[Alexandria Radio Club Reflector] URGENT UPDATE: [Ares] PLEASE READ - Discussion of ham radio in Richmond this Thurs., 5/22

[Joe K]

Please see the update from the Virginia Section Manager

> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Alex_Ares via Ares <ares at listserv.alexares.org>
> Date: On Mon, May 19, 2025 at 23:27
> Subject: Fw: Re: [Ares] Please read - Discussion of ham radio in Richmond this Thurs., 5/22
> To: Alex_Ares <ares at listserv.alexares.org>, <jose at benitez-camp.us>,Brendan O'Neill <km4hrr at gmail.com>,Darwin Mach <a at dmach.net>,Scott Brewer <rsbrewer.usmc at gmail.com>
> Cc: Ben Hofstatter <hofstatterbj at hotmail.com>
>
> As long as that person is representing themselves and not ARES, go for it. Only the Section Manager or duly appointed Government Liaison is authorized to speak on behalf of the ARRL, and ARES is a function and trademark of the ARRL.
>
> This has not been vetted by ARRL legal counsel, so they have not issued any position or recommendation on it.
>
> 73
>
> Jack KE4LWT
> KE4LWT at gmail.com
>
> On Mon, May 19, 2025, 7:44 PM Alex_Ares via Ares < ares at listserv.alexares.org> wrote:
>
>> A member of ARES was requested in Richmond on Thursday, 5/22, to speak with the Housing Commission. If this is something that you may be able to help with please contact: Ben Hofstatter, KF4WDD, hofstatterbj at hotmail.com, 703-867-9890 cell (after 5 pm); 571-557-4341 (during work hours).
>>
>> Below is a summary of a couple of emails.
>>
>> In January the VA House introduced this bill:https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2542
>>
>> This bill was not perfect and did not move forward for full consideration by the House of Delegates. However, her staff recently told me it will be discussed by the Housing Commission in Richmond on Thursday, 5/22 at 1pm. This is essentially a 'Working Group' that can put forth recommendations about legislation. The meeting will be held in the General Assembly Building Senate Room C (Room 311).
>>
>> Delegate Seibold spoke with the Housing Commission today, they called to get a list of speakers for Thursday. She asked if we can get someone who is a member of ARES to travel to Richmond, stating we really need someone from the emergency services to speak about that, as this is what the Housing Commission is most interested in.
>>
>> Please let me know ASAP if one of you is willing to make the trip to Richmond with me on Thursday, 5/22. This is a unique opportunity to shape the narrative regarding ham radio, public safety, and HOA overreach. Plus, a better version of her bill can be introduced in 2026, but we have to make an impression this Thursday to gain traction.
>>
>> The following talking points were suggested:
>>
>> - Over 20,000 Amateur Radio Operators (AROs) are federally-licensed in the Commonwealth -- approximately 2 AROs for each 1,000 Virginians.
>> - AROs provide critical communications during emergencies when all else fails. They serve communities when storms or other disasters damage communication infrastructure, including cell towers and wired/wireless networks. Even if Internet service, power lines, and phone lines are down, amateur radio can still get the message through.
>> - The American Radio Relay League organizes the Amateur Radio Emergency Services® (ARES) across seven divisions across the Commonwealth to provided trained Hams, operating out of their homes and deployable as needed.
>> - ARES trained personnel are prepared to respond to all hazard situations from natural disaster to man made.
>> - Besides ARES, Hams are often members of local Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
>> - The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for hazards that may occur in their communities. It trains individuals in basic disaster response skills, including: Life safety, Light search & rescue and disaster medical operations.
>> - Other Hams are members of the National Weather Service SKYWARN Spotter network. From their homes, SKYWARN-trained Hams form the eyes and ears across the community
>> Thanks everyone!
>>
>> 73,
>> Sandy KQ4DNE
>> --
>> Alexandria ARES main mailing list
>> Ares at listserv.alexares.org
>> https://listserv.alexares.org/mailman/listinfo/ares
>> Unsubscribe: Ares-leave at listserv.alexares.org
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