DragVA PAC?

[El Negro]

What do you think the of the feasibility of a Political Action Committee for dragva?

I mean, it's clear that there are automotive enthusiasts in the state, tens of thousands of them. How about something to make their voices heard in political/legal affairs that affect them?

Politicians cater to numbers. We have numbers and we're continuing to grow, so what about exerting some influence?
A PAC could lobby state representatives and local governments regarding issue like exhaust modifications, tinting, front plates, etc.?

I know many people in here are nonchalant about politics, but I think if they knew that their vote, phone call or email message could actually affect whether or not a city council approved a drag strip in the area, or how their local representative will vote on a bill legalizing exhaust modifications?

Maybe it's some starry-eyed dreaming, but I think there are enough great minds around here that could help organize and gather information on this and help make Dragva.com not only a recognized brand name, but also a political force.

Ideas?

[Fobby]

hmm not a bad idea

[Topik]

I really like the idea of PAC to represent Virginia's car enthusiasts. I've thought about it a lot mostly because of the growth of DragVA and other local forums (like Tidewater Racing, NovaStreetforums, etc.) I'm not really sure how to go about organizing something like that, but I'm definitely game to help out in any way that I can.

[GIO]

I think its a great idea. How would you start? What issues are there at the moment?

[SteveOlicious]

Great idea

[HORNY4ZORNY]

awesome idea but i have a feeling it would end up like an online petition (sp?) and go no where. i have seen online petitions with thousands of people's names on them and it gets nothing done.

but again its sounds like a good idea to have section dedicated to state issues.

[El Negro]

This idea was spawned as I was hearing about the governor's new round of town hall meetings. I think a contingent at each of these just to listen to and report on the proceedings thereof would be a good start. After that, we'll have to do some research and paperwork to actually organize and official PAC.

Issues? I think we could start by asking the members and other enthusiasts what they feel they are. Just in a 30 second free-thought session, I come up with:

Front plates
exhaust modifications
suspension modifications
local zoning for motorsports parks/tracks/complexes
initiatives to prevent streetracing/street drifting
generating revenue/jobs by supporting the auto enthusiast industry

[El Negro]

awesome idea but i have a feeling it would end up like an online petition (sp?) and go no where. i have seen online petitions with thousands of people's names on them and it gets nothing done.

but again its sounds like a good idea to have section dedicated to state issues.
See, the PAC wouldn't use the internet to make petitions, but rather to spread information. It would actually use live lobbyists and real pen & ink petitions to interact with the policy makers.

[HORNY4ZORNY]

This idea was spawned as I was hearing about the governor's new round of town hall meetings. I think a contingent at each of these just to listen to and report on the proceedings thereof would be a good start. After that, we'll have to do some research and paperwork to actually organize and official PAC.

Issues? I think we could start by asking the members and other enthusiasts what they feel they are. Just in a 30 second free-thought session, I come up with:

Front plates
exhaust modifications
suspension modifications
local zoning for motorsports parks/tracks/complexes
initiatives to prevent streetracing/street drifting
generating revenue/jobs by supporting the auto enthusiast industry

+ speed trap cameras

[HORNY4ZORNY]

See, the PAC wouldn't use the internet to make petitions, but rather to spread information. It would actually use live lobbyists and real pen & ink petitions to interact with the policy makers.

if it can help out the car people of va im all about it.

[Topik]

Another interesting thing for us to look at is the increasing use of roadside "exhaust sniffers" to find exhaust violators.

[GIO]

See, the PAC wouldn't use the internet to make petitions, but rather to spread information. It would actually use live lobbyists and real pen & ink petitions to interact with the policy makers.
What if we just used the power of our members to vote you into an office? :D

Seriously that could work eventually! But that would be a great reason to have booths in every major car show too. And give us face on a political level.

[Jay]

http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?ID=61868

no need to reinvent the wheel, just give the current one a little harder push.

[El Negro]

+ speed trap cameras
We'd have a hard time with that, because that is something that catches people doing illegal things, generated revenue for the state/municipality and required very little overhead (read: police patrols) to enforce.

It's not a bad idea, but we'd have to REALLY have some clout or partner with other PACs/lobbyists to try to overturn that.

[El Negro]

http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?ID=61868
That sounds like a good place to start for advice and organizational tips. With the right schmoozing, they might even be a financial supporter.

