Coordinators Report- December 2006

Hello ABATE Members, and welcome to anyone reading this Newsletter for the first time, I hope it is not your last.

Holidays are in the can and now we need to figure out a way to pay for it all. That also means Black Thursday is just a few weeks away. Have you made appointments yet? Or do you know what time your first appointments is? Check the web page and find out. If you are the one making appointments please send them to me. After the 10^th of January, any appointments not already made, myself and the Legislative staff will start making them ourselves. Check the web or just show up!

ABATE of WA will be focusing on 3 bills this year. “Helmet Choice”, “Profiling” and “Traffic Malfunctioning Bill”.
Three other Bills we will be watching is a bill to drive on the medium when traffic has dipped below 25 MPH
and a bill clarifying that officers can at their digression tow a motorcycle if you do not have an endorsement and possibly a Mandatory Insurance Bill.. We will also pay close attention to see what else is coming our way.

I believe the only bill ABATE has any hope of passing is the “Traffic Malfunctioning Bill” There have been 4 states to enact legislation to allow motorcyclists to proceed with caution (under certain circumstances) through a traffic-actuated signal that
does not recognize the motorcycle.
Here are the other states and the legislation that provided the change to their laws: Minnesota (2002, HF-3203) see http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H3203.4&session=ls82 Tennessee (2003, SB-1200) see http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/info/Leg_Archives/103GA/bills/BillStatus/SB1200.htm)
Arkansas (2005, HB-2833) see ftp://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/bills/2005/public/HB2833.pdf)
Idaho (2006, SB-1367) see http://www.legislature.idaho.gov
Hope to see you all in Olympia January 18^th…..

It has been a year since I started serving as you State Coordinator. I can’t say it has been all roses, but I think there have been many accomplishments we can be proud of. Mostly I just want to say thanks for all the volunteers that stepped up and helped.

THANK YOU!

Till next time- Your State Coordinator

Rich Bright
Cell 509-910-4638 Home 509-697-9877

PS: Look in the Newsletter next month for my 2006 Year End Report.

Coordinators Report- NOV 2006

Hello ABATE Members, and welcome to anyone reading this Newsletter for the first time, I hope it is not your last.

The Holidays are here and so is cold weather, and that means Toy Runs. For the longest time, it was believed that Charity rides, help the general public see that we are swell guys and gals, that we are everyday people, don’t fear us and don’t hate us. The thinking was we could use teddy Bears as PR Tools. No group is more misunderstood and or distrusted by the public than the MC’s, most notably is the Hells Angels. For years they have done Toy Runs in Sacramento and other areas and it was huge, I would guess 100,000 of dollars worth, and yet after the Laughlin episode, no group was more vilified. Did the Salvation Army or Goodwill come to their aid and defend them? Did the Public say, “Hey that was just a misunderstanding, most of those guys are swell” NO! the public allows this persecution, because deep down, they believe that Bikers, all Bikers are trash and deserve what they get.

I think it was two years ago, at the Olympia Toy Run, the only media attention they got was a guy complaining about traffic and smog- NOT THE TOYS! Not the kids that will have a brighter Christmas, and most certainly not the Bikers, who brave the cold to attend and make someone’s life a little better. Therefore, I must conclude that we either do a poor job of promoting these events and taking credit for them or no one really gives a damn what we do, good or bad- “We are Biker trash”.

That is why I bring this thought to your attention. If public opinion can not be changed by Teddy bears, then how can it be? I believe that the Democrats have certainly shown the Republicans that power is fleeting and political change can be achieved by anyone with a plan and a desire to implement it.

What is ABATES of WA’s Plan?

ABATE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the Freedom of the Road.
We must ensure our freedoms by fighting anti-bike legislation and promoting fair motorcycle legislation.

Sounds great, makes you feel good, but what is our plan? I believe that ABATE of WA needs to set some goals and then make a plan to achieve them. First and foremost, ABATE OF WA is not a charity organization. We are a MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS ORGANIZATION, and we need to start acting like one. If you participate in or put on the Oly Toy Run or any charity event, great, glad for you, I myself have participated in, created and orchestrated many charity events, so take what I say in that context.
(Hell I rode to Olympia Toy Run in the snow once)

Why do over a 1000 riders go to Olympia every year in December, and yet I can’t get 100 to go to Olympia in January and fight for your own personal rights freedoms or liberties?

