Dear RLMAC member: 

 

      I am writing this letter to inform you of the current situation with our club’s elected officers.  On February 21st, the RLMAC Board members and I received written notice from Duane Nichols, that he was resigning from the position of club Secretary/Newsletter editor.  Shortly thereafter, I also received verbal notice from Don Filter that he was resigning as our club’s Safety officer.

 

      A think a very unfortunate situation exists within our club. Very few of our current 40 members have shown interest in holding officer positions or heading the committees that allow our club to function and grow. We seem to be a very independent group. Apparently many members only want access to a flying site and the personal camaraderie of our shared interests. Unfortunately for all of us, the AMA requires us to have club officers and some form of organization in return for their insuring our city owned flying site.  I took on the role as RLMAC president very hesitantly after much thought and discussion with other club members.  Having flown RC planes for close to 30 years mostly in the privacy of my own back yard, I had no personal desire or previous experience as a group leader.  It was because of growing personal relations with many members that I finally felt obligated to help out by taking on the role of president of RLMAC.

 

      In my first two years as a RLMAC member, I have witnessed great controversy and hardship over our current club-flying site at Moon Lake Park.  Its almost as if a personal war has manifested over the situation.  I do not feel this situation is good for the well being of our club.  Some members have left our club in favor of a more relaxed environment.  I still cannot clearly understand why such controversy exists over a seemingly simple dilemma. Apparently, some members wanted to leave the current flying site because of growing interference from the Rice Lake Soccer Association and the development of Moon Lake Park.  When a planned alternative flying site soon became unavailable, many RLMAC members decided to hold onto the only secure flying site they had known.  It is a very desirable location, but it does have a growing number of obstructions and safety issues emerging.  I feel we all need to continue supporting our current flying site, but must also open our eyes to our future and the safety of others. There should be no issues with our club having more than one flying site location.  I see no reason to abandon one site, while trying to secure an alternate location. I really wish we could resolve this situation.

 

       I am very concerned about loosing two very valuable club officers.  I sincerely wish they would reconsider their resignations, or take on some other leadership role within our club.  Rest assured I would not hold any grievances against Duane or Don regardless of their decisions.  I respect their decisions and look forward to enjoying their continued presence as fellow members of our club. Our next club meeting will be held on Sunday, May 2^nd at 1:00pm at our Moon Lake Park flying field.  Bring some planes, its time to fly!

 

                                                          Sincerely Your President,  Kevin Kuehn