[El Negro]

What if we just used the power of our members to vote you into an office? :D

Seriously that could work eventually! But that would be a great reason to have booths in every major car show too. And give us face on a political level.
I think the first point of order is to find out what is needed to start one up.

[Cnamz]

Yeah, good idea. Sounds like something I'd consider taking part in.

[GIO]

Working with SEMA would definitly give us face too. I am also a sponsor for the MD/VA Latin Chamber of Commerce so I know a few of the lobbyists we could support. ANd I am friends with the President of the MD Chamber. He could be our way in but I wouldn't know how to go about it. I could possible opens doors though.

[sung]

I think this is a great idea. This was sorta the vision i had for the thing i started long ago (757ontrack) but as usual I never have enough time for everything. I think having our own political arm would be better than representing SEMA because I don't know what kind of red tape and hoops we'd have to jump through to make sure that we're always in line with what they want.

You'd want to start by picking out issues and writing out our stances on them. Drawing up a map of districts and the legislators that belong to those districts. Writing a strategic plan would always be a good bet.

In terms of my own political connections I have my fair share. My strongest connections are with the city council / mayor of newport news. vice mayor hester of norfolk and I served on a council together so I know I have her ear. I've met with my fair share of state delegates and us congress representatives, so some basic connections are there.

[sung]

Oh and plus I work for a very good group of lawyers.

[GIO]

Well there you go we are on our way already. We have a couple party meetings with the people we know and present them with a new and very large political group. We can even tie it in to one of our carshows and have the show...show our demographic and they can see first hand our proffesionalism, organization, and ability to execute at a moments notice. Shit sounds like an Army to me!

[Cnamz]

Yay sungz.

Let's get crackin.

[blah]

This is an absolutely awesome idea and I think we're coming to the point where we could pull this off. I agree that we will be better going off on our own and perhaps have SEMA be a supportive role so we still have the control. Polititians love young people with a drive and an open mind. I know the people to talk to, but I'm not going to go to them empty handed. First things first, we need to do this:

You'd want to start by picking out issues and writing out our stances on them. Drawing up a map of districts and the legislators that belong to those districts. Writing a strategic plan would always be a good bet.
But it CANNOT be half-assed. I will not put out mine and my family's name on something that is not complete.

[El Negro]

Sounds like we need a meeting of the minds.

[Fobby]

Sounds like we need a meeting of the minds.

agreed

[Mongoose87]

Sounds like this is getting started on the right foot.

[Deirdrea ccchr]

I am the president of " car club council of hampton roads and in conjunction with our sister council "va penn car club council we have offered our help. I am dedicated to this. We already have lobbist and state connections. We started the council in 1992 and was told by many it wouldnt last 6 months!!! well almost 15 yrs later we are still here and have a direct influence on the decisions that touch us ALL. You have about 10,000 or more ready to help, so i beg of you to listen and heed, this IS the time to do something positive, due the the 564 problem it has brought all of this to a head, so now is when you organize and make it happen.

[Bomexac]

Down for the cause!!! Its about time people are starting to come together for good, instead of negatively.

[sidewaysil80]

im def down to help out as much i can. (two more months and back home)

[catfSSh]

i have some ties to randy forbes and some other local politicians.
i met the va beach mayor and all those peeps when i got eagle.

i know a few emails and support for the cause would sway their thinking greatly seeing how the majority of this board is able to vote and thats who politicians want to help out.

if you search the internet you can find plenty of politicians' emails, adresses, phone number etc.

i think the major point to accomplish anything is keeping it organized and mature. then they will listen.
and to beat a dead horse, make some benefit to the community in some way that will get publicity and noticed by people not involved in cars.

[noshoes]

I'm in. I have some connections through SEMA, some local media connections, some connections in the city of Chesapeake, and pretty innovative research abilities.

I'm willing to donate some of my time and assets working towards the issues Blaxican outlined.

[Abysalone]

A good way to get signatures would be to leave some forms on a clip board at your local autoparts store. I will gladly print a few up if someone cares to design them. Add the cost of a ringed clipboard and it will only cost you $5 and a little time to help the community. Sorry if this was mentioned, tired and just skimmed through.

[Deirdrea ccchr]

What do you think the of the feasibility of a Political Action Committee for dragva?

I mean, it's clear that there are automotive enthusiasts in the state, tens of thousands of them. How about something to make their voices heard in political/legal affairs that affect them?

