JMA Election: Candidates' Platform Statements

Prepared by Jay Mandelker, JMA Secretary and Election Convener

CANDIDATES' SUBMISSIONS Hello. my name is Steve Aroesty (pronounced R-S-T”) and I am a candidate for JMA President. I bought my first motorcycle when I was 18 (using bar mitzvah cash) and have owned Yamaha, BMW and Harley bikes. I estimate that I now have 100,000 miles under my belt and have ridden on both coasts, throughout the Midwest and into Canada several times. I first became aware of the JMA shortly before the 2008 Omaha Ride to Remember Convention. I attended that convention, had a great time and returned to St Louis and helped start a club. Since then, I have attended every JMA Ride to Remember (12 total) and several regional get togethers (Meet and Greets). In 2019, I had the honor of working with a committee to have St. Louis host the Ride to Remember which was also the last one that was held (due to covid). For the last few years I have served as JMA programing chair. While there are some in JMA that want to move the organization toward becoming one big club with membership and dues, I believe that we should continue to support the individual clubs and allow them to function independently and autonomously. This, I believe, is the very foundation of the JMA. If elected, I pledge to continue to concentrate on those things that have made the JMA successful: riding, fellowship, and charity. Ultimately I view the role of president as serving as a steward for the JMA rather than as an opportunity to meld the JMA to conform to my views. Thank you for your consideration.

________________________________________________________________________ Hi all. I’m David Rosenblatt and I am asking for your vote to be the next President of the JMA. I, along with Bruce Ente (for VP) and entrepreneur, successful business owner, and president of the Chai Riders of Detroit, Gerry Lullove (for Treasurer) is a slate of forward-thinkers and idea leaders looking to the future of the JMA, rather than attempting to preserve an antiquated structure that fails to see the possibilities of an evolved JMA. My Platform I believe strongly in the value of the JMA to the allied clubs, to the Jewish community, and to the greater society. My vision is that of a JMA with 4 primary qualities: 1. To support and enhance the riding experience of our members through the camaraderie that has been, and can continue to be, developed over the past years. 2. To fight hatred by supporting Holocaust Remembrance organizations and, potentially, other organizations in the fight against antisemitism. 3. To provide an infrastructure that supports the growth in the membership of the JMA and its allied clubs. 4. To support the safe riding experience for individuals and the camaraderie amongst clubs My Goals as President I believe that the JMA is best served (and best serves its members) by evolving into more of an organized structure that can support direct communications with those that desire to join the JMA. As a formal organization, we are much better positioned to · Support individual riders (unaffiliated members which now make up nearly 1/3 of the website membership) · Generate greater camaraderie amongst JMA clubs and JMA members · Foster the creation of more clubs · Support the continuation of existing clubs (over the last 6 years we have lost ~19 clubs) · Provide greater donations to a wider breadth of organizations · Support interclub communications · Provide broader and better services to our members My Qualifications For more than 6 years, I’ve had the honor of being a member of the JMA’s Executive Board and Board of Directors. During this time, my responsibilities include the roles and responsibilities of: · Vice-President of the JMA. · Communications Chairman for the Executive Committee · Webmaster for the JMA and R2R websites As Vice-President, I have been instrumental in supporting Bob Cohen in our mission to gain the trust of a once skeptical JMA Representatives Council as to the willingness of their Club Members to provide individual email addresses to the JMA. I have vigorously maintained the security of our website members’ personal information. I have also championed the proposal to re-envision a broader, deeper, and more active future for the JMA, which has been supported by a majority of the current JMA Executive Committee. As such, I have chaired the subcommittee that created the current Proposal that you will soon be asked to support. As Communications Chairman, I was charged with developing the JMA’s current communications infrastructure. To meet this obligation, I: · Designed a secure Opt-In email system · Created the current Newsletter infrastructure · Educated the Board of Directors on the merits of an eNewsletter · Trained the current Newsletter Editor on how to use and maintain the technology · Created reusable forms in support of the R2R As Webmaster, I have for the last 6 years volunteered my time to support an outdated website and then re-develop it. I have single handedly, maintained, and improved the current JMA website. In 2018 (for the Cleveland R2R) I developed the first R2R website and have modified it for each successive year. As part of that effort, I have become intimately familiar with all aspects of the R2R and our Club’s individual needs. Personal Information Education I earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications in 1976 I am currently a Master’s Degree Candidate in Information Technology majoring in Data Architecture/UX Design. Profession My professional background is that of an entrepreneur and business leader. I have been responsible for the development of four businesses over the past 45 years including a 50-person international, boutique IT Infrastructure consultancy (that I sold after 32 years). I am currently the Managing Partner of a small international Web Design and Development company with offices in Cleveland and Brussels, Belgium It is my hope that together we can improve on what has been a great start to an ever-evolving JMA. _______________________________________________________________________

