Southwest Chapter of ABATE of Florida April 2013 Newsletter

APRIL 2013 Volume XXXII, Issue VIII

ABATE of Florida, Inc. ~ Southwest Chapter

18th ANNUAL FREEDOM RIGHTS RALLY

April 12-15, 2013 Ride to the Capitol Monday, April 15th

STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS SEE PAGE 17 FOR MORE DETAILS

PG 2

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Memberships are open to anyone 18 years of age or older All members receive with their paid membership a membership card, our bi-monthly Masterlink magazine, Chapter Newsletter,

Chapter voting privileges and personal involvement in Statewide legislative actions and their freedom to ride

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Southwest Chapter PO BOX 60745 • Fort Myers, FL 33906

southwest.abateflorida.com

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

NEXT CHAPTER MEETING MAY 5TH

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

MISSION STATEMENT WHO WE ARE

We are a non-profit organization of motorcycle enthusi-asts from all walks of life. We lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote motor-cycling in a safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organiza-tions and individuals that share a similar interest in pre-serving our American tradition of FREEDOM. We pro-mote motorcycle safety, training, & political awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR A GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, poker runs, campouts, and other mo-torcycle activities. We are your neighbors & friends who work, pay taxes, and get involved with our community. We serve and support our country and believe in free-dom. We use all legal means to protect our rights with-out infringing on the rights of others.

OUR GOALS

To become a powerful and viable political force in legis-lative matters concerning the motorcyclist.

To promote the safe riding habits without infringing on individual freedoms.

To motivate the bikers to write letters to their legisla-tors before, during, and after the legislative session.

To furnish our members with a newsletter to keep all bikers informed in regards to upcoming legislation.

Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and or the Southwest Chapter. This publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc. and Southwest Chapter accept no responsibility for the comments, opinions or views contained in this newsletter.

Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to:

Wayne Cerra (cell) 239-989-3349

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes. ABATE of Florida, Inc.

© 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter • All Rights Re-served ABATE of Florida, Inc. and the Southwest Chapter do not condone drinking while riding or driving

IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MONTHLY NEWSLETTER; ISSUE DATE:

APRIL 2013

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

ABATE of Florida, Inc. Southwest Chapter

PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906

http://southwest.abateflorida.com/

PRESENTLY, MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE IS THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE EACH CHAPTER MEETING

FOR BOARD APPROVAL FOR SUBMISSIONS

NEW ADVERTISERS OR AD CHANGES MUST

BE SUBMITTED BY THE

15TH OF EACH MONTH

Southwest Chapter Meeting Schedule

This months Chapter Meeting

Will be held on

APRIL 7th, 2013 10 a.m.

at Harley Davidson of

Fort Myers

Located at 2160 Colonial Dr.

Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-275-4647

southwest.abateflorida.com

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 3

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

With season winding down and as I look forward to driving down 41 without fear-ing for my safety, there are still many events coming up real fast. In a couple weeks we head up to Tallahassee for the 18th annual Freedom Rights Rally at the State House. Look for our Bears for Bears kickoff event at Sun Sports April 20th. Our Bears for Bears campaign is to collect new stuffed animals for the Lee County Sheriff Dept. which are given out to chil-dren during distress and/or crisis calls. Each year we fill a few Patrol cars with the donations. Please consider donating for this great cause to be held on May 26,th at Harley Davidson of Ft Myers. Look for e-mails and flyers. June is an-other ABATE of Florida State meeting and it will be hosted by the Southwest Chap-ter with the meeting taking place at the Dixie Roadhouse on 47th Terrace in Cape Coral. This meeting will consist of 2 dele-gates from each of the 33 Chapters in the State as well as the State Board of Direc-tors and their staff. This is a great oppor-tunity for Chapter members to attend a local State meeting. I encourage all of you to attend.

June is Chapter elections for your Board of Directors. April’s meeting will kick off the nominations. Please consider to step up and make your voice heard. This is your Chapter and it takes more than a few mem-bers to continue to support our cause. No prior experience needed. We could definitely use a new prod-ucts person. You do not have to ride, and we prefer someone who is able to commit to Tuesday nights and a monthly event who also drives a small pick up or SUV capa-

ble of carrying a fold up table, 2 folding chairs and a couple small totes. Your Chapter has continued to grow but with-out your support, we can only go so far. Many hands make light work.

Many new and old Bills going through this year. I continue to follow all bills sup-ported by ABATE and will keep you up to date with weekly postings. Also, check out the www.abateflorida.com website for up to date info from Darrin “Scribe” Brooks. Ken “Teddybear” Miller has al-ways done a great job keeping us in-formed as well.

I would like to welcome all the new mem-bers as well as those who continue to re-new with us. Our Chapter can only get stronger as we have had some great new members join over the past few months who will help bring this Chapter into the future.

Advertisers, Sponsors and the public help us continue to grow and be active. Please consider a donation, an ad or a Sponsor-ship to one of our events.

Ride Safe, Ride often but, Look, Look, Look again, Respectfully, Wayne Cerra

President’s Message

Fred Glennon 339.235.2189 [email protected]

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 5

412.999.3397 [email protected]

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 7

Our Bodies are Much like

our Motorcycles, Except...!