I am asking you now, I am pleading with you now, and I am pledging with you now. Make time to be in Olympia January 18^th and stand up and demand your right to have freewill, tell them in Olympia you have a backbone, you vote, you pay attention and they work for you and by the way- YOU RIDE! You pay the electric bills in Olympia, you pay their salaries and they better not forget it or they will follow the Republicans out the door in 2008! My pledges to you, is that your time off from work will not be wasted. We will take your voice and momentum and carry it all year in the halls of the capitol. I can not do it without you…… help me defend your rights. We will even make the appointments for you and go to the offices with you if you want. STAND UP and BE HEARD!

By the way- the STEAM and the Awards banquet was awesome- thanks to all the hard work that many hands did.

THANK YOU! To: TK (Newsletter) & Doctor Dave (Webmaster)
It is a thankless thing we do and often the only calls we get are to complain!
So I say, THANKS for years of service to ABATE.

To: Chris and Dutch, thanks for stepping into the breech…..

Till next time- Ride Free! You are the last of the free thinkers and I salute you all…..

Rich Bright
ABATE of WA State Coordinator,

Coordinators Report Oct. 2006

Where to start? A lot going on and a lot ponder.

First, Thanks to the folks who have stepped up to help. Rona for the Secretary job, Roxxy and Leland for products and Lorale for the Legislative position. It is you, the volunteers who make it happen. . THANK YOU!

By the time you read this, Black Thursday will be two months a way and STEAM/Awards Banquet will be in the can, to all that got it done, Thanks.

In this issue, is the Draft of the DOL sponsored bill, that makes it legal to impound your bike if you do not have an endorsement. No matter what you think, instead of turning your back and ignoring the issue, maybe we should face it. I have some ideas, but am open to any of yours.

I attended the National Transpiration Safety Board, in DC, the focus was increased Motorcycle Fatalities. They invited public input, on paper, but in reality they did not really want our opinion. About 8 State ABATES, where represented, and we where not happy. At the end of the day, there best solution was an old on- Helmets and other protective gear. That included Honda’s airbag, and several safety suit manufacturers. One even had an inflatable suit. Don’t laugh I liked it better than the airbag. Just for the record, “If you have an airbag and a seatbelt, you still have to wear a helmet” LOL

I hope the Awards ceremony worked out and everyone understand, that even though we may not see eye to eye, we do need to stand toe to toe against the safety Nazi’s who whish to take away our freedoms, one rule at a time.

May time now, to get off work for Black Thursday the 18^th of January!

In the last few years Spring Opener has produced very little income and only on the strength of our Swap meets have we been able to keep above the waterline. Becky D is hanging up her spurs and we need a new Ramrod to get this thing going. Any Volunteers? Thanks You Becky! For all that you have done.

Last item, is the recent resignation of TK. She has been doing the newsletter for a few years and I believe due to time and a personal life, that is free of the deadline each month, she has decided to hand the pen off to a new person. TK- Thanks for all that you have done.

Till next time, keep it safe and I will see you next time.

Rich Bright

A B A T E of Washington

A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments

Subject: WA State Governors Traffic Safety Taskforce 1 September, 2006

MEMRANDUM FOR RECORD

Thank you for the discussion on ABATE’s position regarding the Taskforce’s final report. I want to make sure that everyone knows that ABATE appreciates being invited to participate. Even more that you and Becky understand how much we appreciate the two of you sitting down with the executive committee and discussing the issues with them. I would also hope that you understand that I have to represent the views of the members.

