[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] Messages from Club President Don Lewis and Club Vice President Sean Gallagher

[don.ki4d at gmail.com]

A Message from Club President Don Lewis

If you've seen my opponent's alarming emails against tax-exempt status for
the club, you know one thing for sure: we have very different views about
the future of Alexandria Radio Club. A club member actually said to me "Why
on earth would any member object to tax exempt status for the club? It makes
financial sense."  

While I look toward a future of continuing with openness to new ideas from
club members, my opponent would to take the club backwards.  The club's
schedule of activities and presentations for club meetings -- from January
to December, reflect results of a club membership survey and from individual
member contributions of new ideas. If you have found the club's monthly
presentations and activities of value and enjoyable to you, I am asking for
your vote so that we can continue with openness to new ideas.    

While I plan to stay in Alexandria for the foreseeable future, my opponent
has made it widely known that he is planning a move to Florida and has spent
a significant time in Florida during the past year.  One could legitimately
ask "why is he running for president of the Alexandria Radio club?"

I could keep going, but I want to close by saying this - this election is
truly a cross-roads for Alexandria Radio Club - continuing to go forward or
going backwards. That's why I am asking for your vote. Let's continue our
progress going forward, together!

A Message from Club Vice President Sean Gallagher

I fully support tax-exempt status for the club.  As Club Vice President I
vigorously supported the proposal during Club Board meeting discussions, in
large part because it opens the door to grants from the ARRL and the City of
Alexandria that would enable the Club to make ham radio contributions to
public education and to improve support to the City. It would also allow tax
deductible contributions to the club.  My opponent, the club accountant,
opposes tax exempt status under 501(c)3) for the club, and has done so for
many years.

The Club has made several inroads in its relationships with the City of
Alexandria during the past year.   These inroads have led to several
"firsts" for Alexandria Radio Club with the City.  These inroads would not
have been possible without stronger involvement with City leadership, the
City's Citizens Corps Council, and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
leadership that I led.  Our club 2023 Field Day accommodations at Chinquapin
Park was a byproduct of my efforts with the City.  If you found Chinquapin
Park a better location for Field Day, I am asking for your vote.  My
opponent has no record of leadership in these areas.

Like Don, I believe this election is truly a cross-roads for Alexandria
Radio Club - continuing to go forward or going backwards. That's why I am
also asking for your vote.