My thoughts on the CGKA Presidency

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

This election has highlighted the fact that the kiting community is looking for an organization to promote and protect the sport of kiting in the Gorge. Reading the posts on this site it would seem that people are looking for an individual to lead this organization who has vision, confidence, and a personality that will help promote the sport and build alliances with the organizations controlling access to the water. A year ago next month Tonia, Gregg and I sat in an airport in Texas and saw a need to create a positive feeling around kite boarding. The Port authority had previously seen kiteborders as a reckless group of individuals who came demanding more access, but offering nothing in return. We decided to create an event that would help bring the kiting world together and show the community that we are a positive force. Thus Kite Boarding 4 Cancer was created. In 4 short months we managed, with the help of the entire kiting world, to pull off one of the most successful kiting events to date. Coupled with the recent activities of the CGKA, I feel that we are poised at a position to make tremendous strides in promoting our sport, securing access to the water and sponsoring events.

I am glad that Jim is also interested in promoting this group as well. I know in the past the Port and some of the other authorities have had issues working with some of the members of the CGKA and I am glad they are working out some of these problems. But I think that this is what this election is about. Do we want a new face for the leadership of the CGKA or do we want to continue with the old leadership that have not always been readily accepted or available?

It is exciting to see all of the enthusiasm- not all of it well directed, but enthusiasm none the less for this organization to take off. I hope to be a part of this.

Thanks for you consideration—

p.s. what ever this nonsense that I might be against sliders is just that--- nonsense.

Pepi · Sat Mar 08, 08 9:57 am

I'd like to add to this that these officer postions should not be too focused about who is going to attempt to 'lead' this organization, but should be more about who will best 'represent' the decisions of the Board of Directors who will make decisions based on the needs and interest of the membership.

The membership is who communicates the needs and interests of the community, the Board of Directors bases their decisions upon these needs and interests of the community, and the officers represent and support the decisions of the Board of Directors.

I think that both Garrett and Jim are excellent candidates. We just need to pick which one we believe will best represent our community needs and interests, and will focus on the future growth and vitality of the organization. The decision we make should truly be based on who will have the best interest of the community at hand and the shaping of the organization for the future members, board of directors and officers.

Sorry for this extra boring reading, but I hope that some you will consider these points when basing your decisions.

Thanks
Pepi

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

Pepi- I agree with your post. Tonight will be a great opportunity for the kiting community to choose who they want to represent their interests and advance the sport in the Coulmbia River Gorge.