Over the past three weeks, we have gone

through and are still recovering from three ill-

nesses. This does not include some ongoing

health issues that are affecting us. However, over the years, we have seen the healing

power and intervention of God in many in-

stances and, God has been true to His Word.

Without that faith and belief, we feel that nei-

ther one of us would be here, alive today. We would not be here to share an incredible jour-

ney that God has brought us through with

Him.

Like our bodies, motorcycles sometimes have

issues going on, that no matter what we do or

try, never seem to be fully resolved. Our mo-torcycles will eventually die in some shape or

form. That will be permanent.

However, there is another permanent and ulti-

mate fix for our bodies. This will even in-

clude things and personal characteristics about ourselves that we have never cared for. There

is hope!

In Philippians 3:21 says, "... the Lord Jesus

Christ: who shall fashion anew the body of

our humiliation, that it may be conformed to

the body of his glory, according to the work-

ing whereby he is able even to subject all

things unto himself." -ASV 1 Corinthians

15:52 says, "In a moment, in the twinkling

of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet

shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in-

corruptible, and we shall be changed." -

KJV

These and other scriptures tell us, that in Heaven, we will have been transformed into

beings with perfect bodies and, be totally free

from the corruption that our bodies have gone

through, here on earth. Our bodies will obtain

Christ's glory!

This life is only a small portion of time, com-

pared to eternity. So, the best is yet to come.

How do we get there? Please pray this, and

mean every word of it with the conviction and

love in your heart. "Dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, my heav-enly Father, the God of Jesus, I con-fess that I am a sinner and have been separated from You. I receive forgive-ness of my sins by the finished work on the cross. I repent and accept this gift of repentance and I wish to be free in you. I confess with my mouth that your son Jesus is my savior and died for me. I believe in my heart that You raised Him from the dead. I re-ceive Jesus into my heart and ask Him to become the center of my life. I ask, in the Name of Jesus. Amen."

If you wish to contact us, to talk about your

decision for Him, please email or call. If you

wish us to help with prayer for you, loved ones, friends or others, let us know.

Blessings,

Pastor Tom (SW ABATE Chaplain and Estero

River ABATE Life Member) and Pastor

Kathy (SW ABATE Life Member)- www.messiahsmessengers.org - 239-267-8641

or email: [email protected]

DEAR FELLOW ABATE MEMBERS

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SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 9

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Brothers and Sisters,

I am very excited about our Membership Drive. We, as a Motorcycle Rights Organiza-tion, warrant the time to im-press upon our fellow riders and supporters of riders, to

join this cause. We need to target safety to our riding public as well.

As I participated in the Bunny Run, I thought, why aren’t all the Hog members Abate mem-bers? Why aren’t all motorcyclists ABATE Mem-bers?

I think THAT is the question to be asked. Pre-conceived notions can buckle and organization. Speak to your fellow riders and cagers. With a larger voice we can stand a little bit taller. Our motorcycle rights organization is the only MRO in the State of Florida. There are 10,000 motorcyclists in our area. We need them and they need us. Make an effort to join forces with fellow chapter members to double our size by May! Best Regards, Barbara “Babs” Bardell

BABS Newsletter Editor

Keith Baker Darrell Barnett Denee Bartels Scott Blink Chet Butz James Burkholder Nora Burkholder Don Campbell Frances Cazes Wayne Cerra Jonathan Conant Terry Covington Audrey Cran Maggie Cran Rick Cran Rob Cran Robert “Cruz” Crusan Jim Crystal Dan Curry Ginny D’Asti Biffle Davis Mary Dicenzo-Porter Al Diagiaco Frank Disomma Cindy Doak Randy Eck Marius Espeleta Brian Galvin

Sonny Gartrell Steven Goldstein Lynnda Gray Larry Gullia Bob Hall Harry Hoover Jeff Hoover George Huttman Susan “Red” Huttman Dan Jackson Cindy “CJ” Jordan Frankie Kennedy John Kennedy

Ed LaCombe Julio Lopez Mary Ann Rivera-Lopez “KD” Marlowe Russell May Rev.Rea Means Don Meredith Jr. Jo Ann Miller Kenneth Miller John Mitchell Jim Mozeleski Taylor Musburger Terry Padilla Bob Penn Asuncsion Peppers

Richard Peppers Victor Piorkowski Kathleen Provenzano Rev. Thomas Provenzano Bill Robinson Janet Rolfe Tabitha Rossi Roland Salsberry Jencye Schmitt Jerry Schmitt Bruce Scheiner Elsie Seif Robert Simon Kelly Smith Randall Spivey Richard Stergulz Sandy Stergulz Grandpa Stewart Lynda Stewart Russell Sullivan Scott Turner Ruth Vorys Teresa Webster D. Payton Wells Michael Wieland Jama Wyatt Steve Wyatt

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS

I am a firm believer in the people. If given

the truth, they can be depended upon to

meet any national crises. The great point is

to bring them the real facts.

