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Statewide Vs Local Representation

jdotson

jdotson

Well-known member
I'll admit I'm a little slow learning sometimes but the Osceola curfew ruling hit me like a concrete block beside the head. The simple fact is that a statewide organization can only provide limited blanket protection to our interests. It is up to the local airboat clubs and organizations to protect airboating activities particular to social acceptance. What works in one area does not work in another and it is up to the local groups to see that these solutions are appropriate for the area they represent. It is my opinion that the statewide organization should try to keep regulations and restrictions as consistent as possible within like demographics. I think a lot of responsibility has been put on the statewide organization (F AA) when in fact it needs to be addressed at the local level first. I may be repeating myself in several posts on here but I truly believe that the solution starts at the local level.
 
Very well said, Jdot. I've often wondered what effect it might have on the outcome of some of these pending ordinances and restrictions if we were to offer to take local officials for a boat ride occasionally.

I think a lot of them are legislating against us purely on hearsay and old preconceived notions about our boats.
In some cases I'll bet that a lot of them have never been on an airboat. Especially a quiet one.
 
Darn good idea, Olf! There have been times when I've taken someone for their first airboat ride and they come back with that wild eyed grin on their face, saying, "I gotta get one of these!"
 
Why don't you guys and gals that run kissimee, start taking out some of the local politicians out for a ride. Do it one at a time or a group. Put there a$$ in the seat!!
It can't hurt.
 
I agree Jdot. As I get more and more involved in understanding the politics and such of our issues, I get a little frustrated at the absence of "urgency" that I feel is needed. I am a firm believer that there is strength in numbers.

The purpose of the FAA is to unite the airboating community for our common good, to protect and promote our traditional and cultural outdoor recreational opportunities. The more members we have the better armed we are for the fight. I respect those clubs/organizations out there that don't feel they need the FAA, however, the FAA needs you. We are all individuals with our own opinions, ethics and beliefs. We are all individuals that share a passion for airboating and want our children and grandchildren to experience this passion as adults cause it's way better when your older!

Some of the most educated and intelligent people I know are right here on this site. We put all them smarts to good use, we can't go wrong. I urge all clubs/organizations and individuals to support your local club as well as the state association. The officers of the FAA have not been in place long, I truly feel we can only go forward and it would be nice to have the support of the people that share the same passions.

Okay....Basket made me get off the soapbox....


dawn
 
Dawn,
You are right. Keep up the good work and thanks for stepping up.
PW
 
hey ya'll,

If you go back to the minutes of the first Osceola County meeting. The commissioners were invited by Capt. Markett and also by "Gene/Jean" of the Osceola County Club to go for a ride on an airboat.

They were also invited to come to the up-coming annual chain of lakes clean-up to see what airboaters do that other boaters don't.

Basketcase
 
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