SAN Director's Dispatch

Meeting in the Middle Means Everybody Wins

“I believe in friendly compromise . . . Compromise is the oil that makes governments go.” – Gerald Ford

Victory can be measured in a number of ways: fractions of a second, number of laps ahead, miles per hour and a myriad of others. The outcome of any competition depends on many factors, all contributing to how far ahead the first finishes before the rest. However, winning “big” doesn’t always mean “taking all.” As you’ll read in the cover story of the latest Driving Force issue (pictured at the right), the positive result of the negotiated settlement that resulted in the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that saved the Johnson Valley Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area was really a large compromise. Off-roaders and the U.S. Marine Corps were both winners. Read more »

Legislative Front Lines

» View complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.

• Tennessee Bill to Exempt Antique Vehicles From Privilege Tax Approved by House; Moves to Governor - 3/4/2014 

• Louisiana Bill Seeks Annual Recognition for "COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION WEEKEND" - 3/6/2014 

• Washington State Bill to Exempt Collectible Vehicles From Emissions Tests Approved by Senate; Moves to Governor - 3/7/2014 

• Province of British Columbia Proclaims July 12, 2014 as "COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY" - 3/7/2014 

• Maryland Bill to Provide "Second Chance" for Vehicles that Fail OBD Emissions Test Not Approved by Committee - 3/5/2014 

• Michigan Bill to Exempt Certain Historic Military Vehicles From License Plate Requirement Signed into Law - 3/7/2014 

• Virginia Bill to Exempt Antique Vehicles from Exhaust System Restrictions to be Held Over to 2015 - 3/5/2014

• Ohio Bill to Expand Use of Historical Vehicles Signed into Law - 3/4/2014

SEMA SAN Strike Force
 

Like many groups dedicated to automotive pursuits within the SEMA Action Network (SAN), the Stray Angels Car Club is a non-profit organization that prides itself on building car-related camaraderie and contributing to charitable causes.  However, among those who own street rods, customs, factory stocks and late models are members without a single specialty vehicle in the driveway.  Just as when they were formed in September of 1958, "the key to being a member of the Stray Angels is having an interest in the car hobby and an interest in the community," according to their website.  

Based in Roseburg, Oregon, the Stray Angels also have a history of legislative involvement.  Long-standing SAN member Don Larson believes that our legion "keeps legislative nonsense away!"  He and the others participated in supporting a bill to eliminate the requirement of ethanol in gasoline last year.  In 2011, they opposed a bill that would have severely limited vehicle suspension, body lift and wheel/tire alterations.  It ultimately died without committee consideration.  Some in the club even enjoy the occasional cup of joe with hobby-friendly lawmakers in the SAN-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. 

As in years past, the group's Annual Show-n-Shine will be included among those July events honoring the national celebration of Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) in 2014.  The event's 32^nd anniversary takes place Saturday, July 12, at River Forks Park and is held in conjunction with Douglas County's legendary Graffiti Weekend.  For all the latest details and event information, visit the club's website (www.strayangelscarclub.com) or their Facebook page.  Enthusiasts in the Beaver State and the rest of the SAN membership thank your group for such positive contributions.  Best wishes, folks!

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