~ Abraham Lincoln

LEGISLATIVE REPORT ~ APRIL 2013 Submitted by Ken “TEDDYBEAR” Miller Good Morning Freedom Fighters:

They say that when one door closes another door opens, and I suppose that’s true, especially in politics. When one election cycle ends, another begins. It’s a never ending cir-cle. Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall has already drawn a challenger, and things are starting to heat up. Democrat Debbie Jordan of Fort Myers, who has run for of-fice in the past, said she’s in campaign mode again for Lee County Commission District 4, challenging Republican Com-missioner Tammy Hall. Jordan ran four years ago for county commission and lost to Brian Bigelow, then lost last year’s legislative race against Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers But she said her heart, and her issues are more into county matters, so she’s trying again for the commission. “This is where I’ve lived, this is where my family and friends are,” she said. “I care about this community and the people here, and I think people want someone who shows they share their concerns.” Although it’s been more than 15 years since a Democrat has won a Lee County partisan election, Jordan says that does not discourage her. “County issues should not be about par-tisan politics,” she said. “Commissioners are supposed to serve all the people, not just those in one party.” She acknowledged she has a tough road ahead, which is why she’s starting early. Other Democrats also will be work-ing hard and early on outreach, she said, urging more resi-dents to register and vote. Hey Everyone, Our Bills have been filed and are out. Darrin “Scribe” Brooks HB 1335 - Traffic Offenses General Bill by Beshears Traffic Offenses: Provides criminal penalties for a person who commits a moving violation that causes serious bodily injury to, or causes or contributes to the death of, a pedes-trian or a person operating or riding in a motor vehicle or operating or riding on a motorcycle or bicycle. Effective Date: July 1, 2013 Last Event: Filed on Monday, March 04, 2013 4:16 PM

SB 1648 - Traffic Offenses General Bill by Evers Traffic Offenses: Providing criminal penalties for a person who commits a moving violation that causes serious bodily injury to, or causes or contributes to the death of, a pedes-trian or a person operating or riding in a motor vehicle or operating or riding on a motorcycle or bicycle; requiring that the person pay a specified fine, serve a minimum period of incarceration, and attend a driver improvement course; re-quiring that the court revoke the person’s driver license for a minimum specified period, etc. Effective Date: 07/01/2013 Last Event: 03/02/13 S Filed on Saturday, March 02, 2013 11:38 AM

CARROLL’S RESIGNATION SHAKES CASPITOL

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll’s resignation in the wake of an ille-gal gambling probe sent shockwaves through the Capitol on Wednesday, potentially ending the career of a rising political star and confronting Gov. Rick Scott with one of the most sensitive personnel decisions of his administration. It was the end of a tumultuous two years for Carroll, the highest-ranking black elected official in state history, who has not been charged with any wrongdoing in the investiga-tion. Law enforcement officials, though, said more indict-ments were possible in the ongoing probe. Carroll had earlier raised hackles with some of her com-ments; after criminal charges against an employee led to allegations last year that Carroll was caught in a compromis-ing position with another female aide, Carroll suggested she was too attractive to be gay. She later apologized. Still, the lieutenant governor had been a darling of social conservatives, and her selection as Scott’s running mate was a gesture from the former health-care executive who was known mostly for his economic conservatism. Carroll was often seen as a desperately needed female, mi-nority voice in a Republican Party whose strongest voices are largely white and frequently male. In 2012, she was named a member of TheGrio’s 100, a list of prominent politi-cal, cultural and business figures put together by a website focused on black issues. On Wednesday, Scott stood on a sun-drenched corner of the Capitol grounds and spoke about Carroll’s departure, which was handled quietly late Tuesday and became public the next day. "I will not elaborate on the details of her resignation further, other than to say that she resigned and she did the right thing for the state and for her family," Scott said. A company Carroll co-owned during her time in the Legisla-ture, 3N & JC Corporation, provided consulting services for Allied Veterans of the World, the entity at the center of the investigation. In a statement issued through unofficial channels, Carroll said she did not believe she or her company are "targets" in the ongoing investigation. "My decision yesterday to resign as Lieutenant Governor represents my unwavering commitment to the great state of Florida," Carroll said in the lengthy statement. "I simply refuse to allow the allegations facing a former client of my public relations firm to undermine the important work of the Governor and his administration." Attention immediately pivoted to who might replace Carroll. Speculation surrounded members of the Cabinet, including Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Attorney Gen-eral Pam Bondi. It wasn’t clear whether either of those offi-cials, both of whom have been rumored as potential primary challengers for Scott in 2014, would be interested in the po-sition. “I'm very happy being attorney general,” Bondi said at a press conference about the investigation. “I'm sure the gov-ernor will make a great choice.” Scott said he wouldn’t pick a replacement until after the 2013

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Anitere Flores, R-Miami, whose supporters quickly started a hashtag on Twitter to boost her chances. A legislative choice could help Scott, an outsider, work with lawmakers on his election-year agenda in 2014. “A lieutenant governor can be helpful in this process, here,” said Sen. John Thrasher, a St. Augustine Republican and former chairman of the state GOP. “I certainly think that that’s appropriate, to look at somebody that might have some experience in this process, somebody that has an identity from the standpoint of the entire state, if you can find somebody like that.” The selection could also have a political impact on Scott’s bid for re-election in 2014. "The governor now has a chance to pick, frankly, somebody that he believes can help him in the campaign,” Thrasher said. “So I think it will be benefit to him, frankly, down the road." Like most lawmakers, though, Thrasher stressed the final decision was Scott’s to make. Legislative leaders also shrugged off the thought that the open position could give Scott more sway over representa-tives or senators who might want to be considered. “I don’t think it has any more leverage over lawmakers than him having the veto pen [over] every bill and every appro-priation that goes in the budget,” said House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel. As for Scott, the governor promised to remain fixed on his long-running message of creating jobs. “That’s what I want to focus on,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to go back to focusing on.”