Politicians cater to numbers. We have numbers and we're continuing to grow, so what about exerting some influence?
A PAC could lobby state representatives and local governments regarding issue like exhaust modifications, tinting, front plates, etc.?

I know many people in here are nonchalant about politics, but I think if they knew that their vote, phone call or email message could actually affect whether or not a city council approved a drag strip in the area, or how their local representative will vote on a bill legalizing exhaust modifications?

Maybe it's some starry-eyed dreaming, but I think there are enough great minds around here that could help organize and gather information on this and help make Dragva.com not only a recognized brand name, but also a political force.

Ideas?

You have a car club council in place now, there are 5 in va, we are open to all clubs. You are right on the money with your ideas. In the future we hope to help you establish your own council of your peers. Yes your voice does count, the councils have been involved with the preservation of our hobby, yes there are mostly classic clubs, but there are many young clubs joining.
I am president of the car club council of hampton roads, our council is here to help. I have contacted the state police and they will back us in any positive plans we have. They have agreed to go with us to the places you want to cruz in and talk to them with us. I am in the process of contacting Sen. George Allen, he helped us (CCCHR) beat the clunker bill, they wanted to scrap all 1981 cars and back. So if you wish send me pm and ill give you my #. Would like to speak with you. Dee

[Deirdrea ccchr]

Another interesting thing for us to look at is the increasing use of roadside "exhaust sniffers" to find exhaust violators.

The car club council have been fighting that off, get this they wanted to have all classic cars pass inspection and emissions testing, ok how many state inspectors know how to inspect a 1923 ford??, or even a 1900's car?
Emissions, for crying out loud, is a 50 or older vehicle!!!, so you see its just as crazy for us. Dee

ps welcome, if we all get together and speak, we are a mighty voice.

[The_rabbit1]

I have been waiting but for the post on where to be. Back when i had connections i tried to get a track built and ran into problems with the whole idea. this was before i found dragva and learned of all the issues going on with the state about it. I was one of the first to hang out at "exxon" at the beach 5-6yrs ago and i've only seen things go worse from not having any representation or organization. This is what we've needed for years and now with all the people in the area wanting to help if half of them actually did it would be a decent number to start out with and that number would grow as long as we put the name for all to see.as many people in this board who have the speaking ability to motivate i don't see why we aren't rolling, but then again it takes the first person to say we need to get up and go.
sorry for the long post...

[95lsintegra]

sounds good.

[brokedown]

this will be a bloody war and im down for the cause

[Paul]

Tim,

I think this is a good idea, however I honestly don't believe this is the correct forum to involve in the issues. The subjects that you brought up are probably subjects that could be lobbied, and discussed with local politicians. I would fear though, that using this forum, or similar forums to this one would bring an absurd voice to the cause though. Unfortunately, many of the people on this board, will feel this is a rally cause and do one of two things.

1. Get super excited and make a bunch of noise at the begining, then not participate.

2. Get super excited and make a bunch of noise at the begining, then do something foolish, or start making absurd requests/demands.

IMO the biggest demographic on this board is very young, and at risk of being flamed very naive. Also, unfortunately, many of the young people on this board do not know how to express themselves in an intelligent way which would actually be capable of attracting usable attention.

IMO if you wanted to make something like this work, we would need the involvement of some of the much more wealthy car enthusiasts. Classic car restorers and the like. Basically, rich old Republicans.

I wish you all the luck in the world with this regardless though.

[Mr. Projekt]

i believe it is a good idea... however... the people selected to be on this PAC.... how would you choose them?

would it just be a moderator / admin meeting and they discuss who they think?

would it be a thread's poll that is open to all of dragva PATRONS?

or would it be a poll opened to ALL members?

[volklover]

This idea was spawned as I was hearing about the governor's new round of town hall meetings. I think a contingent at each of these just to listen to and report on the proceedings thereof would be a good start. After that, we'll have to do some research and paperwork to actually organize and official PAC.

Issues? I think we could start by asking the members and other enthusiasts what they feel they are. Just in a 30 second free-thought session, I come up with:

Front plates
exhaust modifications
suspension modifications
local zoning for motorsports parks/tracks/complexes
initiatives to prevent streetracing/street drifting
generating revenue/jobs by supporting the auto enthusiast industry Front plates might be hard to fight- I think only 11 states don't require them and I believe in those states you have to pay more to have a front plate! And think a few of those states are going back to 2 plates (nevada was talking about it)
How would you fight the front plate? Because of safety?
I don't see tint or front plates ever getting changed but thats my opinion!

