Setting the record straight

[YankeeRacing]

This is a copy of a ballot that Terry got last week. Maybe this will make more sense to everyone who is looking in.
Notice, my name isn't anywhere in this. I am NOT involved. I am just making a copy of what Terry recieved.

[blueskyracer]

Enough already. None of this is good for boat racing and especially new folks just looking to get started. Use the PM message system or make a phone call like this post started out saying. You all are making AOF look rediculous along with boat racing in general. I have watch and been in the middle and nobody has stated what it will take to get the east and west back on the same page. All they want to do is *****. Figure it out and use the PM system, NOW QUIT

[YankeeRacing]

I agree Mike, but wasn't that supposed t ohave been done before the national meeting? These are the mintues i took from the Yahoo page of the meeting in Pineville. Why were these requests never acknowledged or why hasn't anyone addressed any of them? Here is what I copied.

October 10, 2009
Pineville, LA
Meeting of Racing Commission
AOF
An AOF Racing Commission meeting was called; to order approximately 1:06 PM (as
per rule book: a commission meeting will be held at championship events). A
quorum was established: Present:

Past AOF Presidents:
Bill Bracken
Dan Parker
John Snell
Tony Staron

Directors:
Dan Parker, TX
John Snell, TX
Freddie Hebert, LA
RD Woodell, LA
Carl Staron, FL
Tony Staron, FL
Roy Sumrall, MS
Howard Pickerall, NY VP Tech
Terry Payn, IA/IL
Dick Duncan, rep PA, MI, NY, CT, MA (adjoining states)
Bob Snyder, MO
Charlie Walters, VP Comp (legal or illegal)
Skip Carter, AL
Richard Morris, OK

General Membership Represented:
Randy Mathews, Albert Snell, (Lifetime, LT) Rayburn Davis, (LT) Shane Hebert, Ty
Hebert (Hall of Fame, HOF), Lee Keller, (LT), Lee Keller, (LT), Brian Payn,
(HOF), Tim Schultz (HOF), Jon Mathews, Randy Mathews, Patsy Hebert, Mark
Daspit, Bill Kropog, Will Hawkins, Josh Hawkins, Becky Hawkins, Jeff Carter,
Jack Stotts, Jessica Hawkins, Melvin Domingue, (LT)

Discussion was held about Lifetime members and Hall of Fame members. They have
not been able to vote for 3 years as they are not being recognized. Carl B
Staron and Tony Staron proposed that in the future the national office will
recognize all Lifetime members. They do have voting rights. Hall of Fame
members will be recognized as voting members if they have been active up to 3
years ago, and if they come back and remain active. This is a subjective
decision, but if they ask, past precedence prevails and they will be recognized.
First by John Snell and Second by Freddie Hebert. Passsed. (If an Executive
Director has questions, he/she will refer to a Lifetime member for
clarification).

Discussion on paying AOF members not receiving any correspondence from Russ
Bircher and the AOF national office. John Mathews and Bill Kropog spoke on this
matter as they are paying members who have specifically asked, and not received
any correspondence for 3 years. Resolved that the Executive Director is not
doing his job in recognizing paid members, or doing his job as far as the
rulebook and membership goes per keeping members informed, allowing them to
vote, etc. Executive Director is executing GROSS negligence and GROSS violation
of our rights as members and should be fired.

*Note: two previous votes were taken to fire Russ Bircher. Evidence of voting
was presented and given to Charlie Walters. Both decisions were ignored by
President Rod Black.

Discussion on AOF clubs being harassed by the National Office on HydroRacer,
saying (as just one example) that the race in October 2008 was b/s and never
happened. That the club never joined and no sanction fees were paid. This
topic was brought forward by Patsy Hebert. In fact everything was paid and
documented before the 30 day request from the national office. Evidence and
correspondence given to Charlie Walters. This previously was given to President
Rod Black, who fueled the situation per the letter entered into evidence and
given to Charlie Walters.

Discussion: Shane Hebert asked Charlie Walters (from west coast, Washing State)
(invalid VP) "Who are you and what are you doing here? " Charlies's response
was, "I'm your elected VP Competition for AOF." Response from John Snell,
Freddie, Shane Hebert, Ty Hebert and approximately 20 other memers. "If this is
true why haven't we received any ballot or flyers, etc? We have not had a legal
election for 3 years. How can you be the Competition VP?" Response by Charle:
"It's on the internet. John Snell, Freddie Hebert: "We don't have internet and
ballots are supposed to be a paper ballot, so WE NEVER ELECTED YOU!"
Charlie asked to produce membership list and ballots that were sent out. Also
minutes and quorum establishements for bonafide national minutes. He will get
back with us.