Daniel Herbst for V.P. Once again, thank you for extending me the honor of nominating me for Vice President of the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance. I have been involved with the JMA since its inception. Nearly 20 years ago, as president of the New York Chai Riders one of the founding clubs, I was on the committee that planned the very first R2R in Washington. I have also served as JMA secretary and a member at large of the board. Since then, tens of thousands of dollars have been raised, and countless of friendships have been formed as a result of events facilitated by the JMA. The original vision of the founders was that this organization was to be an ALLIANCE of Jewish motorcycle clubs. It is my firm belief that it is job of the officers and board to support and serve the clubs, rather than to dictate policy to the member clubs. It is also my position allowing or requiring individual membership would render the clubs irrelevant and ultimately lead to the complete elimination of the clubs. In order to keep the JMA a vibrant alliance of Jewish clubs I would encourage and support greater involvement of the council, as council members are the direct representatives of each member club. I fully support the candidacies and positions of Steve and Lauren, and I will work with them to keep the JMA moving forward and keep it an organization of which we can all continue to be proud. ________________________________________________________________________

Bruce Ente, candidate for JMA vice-president

I have been an enthusiastic motorcyclist for 50+ years, logging 480,500 happy miles including 135,000 miles on my current ride, a Yamaha FJR1300. I've been an active member of three JMA clubs over fifteen years: Chicago Chaiway Riders, Cincinnati Motorcycle Mentschen (co-founder) and Cleveland Shul Boys.

I am proud to have served the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance with diligence, creativity and energy as Treasurer for two terms (2016-2022). During these six years I have continually improved our organization's treasury function in many ways:

• introducing regular, quarterly financial reports to our members for full transparency,

• purchasing year-round liability insurance for half the cost of prior 3-day R2R coverage,

• signing the JMA up as a beneficiary of the AmazonSmile charitable giving program,

• creating a standardized budget template for the annual Ride2Remember,

• starting credit card payment on-site for JMA events and merchandise,

• saving money by hiring a less expensive "registered agent" in Delaware,

• filing required annual reports to the state of Delaware myself instead of paying the JMA's registered agent,

• supporting club-sponsored Meet and Greets with needed financial services, and

• aggressively negotiating favorable hotel and other vendor contracts for five R2Rs.

Apart from my work and success as Treasurer, I have contributed to the JMA in other significant ways as well:

• initiating, planning and coordinating a JMA motorcycle tour of Cuba in 2019,

• organizing four regional Meet and Greets (2013-2016) in southwestern Pennsylvania and Ohio,

• updating the roster of JMA clubs in 2021 by contacting every club to confirm their existence and collect current contact information,

• actively participating in planning five national Rides to Remember (2017-18-19-20-22): collecting, spending and accounting for tens of thousands of dollars each time,

• advocating for a JMA 75th Anniversary motorcycle tour of Israel, and

• collaborating with fellow board members and officers to create a more positive culture within the board, a more participatory Reps Council and improving communication with the entire JMA through our website and newsletter.

If I am elected as vice-president, I will continue to work hard to support our JMA mission to support Holocaust awareness and education; to combat hatred, bigotry and intolerance; to grow the friendships among Jewish bikers (men and women) worldwide that are the heart and soul of the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance. (If I am not elected, I will do the exact same things!) I promise to be respectful toward all, a good listener, an honest sounding board, and a consensus builder in all my interactions. Thank you for considering my candidacy and voting

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Lauren Secular

I am pleased and proud to accept your nomination for the office of Treasurer of the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance. I was gratified to be part of the founding of the JMA nearly 20 years ago, and over the years since, I have served the JMA in many capacities, including R2R chair, so my devotion and attachment to this organization runs deep. I am running for this position because I see an urgent need to preserve and protect the JMA. This body was established by several by several Jewish motorcycle clubs to establish bonds and to work together in the common interest while preserving the distinct identity of each club.

This has worked well over the past 2 decades. Now there is a proposal, coming from the south shore of Lake Erie that would eliminate the membership of the clubs and institute a policy where only individuals could belong. This would effectively put an end to the JMA as we know it and it would be replaced (if it survives at all) with an entirely different organization. As an officer and board member I will work with Steve and Danny to prevent the destruction of this organization which means so much to so many of us, and to see to it that it remains an ALLIANCE of Jewish clubs as intended.

