By Aaron Clements, AAM, Chairman
You have probably heard many reasons why it's important to vote. You may have heard the words: "If you don't vote, don't complain," or "Your vote is your power," or "It's your right!"
As this year progresses you will hear these words and many more urging you to get out and vote Nov. 4. I strongly agree. Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. However, another election is being held as you read this article. During the months of January and February, elections are held for your association's board of directors.
There are six candidates seeking election this year for three positions. Running for general director are Daniel S. Guido, AAM, incumbent; and A. Carroll Proctor. Running for mechanical division director are William P. "Bill" Moss, AAM; Rolf Werner, AAM; and Dave R. Zwalina, AAM. Running as incumbent for collision division director is Darrell Amberson, AAM.
All regular members in good standing with ASA are eligible to cast their vote for the position of ASA general director. The collision and mechanical division directors are each elected by their respective division.
I encourage you to get to know these six candidates and review their credentials and qualifications. Start with this issue of AutoInc. Candidate information, which includes voting details, begins on page 30. After reviewing the information, please participate in our election process by voting. You have the choice of casting your vote online or by phone. We have tried to make it as easy as possible to participate.
Remember, many volunteers and staff members have worked very hard to make this a "Members First" organization. For it to truly be "Members First," we should have true member representation. To have member representation, our members must vote.
Once you have exercised your right to vote in the ASA election, I encourage you to start getting prepared for another election. This year, on Nov. 4 - barring a runoff - we as Americans will elect a new president. There are many complex issues that you must wade through to find the candidate in whom you will place your trust. I am urging you to include a very important factor in your decision-making process. That is: "How will this person affect the independent automotive repair shop if he or she is elected?"
Your association can help answer that question. With the assistance of our highly skilled Washington, D.C., representative and ASA's TakingTheHill.com Web site, you can obtain the information you need to help you in the decision-making process as it pertains to the automotive industry by checking out the presidential candidates' Web links available on TakingTheHill.com. Please make your voice heard.
In closing, I would like to share this quote with you by Walter H. Judd:
"People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing."
Copyright (c) 1996-2008. Automotive Service Association. All rights reserved.