Discussion general membership: "We tried to contact National Office: No
response by phone: mail being returned, email no response or user no longer
available, also National Office has had four different addresses past three
years." Charles response; "Its right on the internet. I don't see what the
problem is." Mark Daspit (new member) said he tried to join 2 weeks ago. No
response- application kicked back so Charlie was incorrect. Charlie was
speechless and said, "Wow, I didn't know that there was this many problems with
AOF, National Office and Russ Bircher. He then said that Russ Bircher was not
putting an application in for Executive Director for next year. He said the
office would be filled by Carl B Staron and Rick Keller as they are the only two
applicants."

Discussion on who is running for President, Tech VP, Treasurer: Charlie
response was Steve French for Tech VP; Bobby Laws for President. No one for
the Treasurer or president because he thought they were not up for reelection.
Tony Staron response was the rule book states these officers are up for election
October 1, 2009. So Charlie's response was, "Tony, you are correct. But there
have been some rule changes in the 2009 rule book about election dates."
Freddie Hebert, Carl B Staron, : "Where is the 2009 rulebook? Charlie, "It is
not published yet, but these rules were changed at the 2008 national meeting."
Carl Staron response: "How can this be as there was not enough commissioners
present for a quorum?" Charlie, "Yes there was." Carl said, "If this is true
where are the minutes of this meeting and of the proposed rule changes as it is
a by-law change and would have to go to a membership vote" Charlie's response
was, "We approved with the commissioners that were present at the meeting and
it was an article change and we can do what we want."

Charlie read from 2007 revised rule book (the present rule book on AOF website),
where he had highlighted what was to change in pink highlighter and yellow
highlights were the rule/by-laws. Charlie stated that the dates for election
were backed up one month from the 2007-8 rule book by –law. September 15 is now
October 15. Ballots have to be sent to membership by October 1 was moved to
November 1. The national meeting, changed from around November 1 to around
first week of December. Response by Carl Staron, Tony Staron, "Then why is the
national meeting on November 7 2009 this year if the rules were changed at the
national meeting?" Charlie's answer: "Because that was voted on that's why."
Tony and Carl Staron, "If the ballots are sent out by mail to people without
computers, they might receive these on November 5-6 and the national meeting is
on November 7, 2009, then how would the membership or the member running for
elected office know who would be the winner because of the ballots would not
have been counted?" (How do rule change proposals get to the new elected
officials in time to do research on them?) John Snell, Freddie Hebert, Rayburn
Davis seconded, third, fourth, as they said, "Those of us that do not have
computers or fax machines should legally have had a ballot to vote in the last 3
years. There is no excuse for any rule changes without a quorum present at
meetings and bonafide elections, and rule change votes, Nothing has counted
legally for last 3 years." Charlie did not have a response except for, "I'll
have to look at it."

Randy Mathews paid member (motion) said, "Let's cut to the chase. The
Commissioners and Directors, Liftieme, Hall of Fame and General Membership: Do
we want to take BACK AOF? (To be run legally per the rulebook?) First,
Freddie Hebert, second, John Snell, third, Dan Parker, fouth Carl B Staron.
Motion carried. Motion called to vote by Carl Staron. Those in favor are as
follows:
John Snell, Lt Director, Texas
Alber Snell, Lt
Rayburn Davis, Lt
Freddie Hebert, LT LA Director
Roy Sumrall, Lt, MS
Car B Staron Lt Florida Director
Bill Bracken LT Pas President
Lee Keller, LT Texas
Tylane Hebert, Hall of Fame
Dan Parker, Former President, Director from Texas,Director, Hall of fame
Howard Pickerall, VP Tech
Terry Payn Iowa Director, Lifetime
Dick Duncan, paid member PA Director
Bob Snyder, MO Director LT
Tony Staron Past President, HoF Florida Director
R D Woodell, LT
Skip Carter, LT
Tim Schults, HOF
Brian Payn HOF
Connie Payn Retired Ex Dir HOF
16 votes for motion, J Mathews LA, Randy Matheews, LA Shane Hebert, Mark Daspit,
Bill Kropog, Will Hawkins Josh Hawkdins, Jeff Carter, Patsy Hebert, Jack Stotts,
Jessica Hawkins,
For the Record: Unanimous for motion. Not one descending vote, not even
Charlie Walters.