HOUSE VOTES ON PROHIBITION OF INTERNET CAFES With little opposition, the Florida House on Friday approved a measure to outlaw the electronic games played in strip malls across Florida at Internet Cafes and adult arcades. The 108-7 vote came a little more than a week after the state’s lieutenant governor resigned due to ties with an Inter-net cafe group at the center of a multi-state racketeering in-vestigation. It is likely the first step in closing the businesses, which have been popping across the state with more fre-quency in recent years. "It’s about time we actually shut down something that has clearly been illegal in my opinion,” said Rep. Carl Zimmer-man, R-Palm Harbor. “Recently people in my district have come to me and told me about some of these establish-ments that don’t pay out the $3,000 win that a person gets in one day. Instead they pay out $599 per day to avoid taxes. If this is true I think they have other problems yet to be faced." The measure (HB 155) is by some of the major pro-business advocates in Tallahassee, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, but became almost inevitable after the investiga-tion into the cafes was announced earlier this month. The House approved a similar proposal last year, but the measure never reached the Senate floor. This year the Senate version of the proposal (SB 1030) is expected to appear before the Rules Committee, chaired by Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, who sponsored the bill, before going before the full Senate. Opponents questioned the hasty effort to close businesses

that they say employ about 1,300 and could generate up to $13 million a year in revenue to the state. Rep. Elaine Schwartz, D-Hollywood, also said the proposal is taking away an activity that is enjoyed by the elderly. ‘Why jump to making it illegal, when the standard is simply to regulate and tax it and having it be in the same world as other gambling?" Schwartz said. “I don’t see why we have to jump to make it a crime when it is something that is very pleasurable, something that can be enjoyed. There is no reason that it should be a criminal activity." But Rep. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, said the arcades were a “predatory” industry that preys on people with gambling ad-dictions. He also said the cafes have proliferated in poor neighborhoods and the cafe owners amass millions of dol-lars in profit at the expense of poor people who can't afford to lose money. Backers also say the measure simply clarifies existing rules that prohibit the games of chance - and that the places should have been illegal all along. They also dismissed the fiscal impact numbers, saying the total could include amuse-ment games found in businesses such as Chuck E. Cheese and Dave & Buster’s that aren't impacted by the prohibition - because their offerings are games of skill. While legislators have been critical of the arcades for several years, the bill has rapidly made its way through both sides of the Legislature in response to the statewide investigation into alleged illegal gaming by a charity, Allied Veterans of the World. The probe already has led to 57 arrests. The investigation also resulted in the resignation on March 12 of Lt. Gov. Jen-nifer Carroll, who had consulted for Allied while in the Legis-lature.

HOUSE TRANSPO COMM OKS TXTNG BAN A long road remains ahead in the Legislature, but what had seemed a fixed barricade to a ban on texting while driving – the House – was moved a short distance on Thursday. Members of the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee unanimously backed the texting while driving ban, joining the Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee which unanimously backed the legislation on Wednesday. "This is a no brainer type of bill, it’s legislation that should be enacted," said Rep. Doug Holder, R-Sarasota, the sponsor of the House legislation (HB 13). "We’re losing lives every day." Holder called the vote the first action to advance the issue in the House, where concerns have held sway over imposing new rules to infringe on personal liberties, since 2008. The bills would make texting while driving a secondary of-fense, meaning drivers would have to be pulled over for something else before they could get a secondary ticket for texting. The bill has exceptions, such as allowing the use of “talk-to-text” technology, and allowing texting while a vehicle is stopped, such as at a red light.

HOUSE LOOKS TO DIM RED-LIGHT CAMERAS While not pulling the plug on the controversial devices, a House committee Thursday approved a bill that would place more restrictions on how cities and counties use red-light

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SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 15

cameras to police busy intersections. The bill (HB 1061) would prevent using the cameras to cite drivers for improperly turning right on red lights. Also, it would set minimum amounts of time for yellow traffic lights to display and could give drivers more legal tools to fight cita-tions. Bill sponsor, Rep. Frank Artiles, R-Miami, said he wants to make sure drivers' due-process rights are protected. "This does not ban red-light cameras,'' Artiles said before the House Economic Affairs Committee voted 12-4 to approve the measure. "This regulates them at minimums." Though Artiles and local-government groups said they are trying to reach agreement on the bill, the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Police Chiefs Association expressed opposition to the current version. League of Cities lobbyist Casey Cook, for example, said us-ing the cameras to enforce right-on-red violations is impor-tant in places such as beach communities, which have large amounts of pedestrian traffic. "We think that is a local deci-sion, and it should stay that way,'' Cook said. The bill is slated to go next to the House Appropriations Committee. Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Royal Palm Beach, has

