Several people have asked me what I thought about this years BOD election candidates. Even though it is pretty obvious whom I endorse, there were still a few things that needed to be said.

I consider Joe Pavlik a friend of mine. I have known Joe for some time now and while he is definitely rough around the edges he really is a pretty decent guy. Does he rub a lot of folks the wrong way.... he sure does, but so do several of my other friends.

While I applaud Joe for standing up and doing what I think he honestly believes is right, I cannot however agree with him.

I 100% feel that Wayne Thompson is the right man for the job. Wayne has had lots of experience working with the club and is extremely qualified to take over this position which is of utmost importance for the club.

Joe really has a few good ideas (And some not so good) but my personal belief is that Wayne would make a much better President, hands down.

It is unfortunate that this election has brought out so much of the negative side of Joe and that so many people have only seen that side (And not the other I have seen). I sincerely hope that Joe and I can remain friends even though I support his opposition to the greatest extent.

For Vice President, I cant think of a better candidate than Jay Sands. His involvement with this club and the membership proves he is the one and only guy for this job.

Sunday Silverman, what can I say..... Who doesnt like Sunday? She like Jay have given quite a bit to the club in the past and I couldnt think of a nicer person.

Belinda Hixon - I have always liked Belinda. She has possibly worked harder than anyone else for the club over the past few years. I believe we need her to remain as a stronghold in the BOD. She has a proven track record and in my opinion, is the best person for the job.

I have nothing against Jim Folis. In fact I think he would be a great BOD member as he has proven himself as a volunteer and great supporter of the club. If Belinda were not running again, Jim would have my full support.

However I must vote whom I think would be better for the club right now and that vote at least from me goes to Belinda.

Now on to the deeply contested Treasurer seat. I honestly think I am the weakest of all the candidates running in this years election. If there were someone else running for treasurer that was better qualified, I may even vote for them. While I have made hundreds of friends at the past 10 conventions, unfortunately I have not previously pulled my weight in this club.

I am ashamed to say I have not done 10% of what I would have liked to do for the club to date. That is the main reason I decided to run for treasurer. I want to be able to give back what I can to this outstanding organization that has brought me so much joy.

I hope I can live up to the standards set by previous treasurers and will do everything in my power to do whats "Right" for the club. After all, this is My club too and I want to succeed and for the club to flourish.

So in closing, my endorsements are as follows -

Wayne Thompson - President
Jay Sands - Vice President
Belinda Hixon - Secretary
Sunday Silverman - Membership Officer
Doug Smith - Treasurer