The motion was a 30 day response from the AOF office on the west coast whether
to accept, deny, or ignore, or try to have dialogue to come to a common
understanding. The response will be written and sent to Carl Staron and John
Snell. Negotiations to start immediately!
Nothing to be done with AOF until this is resolved, or a 30 day period has
elapsed. (Because present officers, rule changes, Executive Director, etc ARE
NOT being recognized by those present at this meeting, and this meeting does
represent a quorum, is legal, and is being held with legal council.)

[YankeeRacing]

the rest of minutes:
In closing Charlie Walters said the west coast of AOF and their officials want
to work with everyone in the US, especially the deep south and if they can't get
ahold of anyone out west they could get ahold of him whether its email, phone,
letters, etc. H wants us all to grow together not apart. Charlie took notes
and given information from crowd including Lifetime members and Directors.

Motion was made by Dan Parker to adjourn meeting, first by Feddie Hebert, second
b John Snell.

Meeting was adjourned approximately 2:00 pm October 10 2009. Minutes recorded
by Carl B Staron, Lifetime Member, FL
As per rulebook a regular commission meeting was held as this was a Short Course
East Championship, by Laws page 1-2 article #6. Government: A. Duties of the
racing commission: Four (4) regular commission meetings shall be at the annual
meeting, National and Short Course Championships, all other meetings require ten
(10) das notice.

President Rod Black approved race sanction on September 9th, 2009.

All of the above members were conducting the meeting and acting according to
advice from Legal Council If this situation is not resolved with in 30 days,
more legal action may be taken.

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Ok, the following is MY recollection of the high points of the AOF meeting in Moses Lake. Previously posted under it's own thread but for those who may of missed it:

Directors quorum was established (many who had been listed as members on a list supplied by Teresa Phillips on behalf of Carl Staron were disqualified as they had not paid membership dues; this was done prior to the start of the national meeting). Thirteen directors were present at the meeting 9 present and 4 by proxy presented by three directors (1 = OR, 1= WA, 1 = ID, 1 = Historian) . There were only four members at large that attended the meeting: Rick Keller, Dave Weber, Dan Surfus and Dennis Westby.

It was presented that there were some problems with the voting/balloting process this year as some ballots were sent out with the wrong return address on them. There were many who were entitled to receive ballots that did not. There was a suggestion made that the vote should be redone, and a procedure for doing such a revote, but the majority of the group decided against this option. It was also mentioned that candidate resumes sent out with the ballots would have been nice.

Ballots for the AOF officers had been tallied by a member-at-large and a racing director during the meeting and the totals presented to the group. There were 90 some ballots returned. The vote for President was to Rod Black, the vote to VP Technical was to Steve French, and although there were two write ins for treasurer the majority vote was to Jay Roesner. This was termed as a good response in regards to ballot return and significantly better than last year.

First order of business was to the position of executive director. All general members, including Mr. Bircher were asked to leave the room. Discussion began, and continued for some time; the final decision was to allow Mr. Bircher to continue as Executive Director for the drag boat division only as he has an excellent track record with these folks. The outboard and nostalgia flatbottom division will now be under Mr. Rick Keller as Executive Director. Note: Mr. Carl Staron had also submitted a resume for the position and was also considered; however as the recent paperwork for the Pineville race which Mr. Staron was in possession of had not been submitted in a timely manner as prescribed by the AOF rulebook. Mr. Staron’s “paperwork and administrative” skills were called to question, when asked for additional information the group was informed that this type of tardiness on paperwork is common, and when it is received often the information presented is incomplete.

Treasurer’s report was made by Mr. Roesner and will be attached to the minutes of the meeting by Secretary Dave Loomis and will be available for review by any member requesting the report. Membership revenue and sanction revenue was questioned in relationship to the drag boats and we were advised that the economy has hit them hard this year as it did the outboards. There were 8 scheduled races, 4 were cancelled, their membership is also approximately half of what it has been in prior years. Seems the economy has taken a toll on membership and number of boats turning out to races in all divisions.

Safety committee had nothing to present at this time.

Competition committee had nothing to present at this time.

Business portion of the meeting commenced:

Discussion was held on the lifetime members. There was and has never been any discussion regarding the revocation of lifetime memberships. Last year there was supposed to have been an addendum added to the rule book that if lifetime members wished to be active in voting and day to day business that they needed to complete an application annually. The purpose of this being to be sure the most updated information is available for mailings, ballots etc. It was pointed out that this was not ever published and members could not be held to this until such a time as it was disseminated to them.