filed a similar measure (SB 1342), though it has not been heard in a Senate committee. With red-light cameras popping up at intersections across the state in recent years, the Legislature has repeatedly de-bated whether to ban or restrict the devices. The cameras take images of vehicles running red lights, a violation that carries a $158 fine. While local governments support the use of the cameras, critics point to issues such as the photographic images not being able to identify the drivers who are running red lights. As a result, notices are sent to the owners of the vehicles --- regardless of whether they were actually behind the wheel. Artiles' bill includes a formula for the minimum amount of time yellow lights would have to display, which could de-crease the number of red-light violations. Also, it would make changes in the process used to appeal camera-related cita-tions, such as requiring authentication of evidence in court. Rep. Daphne Campbell, D-Miami, and Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, are sponsoring another measure (HB 4011) that would bar local governments from using red-light cameras. That bill also passed the Economic Affairs Committee last month, by a slimmer 10-8 margin.

JUDGE BLOCKS PART OF PIP LAW

A Tallahassee circuit court judge has, at least temporarily, blocked part of a law passed last year that sought to re-duce fraud in the personal injury protection auto insurance system with a scathing critique of the no-fault law, saying it doesn't give people access to the courts when they're wronged. Leon County Circuit Judge Terry Lewis noted that no-fault law is a trade-off of access to a court remedy for wrongs for "a reasonable alternative" to a right to sue that speeds up payments for injury claims and lost wages, and some immunity from being held liable for others' losses. But in the 40 years that Florida has used no-fault insurance, which Lewis likened to a "socialist" scheme depriving indi-viduals of their rights, new restrictions have come into play that have forced reviews of whether they go over the line in denying people access to legal remedies to injuries. In the case of the new restrictions on claims under the PIP law, Lewis said it appears they might. In light of the new law's restrictions on the ability to be covered for certain treatments and other limits, the question arises, "is the no-fault law still a good deal?" Lewis wrote. "Is it still a reason-able alternative to the rights guaranteed to citizens un-der ... the Florida State Constitution.? "The answer to those questions is probably, like beauty, in the eye of the beholder, and reasonable people may dis-agree. From my perspective, however, the revisions to the law make it no longer the 'reasonable alternative'" earlier courts had okayed," Lewis wrote in a short order granting a temporary injunction. Lewis prohibited the enforcement of only those sections of the law requiring a finding of emergency medical condition as a prerequisite for full payment of PIP benefits, or the sections that bar payment of benefits provided by chiro-practors, massage therapists and acupuncturists, who had challenged the new law. The PIP law, passed last year in HB 119, limited covered medical care to $2,500, instead of the usual $10,000, if the injured claimant can't show an emergency medical condition. The Legislature created the no-fault car insurance system in 1971, a move, Lewis wrote, that not only took away peo-ple's right to sue, but relieved "the wrongdoer of responsi-bility for his conduct, and granting him immunity from civil liability." He called the system an example of an "experiment with socialism and the trend away from those libertarian princi-ples of individual liberty and personal responsibility." Backers of the new law had said for years that the PIP system was rife with fraud, with fly-by-night providers bill-ing for un-needed, or phantom "medical care." Gov. Rick Scott had made passage of limits on the insurance claims a major part of his agenda last year.

Sensenbrenner Introduces Ethanol Legislation

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced HR 875, a bill that would require the US Environmental Protec-tion Agency (EPA) to conduct a thorough independent study of the effects of gasoline/ethanol blends above 10%. Currently the EPA is allowing the use of blends up to 15%. Sensenbrenner had this to say, “There have been several tests and warnings highlighting E15’s harmful effects on engines and their components, but they have all been dis-missed by the EPA. Therefore, we must force the EPA to stop the use of E15 fuel until the serious safety, durability, performance and environmental concerns have been ad-dressed.” The bill would halt the sale of E-15, the 15% blend, until the studies findings have been completed. The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) has cautioned own-ers against using the blend. At a recent hearing held by the US House Science Com-mittee all witness’s agreed that more testing was needed into the effects of E-15 on internal combustion motors of all sizes. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation supports this legislation and strongly urges you contact your US Representative and ask them to cosponsor HR 875 as soon as possible. Its important to have a large number of cosponsors to pass this legislation. You can reach the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Road America Update

The agreement between Road America and the Motorcy-cle Riders Foundation will terminate on April 13, 2013. Un-til that time, they will accept new or renewed business in accordance with the existing contract. After that date, they will continue to service all members but will not accept any new members. Anyone who would like to continue a road service plan that includes motorcycles may want to investigate a program called Rider Rescue. You can find the program at rider-rescue.com

If you don't read the newspaper you are uninformed, if you do read the newspaper you are misinformed. -- Mark Twain See you in the wind, ‘TEDDYBEAR’

BE SURE TO STAY UPDATED ON LEGISLA-TIVE INFORMATION BY VISITING OUR STATE WEBSITE

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FREE SOUTHWEST CHAPTER OF ABATE MEMBERSHIP WITH MOTORCYCLE PURCHASE

Membership Report

Submitted by

Moe Moser, Membership Trustee

WOW! A great recruiting ef-fort by some of our members is paying off! In March we had two renewals and 13 new members! Thanks to those who recruited our new members- This is how an or-ganization like ours grows in numbers and strength. Keep up the good work.