Exhaust could be feasible- will need a db levels and probably leak test! Many states have laws that require your car to be below a certain db level! I thought I went deaf last night when I was between a harley and a older vette~

I'd love to help out where-ever i can

[FORDRANGERSVT99]

i think it sounds like a great idea

[Deirdrea ccchr]

We CCCHR have been fighting many absurd bills for the last 15 yrs, we have 5 car club councils in virginia now which gives us a very large voice.

I offered back at the beginning to help direct and advise. And i went to the state police and got their support and everyone just crapped out on me. I can not do this alone, i am still working toward getting places to drag race, to meet, to road rally.

As i said in the beginning i am president of the car club council of hampton roads and with the other councils we have thousands behind us. We have lobbist on watch all the time.

I would be very grateful for any help i can get. I put my name on this, i have my council supporting this endevor. When i give my word i back it 100%, and i dont give up. So if anyone wants to help move forward on this please pm me and i will give you my #.

Oh and im not rich, or a republican, snicker

Dee

[doughboy415]

YEAH what happened to all the big plans, DEE and MYSELF went out talked to alot of people got YOUR ball rolling then all of you just stopped or lost interest, I had it all sat up with northeast dragway,he was going togive you guys one sunday a month that the track would be yours, and if you had wanted it he was going to give you a night every week. Dee had talk to a local business that gave us permission to use his parking lot on fri and sat nights to hangout in, plus the local police were liking the idea and said they would back it up and helpout 100%, but again the leaders of this movement just dropped out of site.But never fear NEIGHBORHOOD DREAMZ is stepping up to the plate with the busines owner and we are going to start the hangout, so in the next week or two we will begin.This thread has been silent for quite some time, now everyone wants to do something, you should have BEEN doing something back in the beginning.Look at project 757 no one even goes there anymore,at our last organizational meeting we had set up big things, I'm not calling any names but they know who they are, were going to do this and that, I did my part what happened to you(caravan to track with news coverage)???:wtf:

[Jamie Q.]

This sounds like a pretty worked out cause. But I guess I don't know how to help either, are you planning on holding some type of meeting for interested people.

[TheGentleArt]

Its a good idea but some of those laws are in place for reasons, the tint alot of people do not understand why cops enforce it; it is because a cop likes to see all the occupants in a vehicle when approaching it after they have been pulled, they can not tell whether or not your are loading a pistol or getting your license ( hence why they shine the light in your car ) so that will never get over turned due to the fact its more so for officer safety then revenue... although it creates plenty of revenue.

The speed trap lights, not happening for the simple fact its easy money and they will assume if you aren't speeding you should not have a problem with them, plain and simple.

plates are iffy but doubtful, the front windsheild thing is a safety hazard, and cops generally like to be able to easily obtain your plate number so they can run a check and make sure it matches up, this is also to make police officers jobs easier and safer.

Now exhaust should have a chance, but for you to have aftermarket exhaust they will still have to pace all regulated state requirments, and noise will be a factor; i do hate how mustang with offroad H pipes get away with it, and a low toned import exhaust gets popped on the daily.

Now implementing a track i think would be a great idea, biggest issue everyone knows is money, but with a track there is money to be made and that always attracts attention, get enough people lobbying it and its a good possibility giving the fact it will give us car go-ers a safe"r" way to race and show off our cars, and really just hang out legally with out trespassing etc.

Suspension mods i think could be lifted to an extent, they will make certain heighths off the ground illegal always, there is a reason they don't want your honda 1/2" off the ground, so when you rear end a truck they don't have to scrap parts of your face off the ground.


anyways Tim i think its all worth a shot, and a good idea the biggest problem isn't lobbying the people, its getting the commited. These type of movements or Political changes take time and tons of effort, and if you dont have alot of commited people who can step to the plate when needed until the change is made it more then likely will fall through, but hell anything is worth a shot.


Just my .02

[atmdc]

:stupid: hes got a point there but it would still be nice to see what the out come of some would be

[Topik]

Many of us lost interest when we realized that the ambitions of this PAC would be devoted soley to the 757 area. Its not really worth my time keeping up to date with things here if it isn't going to have any effect on myself or my peers in NoVA.