Communication has been a large problem with AOF, a lengthy discussion evolved regarding this and it was resolved to make a much better effort to correctly and properly disseminate information to the membership, this included a regular (quarterly) newsletter. It was moved, seconded and approved to add completion of membership applications for lifetime members to a ballot that would be sent to the membership.
Discussion was held to change the sanction requirements to 30 days prior to the event for both the request of the sanction and the payment of the fees. A motion was made and seconded however it was defeated in a vote and will not be presented on the rule change ballot.

Dates in the rule book were discussed. It was pointed out that since the dates voted on at prior meeting were never published they could not be used. It was also mentioned that if they were indeed changed that the current meeting would not have been held until first weekend or so of December. It was then discussed that if the meeting was in December it would create a hardship to get the rule change ballots out to membership and back in time for publication or that date too would have to be moved. Finally, termed to be a “clean up item with no membership vote required” only the dates of the fiscal year will be changed from October 1st to September 30th to read from November 1st to October 31st. No other dates will be moved forward or changed. Motion was made seconded and approved to change the fiscal year to the dates of November 1st through October 31st.

Hall of Fame members were discussed. The description as written in the rule book is somewhat unclear. Some feel it is a membership for as long as individual remains active in AOF, it does not describe what is to be considered active. Others feel it is a three year membership of the same form as won in (i.e. racing HOF is a racing membership, non-racing HOF is non- racing membership). One lifetime member contacted by phone stated the rule originally provided for a one year membership in the following racing season only. New wording to better reflect the latter was suggested and was to include the completion of a membership application as the item to meet “activity”. Motion was made, seconded and vote was in the affirmative to add this to the membership rule change ballot.

Due to the lack of participation at the 2009 National event in Moses Lake there was discussion that there be no 2010 Nationals. No motion was made and this matter after some discussion, both for and against, was postponed indefinitely. A committee was appointed to determine what if anything could be done to encourage participation at this event. 2009 experienced a huge drop in attendance due other events being held on the same date. (They were changed to the same date as AOF Nationals.)

Motion was made to change to the Novice class to a Novice A and Novice B class. “A” would be similar to “J” where an OMC 15 would be used, and for children 9-13 years. “B” would be for ages 14 through adult and would use the restricted 80. After some lively discussion this motion was withdrawn.

It was getting late and as there was no one who brought any other items forward, the motion was made to adjourn the meeting it was seconded and passed.

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Now, perhaps time to be done with what was, what could of been and the he said/she said. It is all water under the bridge. Please can't we just move forward and agree to boat race and have fun. While I am not one to shy away from lively discussion this is an emotionally charged issue and everyone does have a right to their opinion. It is truly becoming not a good thread for the promotion of boat racing in general. Perhaps it is time to close the thread.

[pro350hydro]

Now, perhaps time to be done with what was, what could of been and the he said/she said. It is all water under the bridge. Please can't we just move forward and agree to boat race and have fun. While I am not one to shy away from lively discussion this is an emotionally charged issue and everyone does have a right to their opinion. It is truly becoming not a good thread for the promotion of boat racing in general. Perhaps it is time to close the thread.

I totally agree this is not good for boat racing and/or AOF. However, this is just not going to go away. Unfortunately, this has been brewing for a long time. Closing this thread is an option, but is not going to solve the issue. I have a feeling this is going to be a long winter of political BS. Now I remember why I fell into retirement, and am wondering if it's worth coming back out.

[Howie Nichols]

Now, perhaps time to be done with what was, what could of been and the he said/she said. It is all water under the bridge. Please can't we just move forward and agree to boat race and have fun. While I am not one to shy away from lively discussion this is an emotionally charged issue and everyone does have a right to their opinion. It is truly becoming not a good thread for the promotion of boat racing in general. Perhaps it is time to close the thread.

Theresa,
With all due respect NO! It is not water under the bridge, and not time to be done with what it was.

I have a daughter (just turned 14) and at the time of the 2007 race that I am referring to she was 11, she remembers all the details of that race to this day. This past Sat morning while we were on our way to the race, she said "Dad, is this another AOF race?" I replied with a yes it is, she then stated "so we won't get anything again if we do good, right?" Now she knows since we have talked about it that Carlk has tried to help, so what is she thinking about when someone mentions AOF???

I want an answer from Mr Black, and not some BS answer. If they screwed up admit it and make it right, if they were right show me and I will happily concede and go beat Carl or whoever it was over the head.

Now is this beating a dead horse?? Maybe you may think so, but I assure you Becky does not!

