers for their willingness to get involved.

* Capt Dave Markett and Adam Wetherington of SouthernAirboat.com for Saturday night's trail ride and FINE Grilled Buffet at the Milk Bus. Thanks to Crofton's Sausage of Tampa for the donation of chow.

*The FAA delegates who elected me their leader and all members & guests who attended Saturday's meeting. It's time to "Git'Er Done!"

Thanks to all.......
PW

 

[Anonymous]

Adam,

Thanks for your time in being the FAA rep for SA.com. You wrote a good summary of the meeting & I would like to forward to my e-mail list. Do you mind?
I wish all our FAA delegates showed this much enthusiasm on communicating topics of concern to fellow sportsmen as you. When your enthusiasm spreads, the anti's will be on the run!

PW

 

[SwampMatt]

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[blackpowderscout]

Matt, your politicians know the others. Satrt with the ones who will be most affected by YOUR VOTE.

Phil passed out some paperwork regarding this issue at the meeting. I can try and figure out a way to put it on here but I doubt it cause it is a lot. I can make copies and give Laura some for you though.

Adam

 

[SwampMatt]

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[Anonymous]

1) Airboat sportsmens are good citizens who are always willing to help their fellow man. We do lake/river/coastal clean ups, search & rescue, hurricane rescue, conservation education, relief for our troops, fundraising for charities (Juvenile Diabetes) donate airboat rides to handicap children, ect

2) We have 28 airboat/sportsmen/conservation clubs across the state with thousands of families as members. Our social events are family values based. We donate thousands of hours of airboat use & volunteer hours worth hundreds of thousands of dollars on projects that benefit our fellow citizens.

3) The economic impact of airboating in the state is estimated in the $70-90 million range.

4) The concerns of our airboat sportsmen are: hunting. fishing, public lands, boating, responsible government, family values and issues directly concerning airboat sportsmen.

5) We have legislation pending for 2006. Please support our bills.


As we need responses you will find specific letters posted as the situation arises. The main point is to put the face of a sportsman IN FRONT OF our elected officials. This works well for the NAACP and will work for us providing we're motivated enought to make the effort.
Squeaky wheel gets the grease so start squeaking!

PW
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Florida Airboat Association

Guide for Calling on Elected Officials

For information on who your state senator and representative are, visit: http://www.myflorida.com/portal/Government. You may review what areas/counties they represent, party, committee assignments, personal history, awards, special notes, contacts, connections--affiliations, hobbies, interests and staff names.

For great tips on how to approach elected officials visit NRA-ILA: http://www.nraila.org/ActionCenter/GrassRootsActivism.aspx?ID=11

1) Call for an appointment to meet with your representative. (If no appointment, just drop in for a few minutes) It’s critical we develop a relationship with our officials. Note their aide’s and secretary’s name when you call. Use their name & thank them for your appointment. Make notes for future contact.

2) If the representative is unable to meet with you, meet with staff & leave a personal note summarizing your mission. Leave a sample of our outline. Be sure to leave your name, address and contact information.

3) Rehearse a one sentence description of your mission, something like “outdoor issues are very dear to ABC Airboat club & myself and I wish to discuss these issues with you.�

4) A positive, polite approach is always best. If the representative says something of which you do not agree, practice good listening skills and politely offer facts (if you have them) to rebut the statement. You may be firm but please remember to always be pleasant & polite! If you need further information, please feel free to contact Phil Walters 813-968-6154.

5) Directly ask if they will support our positions in the future. Invite them to your organization’s functions, rides, clean ups and meetings. Ask them if they would like to address your club at a meeting in the future.

***Bonus points: Ask how you might become more involved in the legislators process. Offer to be a local resource person if the representative has questions about our concerns. Representatives like to know local specialists they can call on specific issues.

6) Keep in touch throughout the legislative session to remind them of our issues and ask about any progress.

7) Write a follow up letter or e-mail thanking the representative and/or staff member for their time spent on our issues and include a brief summary of your visit. (Not more than a page. A card will be fine) Remind them you will stay in touch.


Remember our simple goal:
We wish to develop a cordial working relationship with these folks. With an honest, solid relationship, we’re able to present our point of view to our officials. In turn, we will be able to have our voices heard and influence the law making process.