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.
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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. | Get Involved in Freedom |
| Written by Chris Manthos |
| Wednesday, 11 March 2009 15:51 |
It’s doubtful a single day goes by without a conversation devolving into our common frustration with government. Like most Americans, I believe in work, honesty, and fairness. I think if you play by the rules, pay your taxes, serve your country and participate in the community, the result is the kind of society we’re happy to raise our kids in. Yet, in this era of make believe money and bailout rewards for underachieving decision makers, those core beliefs are in question. Call me naive or a sucker, but never question my faith in the majority of the American people being far smarter than any politician, bureaucrat, or media talking head. Increasingly, the Good People’s frustration centers not only on the content of legislation, but the haste our elected repre- sentatives exhibit in their desperate push for passage. To be sure, folks feel left out of the process, but even more importantly, they feel their voices go unheeded by politicians. The result is widespread disillusionment and indifference in getting involved with educating your fed- eral, state, and local reps. Frustrated citizens don’t call, don’t write, and rapidly grow weary of demanding accountability from public servants. It’s not a far stretch to suppose government purposely cre- ates confusing complexity to further stife citizen in- volvement. Thus, it really shouldn’t be a surprise when unjust and bizarre bills slither out of committees and back rooms. There is one proven counter to irresponsible legislation: You the AWA member/citizen-activist. In New Jersey, severe restrictions on personal watercraft have been proposed. Your Association is educating members and riders throughout the Garden State on the implications this legislation would impose on your boating access freedoms. The AWA’s most valuable asset; people, are actively making a difference in this process. Of all the AWA members working this issue, I want to men- tion Joe Alahverde. Joe has been a member since 1989 and he knows the importance of communicating with elected of- fcials. He makes phones calls. He writes letters and sends e-mails. He doesn’t let up until he personally speaks to and educates his state representative. Then he starts all over again. He enlists his family and friends in the drive to keep the pres- sure on. Joe and every other Jersey member’s efforts are the very defnition of grassroots activism. Sadly, most politicians are unused to direct constituent pressure applied to them. It’s easy to have a fringe group lobbyist wine and dine a politi- cian, and follow it up with a few hundred supportive “form e-mails” sent by eco-activists in New Zealand or Canada or Brazil. But it’s an entirely different animal to have actual voters in your district call you out on the issue repeatedly. It’s extremely effective. Now more than ever, it is essential to directly engage your elected offcials and make your views known. Get to know them personally. Attend their “town hall” meetings. Make your opinion heard at every opportunity. It is not rude to demand your elected offcials explain their actions, their votes, and their attitudes on our issue. Indeed, they work for you! Make sure they’re working as you expect and they under- stand your concerns and opinions. If you don’t get involved, then don’t be surprised when un- just and ill-considered legislation becomes the law on the water. Most riders beneft from a thin network of activists, AWA clubs, AWA Supporting Deal- ers, and your Association working to keep the water free every day. If you’re skeptical about the threat because you’ve never faced it, then it’s very likely those mentioned above already nipped it in the bud. In fact, most anti-freedom (and that’s exactly what it is; people trying to strip you of your freedoms) legislation never makes it far due solely to someone stand- ing up and actively getting involved. Contrary to the beliefs of some in this country, government belongs to the people at large. If you don’t speak up: If you don’t educate your neigh- bors and fellow owners on the threats facing riding: If you fail to act on behalf of your recreational interests now, where will we be in fve years? Join with us in defense of your freedom to ride. We’re doing all we can, but we need you now more than ever. Think Free. Live Free. Ride Free. Chris Manthos |
