[ETS/PARC List] Fwd: An Open Letter to the ARRL Hudson Division From K2QY for N2YBB

[KC2WDZ]

I'm not sure if ETS members are considered to be in the ARRL Hudson
division-
Figured I would forward along the following anyhow.

73
Gene
KC2WDZ
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "N2YBB for Hudson Division Director 2012" <vote4n2ybb at hudsonhams.com>
Date: Aug 27, 2012 2:30 PM
Subject: An Open Letter to the ARRL Hudson Division From K2QY for N2YBB
To: <Kc2Wdz at arrl.net>

(If you would like to be removed from my emails, please send an email to
vote4n2ybb at hudsonhams.com and put the word 'unsubscribe' in the Subject
header.)


Hello.

I am forwarding a letter that John Fritze K2QY, president of the Albany
Amateur Radio Association, wrote to his membership.  This letter was
written to his club, however, his sentiments apply to the entire Division.
 I have not edited, altered or modified his letter.  He truly writes from
his heart.

I am running for the position of Hudson Division Director this year, and
for the first time in nine years, you, the ARRL membership of the Hudson
Division, have a real choice in candidates.  Balloting begins October 1st,
so please read this email, go to my website for more information
www.hudsonhams.com, write me at vote4n2ybb at hudsonhams.com, or call me at
917-865-3538 if you have any questions.

And, of course, please vote for me when balloting begins.

Thank you.

Vy 73,
Mike Lisenco N2YBB

----------

JOHN FRITZE  K2QY

I have been asked by several members and officers why I am supporting Mike
Lisenco (N2YBB) over incumbent Joyce Birmingham (KA2ANF) for election as
Hudson Division Director in the upcoming election this fall.

Let me start by saying the several times I have been in her presence, I
have found Joyce to be a lovely, warm person. I hope that no matter what
the outcome of the election she and I can continue to be friends and work
together for the betterment of Amateur Radio.

However, Mike Lisenco is also a nice person. The multiple times I have met
with him I have found him easy to discuss issues with. I also count Mike as
a friend.

But an election for Hudson Division Director should not be about who is
more pleasant, or a better friend. This person and his or her staff, are
our direct representatives to the league. Let's face it, we are under
attack as Ham Radio operators. Big corporations vying for our priceless
frequencies, antenna restrictions, neighbor complaints or unfounded fear of
radio interference (RFI), Broadband Over Power Lines (BPL), vague and
restrictive cell phone driving laws just to name a few. In recent years the
ARRL has addressed these issues (if at all) with a reactionary plan. We are
repeatedly asked to write letters and sign online petitions to our
representatives in Washington. Our politicians are already deluged from
every direction by lobbyists, special interest groups, tons of mail and
e-mail. Things need to change!

Mike believes we need to be more proactive, work at the grass roots level,
directly with our lawmakers to help them understand the importance of
Amateur Radio. The league wanted us to write Congress about HR 607 (the
bill that would have taken sections of our 440MHz band away). Mike took the
initiative, met and discussed our concerns with Rep. King, getting the
protection we needed. This is how politics works!

Mike, a 20 year Amateur Radio operator, Extra Class has numerous awards and
certificates to his credit. He has worked in the Emergency Communications
arena, in particular ARES and RACES so he is familiar with the public
service issues too. He and I have discussed things such as a nationally
recognized ARRL issued ID for ARES members and a recognized level of EMCOMM
training. Currently, while security is a big issue, the professional public
service agencies are financially strained and therefore relying on the
Amateur Community more and more to supplement their communications needs.
An ID card makes sense and this is something the league must do.

Mike has some fresh ideas in regards to Amateur Radio education in general
too. Newly licensed hams should be given at the very least a six month free
membership to the ARRL. With online QST, what does it actually cost the
league? Giving new hams an opportunity to familiarize themselves with
current issues and political insight can only benefit Ham Radio in general.
There would be a benefit to the league of the additional data base of hams.

I spoke with Mike about an inherent hesitation of upstate hams backing him.
It seems to me, we have been neglected in upstate NY at times. Perhaps this
has been partly our fault by not being proactive, particularly in regards
to ARES, SkyWarn and a disjointed RACES presence. We have too long gone our
separate way and now find we are playing catch up with the rest of the
county. Things have changed dramatically since last summer. We Amateurs are
gaining respect in the Capital Region from the professional public service
people. Mike has told me he would consider an Assistant Director from
upstate if elected. He feels as director he would like a closer
relationship with upstate club presidents. A director from this area would
be an open conduit through Mike directly to the League. This would be a
huge asset to our area.

If elected, Mike plans to hold multiple Section wide meetings throughout
the Division that any ARRL member may attend have input and be able to
voice their concerns. Anyone would be able to express ideas for the
betterment of the Amateur community. After all, the League belongs to us.
Ultimately he sees every club president within the Division as an Assistant
Director.

Lastly, let me state that the Albany Amateur Radio Association has been a
leading force for over one hundred years in upstate NY. I have seen huge
changes in recent years in our clubs demographics. New younger members,
with different interests are joining and attending meetings. Better yet, I
see these same new members taking on projects and jobs within the club and
Amateur Community. We are a growing club! It behooves us to move forward
with fresh ideas and I believe that Mike Lisenco shares that desire.

Very 73 de,
John Fritze Jr K2QY
AARA president 2012
ACACES secretary 2012
Albany County RACES Radio Officer
ARES ENY DEC Northern District
ARES Albany County EC
Twitter: @k2qy
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