John Donaldson
John Donaldson is not the longest serving PWC government relations guy, but he’s close. He had been in the power sports industry for over a decade when his then employer decided his gift for gab and ability to write completely confusing letters were a perfect match for dealing with politicians and legislators. Since the course change in his work history, Donaldson has worked for two of the biggest PWC manufacturers as well as having a turn at running the Personal Watercraft Industry Association. Donaldson says that these government relations experiences have helped him understand that it sure isn’t the government one learns about in a text book. Further in Donaldson’s past was his service in the U.S. Coast Guard and a few years as owner of a major power sports dealership in Southern California. This diversity of government, manufacturer, and retail experience qualifies Donaldson to help keep AWA members and others informed on the latest activities of government impact on the use of PWC in the PWC Nation.
Chris Manthos
Chris Manthos serves as executive director of the American Watercraft Association. When not riding, he dedicates his time to educating regulators and other officials on the realities of personal watercraft, in contrast to the fantasy world of the no-access crowd. He mows his own lawn, washes his own truck, served his country, pays his taxes, picks up trash on public roads, opens his own beer bottles, reads books, hunts, feeds his own dogs, doesn’t need government to tell him right from wrong, and deplores sanctimonious hypocrites, bullies, and know-it-alls, particularly the political kind. Wiley Russell Jr.
Wiley Russell Jr. is the dealer coordinator of the AWA and works closely with personal watercraft dealers nationwide, promoting PWC access for all enthusiasts, as well as promoting dealerships. He is a Virginia native and enjoys riding PWC as much as possible. PO Box 1993 | Ashburn, VA 20147 | p. 800.913.2921 | f. 703.777.1566
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A friend of mine works for a company refurbishing old apartments outside of D.C. The residents of these modest apartments welcome the upgrades, as most are retired folks on fixed incomes, or temporary military personnel assigned to nearby posts. Part of the plan called for replacing 300 stoves with new safer, more efficient units. Everything had been going swimmingly, that is until the city government got involved. "Officials" inexplicably demanded that each and every stove replacement be required to purchase a separate permit before installation. The permits cost $95 each. Quick math kicks this common sense energy saving endeavor in the cost prohibitive column. The residents aren't the only ones suffering thanks to revenue greedy localities. The company who manufactures the stoves is now out a large order; the sales team loses a sale; the crews who install the stoves lost the work, and even the guys who recycle the old stoves for copper and other parts lose out business. Government entities are so desperate for revenue, any revenue, they'll interpret the rules as they see fit, and the rest of us pay in one form or another.
It was plain common sense; provide state sales tax relief on the purchase of personal watercraft and ATV’s for just a single weekend a year making it more affordable for riders to purchase a new craft or set of recreational wheels. It could entice folks to get into an AWA Supporting Dealer. 72 hours was all.
Perhaps you missed it. We certainly almost did. The Environmental Protection Agency recently slipped out a reporton the nation’s air quality, and the news isn’t just good; it’s fantastic! According to a very quiet press release, the EPA announced America’s air quality has “improved significantly for the six common air pollutants” since 1990. In fact, emissions of toxic air pollutants have declined by an astounding 40 percent in the last two decades.