Welcome renewed members:

Gary Will Larry Dobransky

Welcome new members:

Leonora DeCerio Ken Stager Ray Ramos Richard Lambert Steven Morris Jon Engle

Scott Wilzbach Richard Fisher Tonya Fisher Ronald DaPonte Carl F. Shipp Bryan Piercy Kathleen Bigham

Due to renew in March:

Tony Allen Mark Ballargeon Joe Cowan Leo Hinkley Dave Neville Susan Perola Sterling Peterson Francine Schroeder Douglas Sepanak John Stepan Paul Thornton Rick Vontok Jeff Wilkes

Due to renew in April:

Ken Coon Harry Hudson

Eric Malasky Robert Speakman Sally Tietz

Renewals expire the last day of your month. Membership applications can be picked up at local motorcycle shops throughout Lee County and many offer discounts to ABATE Members (just show your card) and at our Tuesday Bike Night at The Joint in Cape Harbor from 6p-9p

Membership Is $20.00 per year or a life membership for $150.00. Membership includes a $4,000.00 accidental death or dismember-ment policy, local discount with participating businesses and a VOICE to be counted as a member of a Motorcycle Rights Organiza-tion (MRO) to make roads safer and drivers accountable for their actions.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 19

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MAY IS

MOTORCYCLE

SAFETY MONTH

20 BEARS FOR

BEARS KICK OFF

SUN SPORTS

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

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May 2013 Motorcycle Safety Month

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BEARS SEND OFF

HARLEY DAVIDSON OF FORT MYERS

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER GENERAL MEETING HARLEY DAVIDSON, FT. MYERS MARCH 3, 2013 CALLED TO ORDER AT: 10:18am

Anyone beside the Sec. taking notes? No Please keep the chatter down so all can hear and let’s keep this a positive meeting Salute the Flag and KC will follow with a prayer. PRESIDENTS REPORT: WAYNE CERRA 1. Certificates were handed out to Gwynne Hickman and Lynne Davis. 2. Thanked Fred for stepping up and helping with PR and Advertising. 3. Daytona Bike Week March 8th-17th. Still in need of some volunteers. 4. Bears for Bears, 2 events. April 20th collection kick-off at Sun Sports and April 26th Give collection to the Sher-iff Dept. 5. June 9th State Meeting @ Dixie Roadhouse. Lodging will be at the Holiday Inn Express on the corner of Del Prado and Cape Coral Pkwy. 6. Please sing Petition so Abate can start receiving funds for MSAP. 7. We need more sponsors. This is your chapter so please help out.

VICE PRESIDENT: JIMMIE DENNIS 1. Ft Myers Bike Nite March 9th form 5-10pm. Please come out and help support Abate and volunteer at the booth. 2. We will have volunteer sheets with all the events on them. Please sign up to help. 3. Leesburg Bike Week is April 25th-27th.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: TRACY DAVIS 1. Motion to accept last month’s minutes as written in the newsletter made by Dee and seconded by Gwynne.

TREASURERS REPORT: TODD “KC” BURNS 1. Motion to accept last month’s report made by Gwynne and seconded by Lynne.

SARGENT AT ARMS: KEN COON 1. No incidents to report 2. We had a great ride up to the Pre-Daytona Bike Party. We had over 50 bikes. 3. Special thanks to the Lost Riders for their support and use of their Blockers.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT: MOE MOSER 1. 10 new members 1 renewals. 2. 200+ members

3. Get Moe all new membership info please. 4. Membership drive begins March 1st.

NEWSLETTER: BARBARA “BABS” BARDELL 1. Anyone who would like to submit an article please see me or Wayne. We are open to member articles ap-proved by the board. 2. Thank you for sending me the information on time for the newsletter. 3. Postcards to our Senators.

WEBSITE: TAYLOR “ATM” MUSBURGER 1. Absent but continues to improve the website. 2. Looking to update the Chapter Website. If anyone has any ideas or would like to help, please see Wayne.

SAFETY DIRECTOR: VICTOR PIORKOWSKI 1. Our next MSAP class will be March 9th @ Ft Myers High 1:30-2:30. 2. Rusty Pettifor has stepped up and earned his MSAP certificate. 3. If anyone is interested in becoming an MSAP instructor send your info to Vic Piorkowski.

PRODUCTS: WAYNE CERRA 1. We are still in need of a products person for Bike Nites and Events. 2. We now have Chapter Flags @ $25.00 each. 3. We will be putting an order in for Chapter T-shirts, Tanks, Long Sleave T-shirts and Sweatshirts. 4. We will also be getting updated Chapter Patches.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT: KEN “TEDDYBEAR” MILLER 1. In the newsletter

DELEGATE REPORT: 1. In the newsletter

ROAD CAPTAIN: SCOTT TURNER 1. February 20th dinner ride to Perico’s went good. We had about 18 of us. 2. Lunch ride to Woody’s in St James City after today’s Meeting. 3. More info to follow regarding future dinner rides.

OLD BUSINESS: 1. We will not be going forward with a Bike Nite at Good Times in Lehigh. 2. We will be getting a Billboard for our Chapter.