Abate is supportive of much of the report however we do have concerns with some of the recommendations such as:

There needs to be more effort directed at the other drivers on the road.. Cars running over bikers are still a major problem.
The Process for additional funding needs to be reviewed further. There does not appear to be an even distribution of funds.
Research needs to be accomplished to find others sources of funding for the program.
ABATE does not like the idea that the manufacturers are getting off the hook in accepting responsibility to make sure riders are properly endorsed before selling them a motorcycle and letting them ride it away from the dealership.
We feel that a current endorsement should be shown before being able to register a motorcycle

ABATE feels that because the above issues were not adequately addressed we cannot sign off as a full supporter of the final recommendations.

I agree to sign off as a member of the Taskforce member if this signature page is considered a minority report for the final recommendations.

Contact ABATE of WA or Rich Bright at or 509-225-2266 or 509-910-4638

                                                 Rich Bright
                                                State Coordinator,
                                                ABATE of Washington

ABATE of WA, P.O. Box 8369, Tacoma WA. 98418 State Office (253)475-4955

ABATE has signed off as reviewing this at the GOV’s office. The reason for this Legislation is that 1/3 of MC Fatalities; the rider did not have an Endorsement. This is the Legislation being offered to Olympia in 2007- By the DOL & DOT, What do ya think? Please let me know before January! Basically, if you ain’t got an Endorsement, the officer has digressions to tow you. If this bothers you or you feel there is a better way?

Contact our new Legislative Director - Lorale R. 253-874-5326

Submitted by the DOL: Impoundment- Draft 4.0

AN ACT Relating to the impoundment of vehicles...

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 46.55.113 and 2005 c 390 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Whenever the driver of a vehicle is arrested for a violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, 46.20.342, or 46.20.345, the vehicle is subject to summary impoundment, pursuant to the terms and conditions of an applicable local ordinance or state agency rule at the direction of a law enforcement officer.

(2) In addition, a police officer may take custody of a vehicle, at his or her discretion, and provide for its prompt removal to a place of safety under any of the following circumstances:

(a) Whenever a police officer finds a vehicle standing upon the roadway in violation of any of the provisions of RCW 46.61.560, the officer may provide for the removal of the vehicle or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the vehicle to a position off the roadway;

(b) Whenever a police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon a highway where the vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic or jeopardizes public safety;

(c) Whenever a police officer finds an unattended vehicle at the scene of an accident or when the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident is physically or mentally incapable of deciding upon steps to be taken to protect his or her property;

(d) Whenever the driver of a vehicle is arrested and taken into custody by a police officer;

(e) Whenever a police officer discovers a vehicle that the officer determines to be a stolen vehicle;

(f) Whenever a vehicle without a special license plate, placard, or decal indicating that the vehicle is being used to transport a person with disabilities under RCW 46.16.381 is parked in a stall or space clearly and conspicuously marked under RCW 46.61.581 which space is provided on private property without charge or on public property;

(g) Upon determining that a person is operating a motor vehicle without a valid and, if required, properly endorsed driver's license ((~~in violation of RCW 46.20.005~~)) or with a license that has been expired for ninety days or more;

(h) When a vehicle is illegally occupying a truck, commercial loading zone, restricted parking zone, bus, loading, hooded-meter, taxi, street construction or maintenance, or other similar zone where, by order of the director of transportation or chiefs of police or fire or their designees, parking is limited to designated classes of vehicles or is prohibited during certain hours, on designated days or at all times, if the zone has been established with signage for at least twenty-four hours and where the vehicle is interfering with the proper and intended use of the zone. Signage must give notice to the public that a vehicle will be removed if illegally parked in the zone.

(3) When an arrest is made for a violation of RCW 46.20.342, if the vehicle is a commercial vehicle and the driver of the vehicle is not the owner of the vehicle, before the summary impoundment directed under subsection (1) of this section, the police officer shall attempt in a reasonable and timely manner to contact the owner of the vehicle and may release the vehicle to the owner if the owner is reasonably available, as long as the owner was not in the vehicle at the time of the stop and arrest and the owner has not received a prior release under this subsection or RCW 46.55.120(1)(a)(ii).

(4) Nothing in this section may derogate from the powers of police officers under the common law. For the purposes of this section, a place of safety may include the business location of a registered tow truck operator.

