Region 11 May 2008 Meeting Minutes

Meetings called to order. Guests welcomed. Pledge of allegiance conducted and a moment of silence observed for past and current military personnel who have fallen or who have been injured. Another moment observed to honor those currently still serving and protecting our freedoms.

Treasury Report: Given by Al.

Legistlative: Helmet bill 4749 will have a concurrence vote in the house on 6-4-08. The vote consists of creating a crash helmet permit fee fund and where this money is to be distributed within law enforcement budgets and to state that moped riders under 19 must wear a helmet. The vote is expected to pass with no problem. The bill will then be given to Granholm. Looks like we have enough votes to override a veto as long as our supporters are in session the day an override vote would be taken and as long as no one changes their vote.

Non compliant DOT helmet tickets are being written in Almont and Lathrup Village. In Lathrup Village, cop used this as an excuse to further examine the rider and the bike but did not issue any further tickets.

House Rep Kim Meltzer has stated that a few bills were introduced to suspend the gas tax, but the house speaker told her they would never see the light of day. On her website, she is holding a raffle to award several $100 gas cards. It's her way of giving something back to the community despite the speaker of the house. Bills to ban cell phone use in cars and to ban smoking in bars are being entertained. Big brother is butting his nose into business owner's policies instead of allowing them to do as they want in their own business.

It was rumored that Candice Miller may run for governor. She is not. She has stated that she'll run for another term in congress. Could have been a plus for us had she decided to run.

Reminder to bring any and all campaign propaganda to the meetings in an effort to help Alice from having to gather it herself. The information is used to help compile a suggested voters list for August if we get enough material and answers from candidates to use.

Past Events: A few members volunteered with Magilla to handle the beer tent at the Tribesmen Fostoria event. Thank you to each one of you who helped. Money was raised for our region due to your generosity.

Upcoming Events: June 4th Freedom Rally in Lansing. Chris gave details for our meet up. Group will ride to Fowlerville and then to Lansing from there. State abate is hoping for a large turnout. There will be guest speakers, the concurrence vote will take place and our bill may end up on Granholms desk by the end of the day.

Al reported on our July 6th Observation Run. Will start at Jiggers in Fairhaven. Sign up 11-1. $10 each or $15 with passenger. $5.00 off if joining abate that day. Jiggers has a good breakfast buffet from 8-12 for anyone interested. Cost is @ $6 or so.

Gibraltar center in Mt Clemens is having a bike night every Friday through the summer. Chris has received approval to set up an abate table at the event. Show support and attend or even help at the table if you'd like. They have a full bar, food and a band or two each bike night. Bruce suggested that Chris ask if we could do a 50/50 for awareness there. Chris will check on it.

Terry has fieldmeet tickets for sale. $30 each for Friday entry or $45 for Thursday entry.

MCA: Russ asked how many people seen 1 of our 14 billboards out there. Almost everyone in attendance had seen one. We did great this year with billboards. A couple of our 4 x 8 signs have been damaged due to severe weather and winds. Repairs will be made sometime in the winter and adjustments will be made to the rest of our 4 x 8 signs in their new stands to hopefully prevent damage next year. Signs will be taken down 5-31. Al is arranging it. Thanks Al.

New Business: Russ asked everyone in attendance what they though about our new location. 99% liked it and thought we had a great view which over looks the golf course. Wizard was the only one there that preferred Capers. Will be here again next month and see what kind of crowd we get and go from there. With no other business pending, meeting adjourned.