As many of you know, I hold a degree in accounting, have had a financial consulting practice of 30 years, and have served as treasurer of numerous motorcycle clubs and motorcycle advocacy groups, so my professional qualifications speak for themselves. I am grateful for your support. ________________________________________________________________________ I’m Gerry Lullove and I am running for Treasurer of the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance I, along with David Rosenblatt (for President) and Bruce Ente (for VP) constitute a slate of forward-thinking JMA leaders looking to secure the future of the JMA while continuing to support club independence and the values represented by the R2R. My Platform I believe in the value of the JMA to the clubs and to the Jewish community at large. Consistent with the other members of my slate, my vision is that of a JMA with 4 primary qualities: 1. To support and enhance the riding experience of our members through the camaraderie that has been, and can continue to be, developed over the past years. 2. To fight hatred by supporting Holocaust Remembrance organizations and, potentially, other organizations in the fight against antisemitism. 3. To provide an infrastructure that supports the growth in the membership of the JMA and its allied clubs. 4. To support the safe riding experience for individuals and the camaraderie amongst clubs My Goals as Treasurer I believe that the JMA is best served (and best serves its members) by evolving into more of an organized structure that can be counted on to be consistent and equitable to those that desire to join the JMA. Pledge to: · Continue the positive work that has been started by our current Treasurer · To ensure that all the financial and fiduciary responsibilities of the JMA are met and protected · To ensure that our finances visible to all members of the organization · To ensure that all legal filings are made on time and are true and accurate · That all contractual obligations are funded and paid for · To generally support the goals of our slate’s platform. My Personal Background · I am a direct, honest non-nonsense kind of guy · I’ve been a member of a JMA club for the past 4 years · I am President of the Chai Riders of Detroit · Prior President/Treasurer of 2 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations · I’m an entrepreneur and have founded 2 businesses. · My current business has been in existence for 21 years · My prior business was sold after 20 years. · I’m an avid long-distance touring motorcyclist · Have supported or initiated contract negotiations for the San Diego R2R I look forward to serving the JMA with integrity, honesty, and clear vision. _______________________________________________________________________

Jay Mandelker, Candidate for JMA Secretary, Second Term:

Jay has been an avid motorcyclist for half a century, although riding his own motorcycles for the past twenty-two years. His passion to ride and instil safety-first as a prerequisite, led him to become a motorcycle safety instructor where he taught the course for seven years.

“My volunteer service background started as a young adult. I enjoyed my years in Scouts and because we did not have a Cub Pack or Scout Troop at our synagogue, I asked my dad (who was the shul’s Vice President), “Why don’t we? He replied that we don’t have anyone to lead it nor a budget for it. I then asked, “What if I were to run it and make it self-sustaining?” I then took charge and ran our Cub Scout program, which grew year after year.

I joined the Canadian Ski Patrol and devoted my weekends to ensuring the safety of those on the slopes and helping those who needed care. The next year I took their first aid instructor’s course and taught first aid to the Scout leaders of our district.

All this time I was active with my B’nai Brith Lodge. I became the first person to be elected to a second term as president. I was appointed Chairman of the Quebec Regional Council of B’nai Brith Canada and eventually elected, National Vice President of B’nai Brith Canada.

Currently, I sit on the Board of YOW Toronto, as its secretary and am proud to serve the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance as its secretary. It will be my pleasure to carry through with a second term.

My responsibilities as secretary include helping the President on all matters, recording details and maintaining records of all Board meetings. Typically, the day following our meetings, I send minutes to all the Board Members.

i serve as a liaison amongst the Board members and help promote the image of the JMA to all.

I am a good listener; I always try to be diplomatic and find a symbiotic solution to every problem. I believe everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and although we might not agree, we have to understand (unless someone’s preaching hatred or bigotry) it’s his or her right to express his or her thoughts. Let’s work together and improve whatever we can.

My other hobbies and interests have included photography, flying (I held a private pilot license with night VFR endorsement) and am licensed by the FCC as W1JAY and in Canada as VA3COW, radio amateur.

Sitting on the JMA Executive Board, I will continue to exercise the due diligence necessary to perform the job well and act in the interest of our members always. Thank you very much for your confidence in me.

_______________________________________________________________________ If you've read this far, great! It shows you care and are dedicated too. We always need volunteers to help with programming, membership and more. Step up, let us know if you're available. Beneath the following line shows what is required to fulfill each position. ________________________________________________________________________ A summary of responsibilities for each position is as follows:

