Support petition candidates in League of American Bicyclists election.

Three League of American Bicyclists members are petitioning to run as candidates for the Board of Directors. They have asked me to post their message, and here it is. I have signed their petition and I suggest that if you are a League member, you also do.

Did you know that by next year, nearly half of the LAB Board (7 of 15 members) will be appointed? This means that seven board members will not feel a commitment to be responsive to members. The League board changed the Bylaws this July — without asking members whether they approve of having their influence weakened.

We think this is unacceptable in a membership organization. Please help us protect the rights of all members. Support candidates who will work to make all Board members elected and responsive to members, and who will work to re-direct LAB to better defend cyclists’ rights and represent members’ interests.

In addition to appointing the unelected directors, the Board controls who can get on the ballot. They accepted only one reform candidate, Bill Hoffman, who is currently on the Board. This means John Brooking, Eli Damon and Khal Spencer must collect over 1000 petition signatures to get on the ballot.

We hope you will sign our ballot petition. You can sign online at http://www.PetitionOnline.com/0league0/petition.html
If you want more information and especially if you would like to help us collect signatures, please see http://www.labreform.org/campaign/

We apologize if you get more than one request to sign our ballot petition. Time is critical — we must receive all petitions by October 20 and we need many signatures. We are contacting affiliated clubs, cycling lists, cycling instructors and anyone we can. You can help by forwarding this message and the petition link to any LAB members you know.

After you have signed and returned the petition, please let us know so can verify that all petitions are counted.

And please remember to vote for us and for Bill Hoffman when balloting opens on Dec. 1.

Thank you very much for your support and vote.

John Brooking

Eli Damon

Khal Spencer