I have read all the postings about me and this election mess. I am heartened by the support shown on this list. I truly felt when I received the Nominating Committee's letter that I was all alone with no way to get my case heard. I think that this list is the last bastion of totally free speech in the MV world. It cannot be silenced by any one group of people. This list is the conduit that the average member (and non-member) can use to have their voice heard by the MVPA board and all others. I can assure you that your voices are being heard by the Directors of the Association.
Many people have made comments about the election,board of directors and the MVPA. I would like to respond to some of them if you will allow me. (hit the delete button now if you don't want to hear about this)
"I'm not renewing or buying anything from the MVPA" Richard.
Rich, by all means renew your membership. The problem is with the leadership not the Association. The MVPA is you and I and 8,000 others that share a common interest in military vehicles. Don't let the actions of a few turn you off to the group. If you (and others) feel strongly about this write/email/call the MVPA board and HQ. This is the only way to force a solution to this issue.
"I personally question a number of statements made by Gilmore on this list....." Rick.
Rick, I would be happy to discuss any of the questions you or any others may have. I spent considerable time drafting my letter to the list to be sure to be as factual as I could. When something is my opinion I noted it as such. Before posting it I sent a copy to MVPA board member Garrick Smith to review for fact and content. Garrick then called me to discuss several changes that might be made. I took his suggestions and revised it and, only after that, did I post it on the list.
"Made me so angry I thought about quitting. But then they would have won, wouldn't they? No, I will stay and fight." Gil
I cannot say it better than this. These are my feelings exactly.
"I will wait for the Supply Line to see what transpires about the election. Remember, many people on the list are not members of the MVPA and this issue is of no concern to them" Lisa.
Lisa, I will be quite surprised if this is mentioned in Supply Line at all unless we start the election over. As I mentioned in my letter to you, I disagree that this does not concern non MVPA members.
What happens to the Association effects all military vehicle collectors wether they know it or not. It is the MVPA and their publications that have helped the hobby grow to the size it is today. If it were not for Supply Line (and also Military Vehicles magazine) many of the fine people that sell or reproduce parts and manuals would not be in business so those non-members could find the parts to restore their MV's.
I will add here that Lisa was kind enough to share her letter to the board with me and I found it to be a thoughtful excellently done letter. I would be very interested in the response you receive from the board.
"I then got interested in vehicles and now own 3. I am not a MVPA member........" Carl
Carl, I will see you at the Indiana rally this weekend and I will personally sign you up! (I can use another hat!)
"Does anybody know if write in Candidates are going to be accepted?" John.
As far as I can tell there is no provision for write in Candidates in the MVPA Bylaws.
Instead of writing me in, write the MVPA board via the MVPA HQ and let them know your feelings.
" What does the MVPA do for you anyways. are they there when it is after Midnight and you still haven't gotten the engine in?.........Did they help you when you broke down?..........If you don't like what the MVPA is doing quit plain and simple......" Jeff
Jeff, the MVPA helped me move all my vehicles in my yard to make room for my Saladin Armoured car. The MVPA named Ben Lapinski, John Ferencz, Ron Waite and some other guys that I hardly know! This is the real MVPA, the members helping each other. I would have never have met some of these guys if it weren't for the association. I now have friends all over the country and even the world because of our common interest and the MVPA. When you needed parts, did you look in Supply Line to find a vendor who had what you needed? When you wanted info on the colors or the markings to put on it, did you look in Army motors? If so, then the MVPA did help you! Quitting the MVPA because you disagree with the actions of the officers is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Sure you get short term satisfaction but what did it accomplish? Better to make yourself heard and try to change things from the inside.
"may I suggest that we look forward to that organization's official comments before getting the lynch mob together......." Ken.
That would be great if they only would respond! During their meeting at the convention, board member Garrick Smith said quote " I repeatedly asked why this nomination was rejected but I could get no answer" Board member Frank Buck asked "If he was qualified to run in the last election why not this one" and also was unable to get an answer. If the Committee will not tell me and will not tell even the board members........who will they tell?
In closing I would like to quote a section of the MVPA Bylaws that may apply to this situation.
Ethics Committee,
"Concerns of Association members regarding ethical conduct of the Board of Directors, its Officers or Association members may be brought to the attention of the Committee providing such concerns are relative to the Association, the Association operation or Association members"
Sounds like the right place to send your letters. Only one problem, this Committee is made up of the very same Board members.
Thanks for reading this and your support for a fair and honest election.
Jim
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"Considered too dangerous to be allowed to run for the MVPA board"
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Jim Gilmore MVPA # 5843
2565 Wiethoff Inkster, Mi. 48141
313-561-8826 Phone
313-730-1652 Fax
jgilmore@oeonline.com
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