Coordinators Report, Aug 2006 Page 1

I will not candy coat this month’s article; it is time that I shoot straight and be clear. ABATE is struggling, and at a certain point I must say the buck stops here. I must point to only one cause. Myself-

When I took over ABATE in mid-January, we did not have a dedicated PR or Legislative person and soon after our State Secretary, due to health reasons, had to step down. It is nearly 8 months later and we still do not have volunteers to fill these vital positions. I am asking you out there reading this, if you believe in defending your freedoms and fighting to maintain the liberties you still have left, then if not now, then when? I am calling you out, to support ABATE of WA, if you do not feel I am the right man to lead this organization, fine- but don’t let your chance to make a difference, stop you from doing what you believe in. I cannot do it alone! I need your support!

In July we failed to make a quorum at the scheduled BOD. This is unacceptable, members of ABATE, you would be pissed at me, if I denied your coordinator a vote at the meeting. (By the way, regardless of the current bylaws, I do not believe anyone should withhold the voting rights of any chapter coordinators, for any reason) You would call for my head, yet several chapter coordinators, did not show up or at least send a representative. You wasted the time of the BOD members that did show up and cost the state over $600 in travel and meals. I do not have the authority to demand anyone attend, I can only compel them too, based on a common set of goals I hope we share. It is you, the chapter members, who must stand up and demand your representative attend and speak for you.

In less than 5 months, Black Thursday will be here, and we have not even taken care of the easy stuff.

Will you help me, or at least con someone in your chapter, hell I don’t care, wait till they go to the bathroom and vote em in!

By the time you read this, August will be in the can and next week it will be swap meet time, so I want to thank Becky D, for all her hard work, and ask you to do the same. THANKS! Also, to Sky Valley and N. Snohomish chapters who helped out and of course to Jason and the security volunteers. GREAT JOB! Also, the week after that is Fall Bash- The Central WA folks are working hard to make this a fun, family, and awesome event, if you haven’t gone it is a great time…. Thanks CWC!

I have a busy month, will be in DC in September, I plan on attending a National Public Meeting hosted by NTHSA, on Motorcycle Fatalities. So I will miss the Fall Bash- Damn!

If there was room, I have sent to TK the complete GOV Task Force recommendations, look them over and tell someone what ya think. I also, sent the DOL a copy of the Grant Money available from NTHSA, they now have submitted the necessary request to get $100,000 for Washington. Also, DOL informed me, they tracked registered bikes with licensed and endorsed riders and found at least 70,000 folks who own bikes are not endorsed. That is over a million dollars of lost revenue, if we could only figure a way to compel them to get endorsed. Plus, 1/3 of last years fatalities where not endorsed. Food for thought!

Till next time- Ride Free! You are the last of the free thinkers and I salute you all…..

Rich Bright

Coordinators report- July 2006

Conviction without action is worthless; conviction with action changes history. Paul Revere led the way in his time and we carry the torch in our time. Frosty Wooldridge

Hello ABATE Members, and welcome to anyone reading this Newsletter for the first time, I hope it is not your last.

May and June have been busy. I am happy to report that Grays Harbor has resurfaced with a few new faces and I am told getting back involved- Welcome back and thank you. Also, Spokane is going strong and working with their Idaho neighbors. I am also happy to announce two chapters are forming. First is the RCW West, (they will have had 3 meetings by the time this prints) in the Ft Lewis and Lakewood area, they are made up of mostly Sport Bike Riders and are trying to get hooked in with a Mentorship program the Army is pushing- Awesome! We look forward to riding with these young-ens. The other chapter is in the Tri-Cities area, I attended their first meeting on 3 June their next one is 22 June. They had groups from CVI, Gypsy Jokers and a group of riders, I am sorry can’t recall their name- Desert Something. Too both Groups Welcome! Welcome!