NEW BUSINESS: 1. Possible Bike Nite at Perico’s 2 Wednesdays a month. 2. Babs to check on Advertising on Benches.

GOOD OF THE ORDER: 1. March 9th @ 9:00 Meeting of the Minds at Harley Davidson.

TIME OF ADJOURNMENT: 12:10pm

MEETING MINUTES

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THANK

YOU

TO OUR VOLUNTEERS, ADVERTISERS AND

SUPPORTERS OF OUR MOTORCYCLE RIGHTS

ORGANIZATION

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester.

NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

LEGISLATION WOULD PROHIBIT E15 GAS PENDING FURTHER INVESTIGATION Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced H.R. 875, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency to stop the use of gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15) until its harmful effects are investigated further.

H.R. 875, introduced on February 28, would repeal the EPA’s waiver decision approving the use of E15 and the authority of the agency to grant further decisions until the EPA seeks an independent scientific analysis of the effects of the E15 blend.

“There have been several tests and warnings highlighting E15’s harmful effects on engines and their components, but they have all been dismissed by the EPA. Therefore, we must force the EPA to stop the use of E15 fuel until the seri-ous safety, durability, performance and environmental con-cerns have been addressed,” announced Rep. Sensenbren-ner.

Sensenbrenner has introduced several bills to address the risks associated with E15, and his latest legislation to halt the sale of the 15% alcohol blended fuel until further studies are completed, came less than a week after witnesses from automobile and motorcycle industry and consumer groups testified before the Science, Space and Technology Com-mittee that more testing is needed.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that Americans using gas-powered machinery – whether it be cars and boats or chainsaws and lawnmowers – are not put at risk due to faulty fuel that has not been adequately vetted,” Sensen-brenner said.

BILL INTRODUCED IN CALIFORNIA TO REGULATE LANE SHARING No sooner had the California Highway Patrol published guidelines on how to safely maneuver your motorcycle be-tween lanes of slow-moving traffic, than SB 350 was intro-duced by State Senator Jim Beall (D-San Jose) to codify the rules into law.

California is the only state that allows “lane sharing” or “lane splitting,” precisely because there are no laws against it; though officers have a variety of charges they can levy against a reckless rider such as unsafe lane change or too fast for conditions. Beall’s bill would restrict the practice by prohibiting motorcy-cles from splitting lanes unless specifically allowed; “…when a highway has been divided into three or more clearly marked lanes for traffic traveling in the same direction, a person operating a motorcycle shall not pass another vehi-cle in a portion of a lane occupied by that vehicle unless the

following conditions are met: (1) The passing occurs during traffic congestion. (2) The passing occurs at a safe speed.” Following furious feedback from motorcyclists opposed to over-regulating an act that 87% report doing almost daily during crowded commutes, Sen. Beall soon pulled his pro-posal and turned it into a two-year bill for future reconsidera-tion. In the meantime, although ABATE of California did not initi-ate the measure, the group will work with Beall to amend the language, and vows “…our goal is to ultimately submit a bill that addresses the concerns of the motorcycle community; a bill that can be supported and endorsed by the ABATE membership. If the final bill doesn’t meet ABATE’s require-ments, ABATE will vigorously oppose the bill and try to kill it.”

DRIVERS CAUSE MOST CRASHES WITH MOTORCY-CLES, RESEARCH SHOWS For motorcycle riders, people in "cages" bear a dispropor-tionate share of the blame for the high number of motorcycle crashes, while car drivers feel careless motorcyclists ca-reening in and out of traffic are putting their own lives at risk. So who's mostly to blame when four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles collide? According to a recent Florida Department of Transportation study, bikers are right. Motorists driving cars and trucks are mostly at fault, often failing to yield the right of way to the smaller vehicles. In analyzing 10 years of Florida motorcycle crashes, Chany-oung Lee, a senior researcher at theUniversity of South Florida's Center for Urban Transportation Research, found that 60% of the time motorists in other vehicles are at fault when they collide with motorcycles. But the study uncovered more: When looking at all motorcy-cle crashes, motorcycle operators bear a lot of responsibility as well. They have a significantly higher number of single-vehicle crashes than other drivers. Some 34% of motorcycle crashes involve one vehicle, according to the study, com-pared to only 19% of car crashes involving one vehi-cle. When looking at really severe and fatal motorcycle crashes, 50% involve just the motorcycle and no other vehi-cle, but when multiple vehicles are involved, greater blame falls on four-wheeled drivers. And most motorcycle crashes involve other vehicles. But it's also a matter of awareness, according to Lee, who is part of FDOT's Motorcycle Safety Coalition. In driver sur-veys, FDOT has asked people how often they see motorcy-cles. Those with motorcycle endorsements on their driver's licenses report seeing motorcycles all the time, while those without endorsements who live in the same area report oc-casionally seeing motorcycles. Due to minimal levels of protection to their riders, approxi-mately 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or fatality, according to the Network of Employees for Traffic Safety, while only 20% of passenger car crashes injure or kill the vehicle occupants.