President: Term: Two Years, with a two term limit. The President remains on the Board for a one two year term as Past President. The President directs the overall affairs and operations of the Executive Board in keeping with policy established by the Executive Board Business and process managed: • Serves as a member of the Executive Board • Presides over all meeting of the Executive Board, in the absence of the President the Vice-President shall preside over such meetings • Appoints the chairpersons of committees established by direction of the JMA or it’s executive board • Supports, explains and promotes all policies and programs adopted by the executive board • Serves as a member ex-officio of all committees, but not to be counted in determining a quorum thereof • Negotiates or designates a negotiator for all contractual agreements into which the JMA shall enter • Performs other such duties as authorized in the By-laws, or as the Executive Board may authorize and as may be defined in the Policies of the JMA Goals and objective managed: • Works with other board members to: 1. Establish JMA goals and objectives 2. Establish, approve and determine the priority of existing and proposed programs that will benefit the JMA membership. 3. Set policy for the JMA Enables committees’ work to be accomplished: • Assist committee chairs in finding committee members, setting objectives, recognizing contributions. And ensuring that the work done accomplishes board’s strategic intent in establishing the committee Vice President: Term: Two Years, with a two term limit. The Vice President serves to provide continuity of programs, goals, objectives and strategic direction in keeping with policy established by the Executive Board, and shall certify the integrity of the records and transactions of the JMA and the Board. Business and process managed: • Serves as a member of the Executive Board. • Assumes all duties of the President in the event of inability or absence of the President to perform his/her duties. • Assists the President in directing the overall affairs and operations of the Executive Board, and shall certify the integrity of the records and transactions of the JMA and the Board. • Attends all meetings of the Executive Board and membership. • Supports, explains and promotes all policies and programs adopted by the Executive Board. • Provides continuity of programs already implemented and helps to develop future priorities. • Chairs Resource Development Committee • Performs other such duties as authorized in the By-laws, or as the Executive Board may authorize and as may be defined in the Policies of the JMA. Goals and objective managed: • Keeps informed on the conditions and operation of JMA. • Works with other Board members to: 1. Establish JMA Goals and Objectives. 2. Establish, approve and determine the priority of existing and proposed programs that will benefit JMA membership. 3. Set policy for the JMA Enables committee work to be accomplished: • Acts as liaison between the board and one or more committees. • Assists committee chair with finding committee members, setting objectives and budget, recognizing contributions, and ensuring that the work done accomplishes the Board’s strategic intent in establishing the committee/task force. • May participate on a special short-term task force to complete specific assignments of Board (example: rewriting Position Descriptions or committee charters). Membership support provided: • Together with other board members: 1. Reviews data on the needs of the membership of JMA. 2. Evaluates and prioritizes existing programs that will benefit these constituents. 3. Approves, establishes and funds proposed programs that will benefit these constituents Secretary: Term: Two years, with a two term limit. Assists the President in directing the affairs and operations of the Executive Board, and shall certify the integrity of the records and transactions of the JMA and the Board. Business and process managed: • Authenticates the proceedings of all meetings and other official deliberations of the Executive Board and of all business meetings of the Association, and ensures distribution to the membership. • Ensures that the official actions and resolutions of the Executive Board and the JMA are recorded and that all documents of the Association are maintained by the Association as assigned in the By-laws. • Attends all meetings of the Executive Board and membership. • Supports, explains and promotes all policies and programs adopted by the Executive Board. Goals and objectives managed: • Keeps informed on the conditions and operation of JMA. • Works with other Board members to: 1. Establish JMA Goals and Objectives. 2. Establish, approve and determine the priority of existing and proposed programs that will benefit JMA membership. 3. Set policy for the JMA Enables committee work to be accomplished: • Acts as liaison between the board and one or more committees. • Assists committee chair with finding committee members, setting objectives and budget, recognizing contributions, and ensuring that the work done accomplishes the Board’s strategic intent in establishing the committee/task force. • May participate on a special short-term task force to complete specific assignments of Board (example: rewriting Position Descriptions or committee charters). Membership support provided: • Together with other board members: 1. Reviews data on the needs of the membership of JMA. 2. Evaluates and prioritizes existing programs that will benefit these constituents. • Approves, establishes and funds proposed programs that will benefit these constituents. Treasurer: Term: Three Years, with a two term limit. The Treasurer acts as the primary steward of the association’s financial resources and is entrusted with the protection of the association’s assets by ensuring accurate recording and reporting of the association’s financial transactions; by ensuing adherence to an annual budget. Business and process managed: • Serves as a member of the Executive Board. • Ensures that the books and records of account and other property of the Association are maintained by staff of the Association. • Attends all meetings of the Executive Board and membership. • Chairs the Finance/Audit Committee • Performs other such duties as authorized in the By-laws, or as the Executive Board may authorize and as may be defined in the Policies of the JMA Goals and objective developed and accomplished: • Keeps informed on the conditions and operation of JMA. • Works with other Board members to: 1. Establish JMA Goals and Objectives. 2. Establish, approve and determine the priority of existing and proposed programs that will benefit JMA membership. 3. Set policy for JMA Enables committee work to be accomplished: • May participate on a special short-term task force to complete specific assignments of Board Membership support provided: • Together with other board members: 1. Reviews data on the needs of the membership of JMA. 2. Evaluates and prioritizes existing programs that will benefit our members. 3. Approves, establishes and funds proposed programs that will benefit our members.