An Invitation to the Garden State Motorized Recreation Summit

Dear AMA Member:

As you know, riding opportunities are extremely limited in New Jersey and recent events indicate the situation will get worse. In May, legislation was introduced to end what little access residents have to public lands for motorized recreation. In July, the state Department of Environmental Protection announced that it would “strictly enforce” a ban on off-highway vehicle use on public lands. Can anything be done to turn the tide of anti-access regulation and legislation?
The off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding community must work and speak together to fight bad laws, unfair regulation and expand riding opportunities. Unfortunately, the New Jersey riding community is fragmented and unorganized. To cultivate a united voice for the State’s OHV enthusiasts the AMA will host The Garden State Motorized Recreation Summit the weekend of October 12, 13.
Day One of the two-day summit will feature a Ride Into Political Action seminar presented by the AMA’s government relations team. The seminar is basic training for anyone wanting to protect their right to ride in New Jersey.
Day Two will be an organizational meeting focused on the formation of a state-level organization capable of representing the needs of all off-highway vehicle users. The discussion will be facilitated by Russ Ehnes, executive director of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. Most importantly, this meeting is your opportunity to shape a state organization -- the success of which will determine the future of motorized recreation in New Jersey.
Please see the enclosed brochure for additional information and make plans to join us at the National Conference Center in East Windsor. You are welcome to attend either or both days of the Summit. Participation is free but registration is required. The Ride Into Political Action (Day One) seminar is limited to the first 50 registrants. Please complete the registration form on the back of this letter and return it to the attention of Merri Waters by fax at 614-856-1920 or by mail no later than October 4, 2002.
Sincerely,


Terry Lee Cook Royce L. Wood
State Program Development Specialist Legislative Affairs Specialist

 

application

New Jersey Activist Questionnaire
Please Print Clearly

AMA # ______ First Name ____________ Last Name _________________________
Address ___________________________
City ______________________________ State ____ Zip _______ - _____ (+4)
Daytime Phone ( ) ____ - _____ext.____ Evening Phone ( ) ____ - ________

Do you plan to attend: ___ RIPA
___ NJOHV Meeting ___ Both

E-mail or Internet address __________________________________
May we use this to send you alerts and releases? Yes No
Occupation ________________________
Are you a registered voter? Yes No
Party affiliation: Democrat / Republican / Other ____________________________
Motorcycling Interest _ Touring/Sport Touring
_ Off-Highway _ Dual Sport_ Collector
_ Amateur Competition _ Pro Racing
Motorcycling related organizations which you belong _________________________
__________________________________
Which are you most active in? __________
Are you a member of any of the following local, state or national organizations?
_ Civic _Gun/Hunting _Political _Union _Professional _Veteran _Fraternal
_ Environmental _ Other _____________
Is there any other special expertise or skills you would like to list? ___________________ _____________________________________
Please attach a separate sheet if necessary

Return to:
Merri Waters, Assistant
AMA Community Council Program
13515 Yarmouth Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147
The AMA/ATVA government relations department will be conducting a Ride Into Political Action seminar at the National Conference Center adjacent to the Ramada Inn, 399 Monmouth Street, East Windsor, New Jersey on Saturday October 12, 2002. We’ll begin promptly at 8:30 am and take until approximately 6:00 pm. Lunch will be provided. If you need to make room reservations call 609-448-7000. Immediately following will be a reception for those wanting to be involved in forming a new statewide OHV organization.
We will identify common political objectives throughout the diversity of riders and learn to function with existing infrastructure to strengthen the collective voice of motorcyclists, ATV riders and other OHV enthusiasts in New Jersey. We will discuss ways to maintain relations with elected officials and bureaucrats in your area. Other topics will include speaking out for OHV recreation, lobbying in Trenton and at home, writing editorials for local media, attending political fund raisers and receptions, effective letter writing and involvement in political parties.
On Sunday October 13, 2002 the AMA/ATVA will sponsor a meeting, in the same location, to allow all interested parties to begin the formation of New Jersey’s new OHV statewide voice. Russ Ehnes, Executive Director, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council will moderate the meeting, while Bill Dart, Public Lands Director of the Blue Ribbon Coalition will be a guest speaker.


Why New Jersey and why Now?

Not satisfied with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulation that prohibits the operation of off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in state parks and forests, Assembly member Eric Munoz (R – Summit) proposes to ban them as a matter of law. In May, Munoz introduced Assembly Bill 2238 which not only reiterates the general ban on motorized recreation but would also prohibit the DEP from permitting any motorized “special events” in state parks and forests.
Now the same anti-access campaign that prompted the Munoz bill is being employed to bias Governor McGreevey against off-highway motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts. Clearly, anti-access special interest groups plan to scuttle any opportunity for public motorized recreation in New Jersey.
It is imperative that New Jersey’s elected officials hear from the motorized community.
This weekend conference is designed to bring all interested parties to the table for training, discussion and empowerment to secure a positive future for OHV recreation in the Garden State.


AGENDA for October 12, 2002
Subject to Change

8:00 am – Continental Breakfast

8:30 am – Ride Into Political Action Seminar begins with introductions

10:00 am – BREAK

10:15 am – How a Bill Becomes Law – When, Where and How YOU can interact

11:00 am – Political Involvement – The Party System

12:00 pm – Deli Lunch provided by the American Motorcyclist Association

1:00 pm – Working with political candidates

2:00 pm – BREAK

2:15 pm – Dealing with politicians after they are in place

3:00 pm – Roll playing exercise

3:30 pm - Tips on Making Effective Letters and Phone Calls

4:00 pm – Letter writing exercise and BREAK

5:00 pm - How Riders Can Influence the Administrative Bureaucracies

5:30 pm – Pursue the Press

5:50 pm - Where Do We Go From Here?
Your Activist Challenge

7:30 – 9:00 pm – RECEPTION sponsored by the American Motorcyclist Association

AGENDA for October 13, 2002
Subject to Change

8:00 am – Continental Breakfast

8:30 am – New Jersey’s OHV United Voice moderated by Russ Ehnes, Executive Director, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, begins with introductions

10:00 am – BREAK

2:00 pm – ADJOURNMENT

 

Unfortunately organized voicing of opinions have no bearing on a state government that is the closest relative to communism that we have in the U.S.Look back at the toll hike demonstrations did public opinion matter?The best thing to do with N.J. is leave there.Just my opinion.