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Dr. Samir Ahmed, PhD, PE, the Chief Engi-neer of the Federal Highway Administra-tion’s motorcycle crash causation study has resigned, saying that he had “serious reserva-tions about the value of the study.” According to Motorcycle Consumer News, the doctor, in a parting email, wrote, “I am writing to let you know that I am no longer working on the motorcycle crash causation study. I have serious reservations about the value of study with the existing FHWA involvement. My expectations of the study are very low.” Mandated by the busy-bodies in Congress, the study was supposed to collect date from 1,200 crashes. However, the cost of the study soon

doubled, which led to a reduction of the study’s scope. Instead, data from 120 crashes, or 10% of what was originally planned, is be-ing collected.

Chief Engineer of Fed Motorcycle Crash Causation Study Resigns

By Andrew Greene 18 January 2013 This article was reproduced with permission AutoFoundry.com

2013

Hog Chapter

BUNNY

RUN

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 29

See Ya Next Year!

Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-79, Chair T. Wayne Miller Jr. Building, 15191 Homestead Rd. Lehigh Acres, Fl. 33971. Phone: (239) 694-0161 E-Mail: [email protected] Legislative Assistant: Charlotte Gammie

Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-30, Vice Chair 1926 Victoria Ave., 2nd Floor, Ft. Myers, Fl. 33901 Phone: (239) 338-2570 E-Mail: [email protected] Legislative Assistant: Matthew Hunter, Tiffany Edwards, Lynda Fino, Tamara Holliday

Sen. Garrett Richter, R-23 32999 E. Tamiami Trail, Suite 203, Naples, Fl. 34112-4961 Phone: (239) 417-6205 E-Mail: [email protected] Legislative Assistant: Becky Kokkinos, Michael Nachef, Sandra Mummert

Rep. Dane Eagle, R-77 1039 SE 9th Place, Room 310, Cape Coral, Fl. 33990 Phone: (239) not yet determined E-Mail: [email protected] Legislative Assistant: Paige Biagi. District: Bradley Davidson

Rep. Heather Fitzenhagen, R-78 2120 Main St., Ft. Myers, Fl. 33901. Phone: (239) 533-2440 E-Mail: [email protected] Legislative Assistant: Edward Metzger. District: Christine Deramo

Rep. Ray Rodrigues, R-76 Alico Lake Commons, 17595 S. Tamiami Tr., Suite 218 Fort Myers, Fl. 33908. Phone: (239) 433-6501 E-Mail: [email protected] Legislative Assistant: James Mullen. District: Jasmine Villanueva

Office of Governor Rick Scott State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Phone: (850) 488-7146 E-Mail: www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott

Office of Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll State of Florida The Capitol 400 S. Monroe St.. PL-05, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 Telephone: (850) 488-4711. Facsimile: (850) 921-6114 E-Mail: www.ltgov.com/ContactUs.html

Florida Senate Web site: www.flsenate.gov Office of Senate President Don Gaetz 404 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100 Phone: (850) 487-5229 E-Mail: [email protected] Chief of Staff: Chris Clark Florida House of Representatives Web site: www.myfloridahouse.gov The Honorable Will Weatherford, Speaker Florida House of Representatives 402 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 717-5038 E-Mail: [email protected] Legislative Assistant: Joy Hampton, Ralph Lair United States Senate (www.senate.gov) Nelson, Bill - (D - FL) 716 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-5274 Web Form: www.billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm Rubio, Marco - (R - FL) 317 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-3041 Web Form: www.rubio.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact United States House of Representatives (www.house.gov) U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R, FL-17 Washington DC Office 221 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515 p (202) 225-5792, f (202) 225-3132 Punta Gorda Office 226 Taylor Street, Suite 230, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 p (941) 575-9101, f (941) 575-9103 Contact Congressman Rooney through his Congressional web site. U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R, FL-19 Washington DC Office 1123 Longworth HOB, Washington, D.C. 20515 p (202) 225-2536 Cape Coral District Office 804 Nicholas Pkwy, East, Suite 1, Cape Coral, Fl. 33990 p (239) 573-5837 Contact Congressman Radel through his Congressional web site

Florida’s Lee County Legislative Delegation

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The SWFL Chapter of

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We welcome Marine Veterans, FMF Corpsmen

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If you love riding a motorcycle and want the

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For further information contact RailRoad at: 239-321-3298

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NEXT CHAPTER MEETING MAY 5TH

Our Caring Circle

Please keep in your

thoughts & prayers the following

members and their loved ones.

Tom & Kathy Provenzano

Marsha Penn

Victor Piorkowski

Smokey Clark

Lily Arenas

Wayne Cerra

Pam Mix

APRIL 7th, 2013

"Everything is changing. People are taking their comedians seriously

and the politicians as a joke." - Will Rogers

The Honda rider was traveling at approxi-mately 85 mph. The VW driver was talking on a cell phone when she pulled out from a side street, apparently not seeing the motorcycle. The rider's reaction time was not sufficient enough to avoid this accident.

The car had two passengers and the bike rider was found INSIDE the car with them. The Volkswagen actually flipped over from the force of impact and landed 20 feet from where the collision took place.

All three involved (two in the car and the bike rider) were killed instantly. This graphic demonstration was placed at the Motorcycle Fair by the Police and Road Safety Department..

CHRIS

PROFFITT

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SOUTHWEST CHAPTER NEWS PAGE 35

PG 33

Fred Glennon 339.235.2189 [email protected]