By the way, this is not the first time it has been mentioned to th AOF Office about this situation. At this point Mr. Black finally made a post, I asked a simple 2 line question. If AOF has any backbone they will answer it instead of ignore it as they have for the past 2.5 years. AOF should know how to get ahold of me, I post here enough, my info is available to anyone who has asked on HR by either getting a response from me or someone else providing it.

So here it is 1 more time:

Howie Nichols
4945 Mayflower St
Cocoa, FL 32927

321-626-0666 Cell

apba113@aol.com

I'll be waiting.......



PS I WILL be in Seattle for APBA's N

[DougMc]

Theresa,
With all due respect NO! It is not water under the bridge, and not time to be done with what it was.

...

I want an answer from Mr Black, and not some BS answer. If they screwed up admit it and make it right, if they were right show me and I will happily concede and go beat Carl or whoever it was over the head.


...

I think it is very important that Howie's question is answered in a public forum. The reason is God forbid that a serious accident happen at a race and there be no insurance due to no AOF sanction. All parties could have best interest at heart and IF the insurance slipped through the cracks this could get real serious real fast.

Howie's question must be publicly answered for the interest of safety and insurance reasons if no other reason.

I was hurt at an APBA race and due to the insurance, my and APBA insurance, my hospital bill went down from $30,000+ to $6,000+ because the insurance companies negotiated with the hospital. What would happen to a racer who was not personally insured and did not have the AOF insurance to cover them? Without insurance I would have went bankrupt.

Thus, Mr. Black and AOF must answer Howie's question on this site.

Doug, 50-F.

[blueskyracer]

I think it is very important that Howie's question is answered in a public forum. The reason is God forbid that a serious accident happen at a race and there be no insurance due to no AOF sanction. All parties could have best interest at heart and IF the insurance slipped through the cracks this could get real serious real fast.

Howie's question must be publicly answered for the interest of safety and insurance reasons if no other reason.

I was hurt at an APBA race and due to the insurance, my and APBA insurance, my hospital bill went down from $30,000+ to $6,000+ because the insurance companies negotiated with the hospital. What would happen to a racer who was not personally insured and did not have the AOF insurance to cover them? Without insurance I would have went bankrupt.

Thus, Mr. Black and AOF must answer Howie's question on this site.

Doug, 50-F.

Did NOBODY read the first post. Send him your phone NUMBER. After you all talk then post what was said if necessary for everyone else. He does not do computers as you can tell by the number of his posts. Two posts since 2003

[Howie Nichols]

Did NOBODY read the first post. Send him your phone NUMBER. After you all talk then post what was said if necessary for everyone else. He does not do computers as you can tell by the number of his posts. Two posts since 2003

Mike,
How should I send him my number if he doesn't "do computers"????????

Give me a break

[blueskyracer]

Mike,
How should I send him my number if he doesn't "do computers"????????

Give me a break

Use e mail address at bottom of first post for Rod. He reads but typing is questionable??????????? or send us a PM and we can get it to him.

[blueskyracer]

PM sent

[Mrs blueskyracer]

Ok Howie - first of all it is Teresa (no "h").

I was going to respond and had a lengthy reply typed out. I have deleted it. You have to talk to Rod Black. Again his email is rod.black@att.net send him an email. Rod Black is the president, speak directly to him.

He doesn't get on hydroracer and post, he had someone assist him in getting that post on here. (And no it wasn't Mike or I before you jump to any conclusions!) He uses email and that is about it. He agreed to call anyone who sent him an email with their contact information. Why don't you do so and get resolution to your problem with Becky's awards, membership, etc.

[Howie Nichols]

Sorry about the "h" I could not remember if it had one in your name.

I did send an email to Rod this am as I stated earlier and am waiting for his reply. Here is a copy of it:


Subject: AOF in Florida
Date: 11/25/2009 9:24:03 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
From: apba113
Reply To:
To: rod.black@att.net
CC:
BCC:
Sent on:


Sent from the Internet (Details)
Internet Address Card Attached




Rod,
I posted this on Hydroracer and would like to here your answer, my daughter and I both go to these events and would like to know what the deal is.

"What exactly is the status of Highlands Outboard and are the events held by them received by AOF National Office as legitimate where the drivers will receive points and benefits when they pay AOF dues?"

Regarding benefits - Are we covered by the AOF Insurance if an incident were to occur???

I hope to here from you ASAP on this matter.

Thank you

Howie Nichols

PS - In case you don't remember me, we met down in Marathon (FL Keys) several years ago where I was running an SST-60 rig. Thanks again.