OFF THE WIRE
ABATE OF FLORIDA ELECTIONS
The State of Florida ABATE motorcycle organization is preparing to have elections for state officers.
For many years Doc Reichenbach has been the president of the organization.
He is a very controversial person and has ruled with an iron hand and there have been numerous accusations of his treatment of those who have spoken out against him.
He gets his expenses paid for that position and it is not clear exactly what those expenses are. I and other members have asked to be given a copy of these and to date that has never happened. He is also the lobbyist for the organization and gets paid $50,000.00 dollars for that. He answers to the president of ABATE that being himself.
During his time as president there have been many laws that have passed that affect motorcyclist. Many of them not good and or costing the motorcyclist and tax payers money.
The fee for a motorcycle license has increases, motorcycle schools have become mandatory and on and on.
He has stated and was shown in a photograph accepting a check from the State of Florida for (1) one million dollars after he and the organization pushed for the passage of doubling the fine for running a red light. That law made a bunch of money for the state and ABATE as well.
ABATE has been questioned by numerous sources what was done with that money and to the best of my knowledge the question has never been answered to the satisfaction of the riders of Florida.
He and the organization will try to make a big deal out of passing legislation that allows some riders in Florida to ride without a motorcycle helmet if they have enough medical insurance. It should be noted that this was a compromise and not a good one.
Some years before the current helmet law the Florida Legislature passed a full un-conditional helmet law repeal only to have it vetoed by then Governor Bob Graham. Prior to the bill being passed in the legislature Governor Graham stated publically he would not sign the law into affect should it make it to his desk but Would Not Veto It Either. He Lied.
In my opinion ABATE should have had protests like other parts of the country used to get repeals.
It appears they took a different approach and wanted to be buddies with the legislature and make deals that affected all those who ride motorcycles in the State of Florida. They have a right to do that.
It appears to not be working to well.
There are many people in ABATE of Florida that do not agree with Doc and the way he runs things. They are entitled to that opinion as well. Some people have resigned and others say they were forced out of the organization because they want to make changes.
Over the years the membership has declined and even though new riders do join and replace some of the leaving the numbers still go down.
That indicates there is a problem in the leadership of the organization.
Finally after many years there is some one running against Doc for the position of President.
Frankie Kennedy for President of ABATE of Florida
Frankie Kennedy is currently the President of the South West Chapter of ABATE of Florida. To find out more about him you may want to check out the chapter website at http://southwest.abateflorida.com/
Frankie Kennedy attended the monthly meeting of the Independence Chapter of ABATE of Florida on 4/27/2010 in Melbourne Florida. This is my home chapter and I was present. I had some questions for him when he finished his presentation. He answered them to my satisfaction. I also had a private discussion with him at the end of the meeting.
I have decided to endorse him for President of ABATE of Florida.
I would like to suggest others contact him and ask him what ever questions you may have. There is contact information on the chapter web site.
I feel that the current president of ABATE of Florida Doc Reichenbach is not doing a good job of representing the motorcyclist of the state.
ABATE of Florida is a bad word among many of the people and organizations that fight for motorcyclist rights. By voting for Frankie here is a chance to change that. I believe in time ABATE of Florida can once again become an organization that people can be proud to be a member of.
In my opinion Doc Reichenbach has been in office to long and continues to serve his own interests above the motorcycle riders of Florida.
I am requesting that everyone in ABATE of Florida take this election of your future leadership Very Serious.
Listen to what the candidates say, but also what others say and then decide who you want to lead the organization into the future.
Let the officers of your chapter know how you want in office!
RIDE FREE