*ABATE- WE STILL NEED A CHAPTER IN WENATCHEE and SEATTLE*

Spring opener will be in the can, by the time you read this and we will be gearing up for the July BOD in Ellensburg the 22^nd. Topics will be the Training “Seminar To Educate And Motivate” STEAM 2006. I hope many plan on attending STEAM and the Awards Banquet afterwards. Remember, Budgets are due in October and so are Chapter Events for 2007….. (Tacoma Already sent theirs- over achievers- Thanks)

I have one more meeting in Olympia, June 12^th- all day, for the governors Task Force, look for a report either this month or in August. I doubt I will agree with all the recommendations, but hope to shape some of the report.

The Army requires everyone who rides on post to attend the Motorcycle Safety Class. I have been putting off the class, so in May I called the Mid-Columbia folks if they could do a mid-week class, they said they could, but would have to take budgeted money from 2007. I started collecting names, and before I knew it I had 36 folks signed up. Mid-Columbia came out to Yakima and taught 3 classes, AWESOME THANKS! If you are a new rider, and have not taken the class, what are you waiting for? If you have been riding for a few years, take the advanced….. It was worth it!

It is summer, so take it easy, ride safe, and when you finish this newsletter, pass it on to a new person and then drag them to your next chapter meeting…. If you live in Spokane, Tri-Cities or Lakewood, make it a point to support these fledgling chapters, by attending their next meeting. (Check the WEB-Site for meeting info).

Hang in there, Freedom matters-

Sincerely yours in Brotherhood… Rich “Not-So” Bright

A B A T E of Washington

A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments

Subject: WA State Governors Traffic Safety Taskforce 27 July, 2006

For: Carl Spurgeon

Carl, I am sorry that the board did not see the big picture or agree with the entire findings of the task Force, more correctly, the way to pay for it. We where asked to concentrate on why Motorcycle fatalities have not decreased at the same pace as other vehicles. We examined the Harborview and Hurt reports. We also noted that NTSA has spent millions studying Biker Fatalities and can not come to any definitive answer either. I have been following stories in “Counter Measure and Impax” on the Army Motorcycle Mentorship Program, as they are combating Soldier Fatalities also. All have different conclusions and ideas.

Therefore, since the experts, who do not ride motorcycles, can not find the magic bullets needed to prevent Motorcycles Fatalities, I must come to my own conclusions, based on first hand knowledge and second hand from other fellow rider.

I have support the following recommendations to the Governor: Recommendation to Reduce Fatalities:

a. A PSA- (Public Service Announcement) Campaign, applied to Motorcycle Safety,
"Share the Road awareness" Anti-Drinking and riding, all with the same vigor that was applied to "Click it or Ticket"

b. No Motorcycle Endorsement- No Registration of Bike in their name, No Bike leaves the Sale lot without an Endorsement.

c. Increase Mandatory attendance of the MSC & Subsides from 18 to 21, so 18-21 year olds can take course for $50 instead of $100.

d. Biker Focused- Grant Safety Funds to Permanently Establish Anti- Drinking and riding programs.

The final sticking point was who pays for it? We do not agree that Bikers should foot the lions share of the cost. That said, we are already paying additional fess, and Oregon pays nothing. Also, no where in the recommendations does it say what will happens if there is a windfall of funds or a timeline to end the additional fees, if not need.

Contact ABATE of WA or Rich Bright at Richard.L.Bright@us.army.mil or 509-225-2266 or 509-910-4638

                                                    Rich Bright
                                                    State Coordinator,
                                                    ABATE of Washington

ABATE of WA, P.O. Box 8369, Tacoma WA. 98418 State Office (253) 475-4955

A B A T E of Washington

Subject: WA State Governors Traffic Safety Taskforce 25 July, 2006

For Record:

As the ABATE of Washington President, it has been my honor to serve on the Governors Taskforce. The exchange of ideas and being at the beginning process of any future legislation has been both a serious duty and a privilege.

My membership and the Officers of the Board of Directors have had an opportunity to look over the current recommendations of the Taskforce, and while we have some concerns, salute the desire and spirit of the recommendations.

I pledge the Support of ABATE of WA, but can not support the entire findings and recommendations of the Taskforce. But, hope to stay actively involved in the process.

