It’s election season and that means your Federal-level elected officials have left Washington, D.C., to campaign in communities and states across the country until November. This is an ideal time to reach out to lawmakers and urge them to support the RPM Act before the end of the year.

SEMA has drafted a new letter urging action on the RPM Act in the final months of session. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is urging its membership and racing enthusiasts everywhere to send the new letter to federal elected officials today. Even if you have previously sent a letter, your voice is needed once again to ask for immediate congressional action to pass the bill this year.

Here is a quick and easy way to send the new letter. Simply visit www.sema.org/rpm and fill out your name and contact information. It only takes a moment!

Choosing Wisely Starts With Deciding to Choose
By Colby Martin

When it comes to the sheer amount of options available, has there ever been a better time to be a gearhead? It’s hard to ignore the endless selection of vehicles and parts easily accessible to auto aficionados today. A vast array of information is available at one’s fingertips. A rare find is often as close as the time it takes to surf the internet using key search terms. The doors to one’s imagination are now open wide.

An abundance of choices can also be found within the U.S. political process. While the nation’s Founding Fathers sought to create a limited government that would fairly represent the interests of its citizens, it also provided for frequent elections that were intended to create a pool of talented and committed lawmakers. They also recognized the need for several branches that would share powers and check each other’s actions. Of course, the federal government shares this responsibility with state governments that have their own executive, legislative and judicial bodies.

Every four years, come election time, the nation’s political focus quickly shifts to the highest office above all others: the U.S. presidency. It comes as no surprise that the office of chief executive is the topic of most discussion among the electorate. (Read More)

Click here for the complete list of Legislative Action Alerts.

• Help Steer Our Nation’s Leadership: Register to Vote Now!

• Michigan Bill to Facilitate Motorized Access to Forest Roads Signed into Law

• Federal Focal Points: Update on Topics at the Congressional Level

Craig Sparkes stands beside his 1966 Ford Ranchero and 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 in the Alhambra Valley near Walnut Creek, California.

Craig Sparkes began his association with the auto hobby as a teenager. His father bought the then sixteen-year-old Sparkes his first car. However, it was not in running order. “I fixed that car and found I enjoyed spinning wrenches,” Craig remembers. “I’ve been involved in the hobby ever since. In fact, that first car led to more than a dozen fun cars in my life.” After a stint in the U.S. Army, he returned to civilian life and ordered a 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass W-31. It is the one he claims he never should have sold. He later found an original factory-built Scarab Z, one of only 17 known to still exist, and restored it. Sparkes has now had it for 20 years. Other recent four-wheeled “toys” include a 1967 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 and a 1966 Ford Ranchero. These days, Craig can be found spinning wrenches on his current project: a 1968 Mustang Fastback. A 1966 Shelby 427 Cobra would admittedly be his ultimate prize. “Unfortunately, I’ve haven’t been able to own one and will likely never be wealthy enough to change that.”

“As someone who loves cars and enjoys working on them, I’ve sought ways to be involved in this hobby,” explains Sparkes. He has been a member of the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association and The Automotive History Preservation Society (AHPS) for many years. The latter group’s mission is focused on the preservation of auto history through cataloguing documents, magazines and news stories. In addition to becoming an officer, he’s also the current editor of their Internet-based e-magazine, No Limits. This publication can be found online at www.AHPSOC.org. Through joining SEMA, Craig and his team have long supported the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) advocacy mission. “I am acutely aware of the negative impact that well-meaning but ill-informed legislative efforts can have on our hobby. The SAN plays a critical role in keeping the hobbyist and business communities informed of potential legislative threats and opportunities. Equally important is the SAN’s presence in Washington, D.C. and state houses nationwide that allows legislators to be educated on issues that impact our hobby.”

Your spirit and dedication to the cause are appreciated, Craig. Many thanks for spreading the good word!

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