Contact ABATE of WA or Rich Bright at Richard.L.Bright@us.army.mil or 509-225-2266 or 509-910-4638

                                                    Rich Bright
                                                    State Coordinator,
                                                   ABATE of Washington

Cc:

The Honorable WA State Governor, Christine Gregoire

Director of the WA DOT

Washington State Traffic Safety- Director

Director of Washington DOL

Carl Spurgeon, Director of Motorcycle Safety Program, DOL

ABATE of WA, P.O. Box 8369, Tacoma WA. 98418 State Office (253)475-4955

March 2006 Report

Hello Fellow ABATE Members and those just curious enough to read what lies beyond and between these pages.

First let me say- Shame on me! Last month I missed the deadline for the Newsletter, I won’t bore you with the whys or how’s, just understand, I take my Coordinator Job very seriously, and I missed one of my minimum responsibilities.
Just as Chapter coordinators are asked or required to submit info each month I failed to do my duty.
It won’t happen again- Period!

(Submitted for Last month)

Spring is upon us and that means another Swap Meet is in the can. I wish to thank the many folks who put on this event and make it possible. I know that from the outside looking in, it is easy to complain, that there was not enough of this or that, but believe me these events do not happen like magic. For everything you think went wrong, there was a 100 things that where right on….
Thanks Volunteers! Next year I vow to double your salary!

While I am at it: Last month I thanked the Officers who most recently hung up their spurs, but forgot to thank someone-
Bob Turner decided not to run as State Ambassador II, but I have a feeling he is not going to stay away for long…..
Thanks Bob, for all your thankless travel and time on behalf of ABATE!

Speaking of Spring, remember, car drivers will not be accustomed to seeing us, so ASSUME! They did not see you, and avoid a trip to the Emergency Room. Also, Spring Opener is just around the corner, start getting ready to have a good time. The music looks like it will be great and Ron and Sonny are doing their best to make it a Rockin good time! Tickets will be available at the April BOD- If you want a discount, that is the only way. To simplify the accounting, it was voted at the February E-Com to have a reduced Advance Ticket and one price at the gate and on Saturday Night after 6PM a further Reduced Ticket. Hope to See you there.

In your BOD Packet, your Coordinators will find some different Proposals. One is to give the chapters a $5 return on the membership dues, I feel and the E-Com agrees, that the chapters matter, without them, THERE IS NO ABATE! The question is can ABATE of WA afford that? We have been able to produce the Newsletter for a much better price and I think maybe this will help with membership. Another is a $20 bonus to each chapter that sells a Banner, for the fence at the Spring Opener. I also, want feed back about another half baked idea I have, how does $5 bucks off your membership if you sign up in the month of June? We already produce an additional 500-1000 newsletters and many are going to waste, so the cost to the state kitty would be minimal.

Last items; On the next page please look at the ABATE of WA organizational Chart. This is how we are made up. The chart shows we are an upside down Pyramid! At the top is YOU, the Member! You matter and your voice matters…..At the bottom is me, I work for you. Finally, I am exited to point out that if you go to the Webpage you will find a link to our global email list. Take a minute to sign up so you can get Legislative and Event info as timely as possible.

(Added for this month)

Spring Opener is just around the next corner, I know some folks don’t plan on going for whatever reason, but, this is one of ABATE’s money makers and we need to decide if it will re-main so? If you are an ABATE member, this is a way to support the organization, plus, my MOTTO has always been, “Where-ever we are is the place to be!” Come on out and see what’s cooking in Toppenish! Plus, lot of folks may think that events like Swap Meets and Spring Openers happen like “FM” (Blanken Magic) but they don’t, they require many long thankless hours. So at the next event, find a volunteer and thank them.

So well in advance, THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS! You made it happen!

(Next Month Gate Duty for each chapter will be posted)

Next week is, my first BOD that I am chairing. I am nervous, but I am serious about having a productive meeting. Good dialogue and discussion, and limited BS. I hope folks can put there difference aside and work together for ABATE’s stated goals. I believe we can accomplish anything if we have a plan and we want too.

Again thanks for the time and interest….

Sincerely yours in Brotherhood… Rich “Not-So” Bright