Comments on: Vote for a bike-friendly future

By: lamar

lamar — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 15:49:47 +0000

In the spirit of democracy and free speech, I agree with MJ: as a member, I want Cascade Bicycle Club to advocate for me as a cyclist. As a premier national cycling organization I think WE and Cascade have a responsibility to see that candidates are questioned about their transportation choices’ stance and to have that CONSIDERED when voting. I don’t vote for all of the candidates that Cascade endorses, but I appreciate their doing some of my “homework” for me.

As to the issue of spending membership money on political activities, I believe that Cascade DOES HAVE a separately funded “PAC” for that purpose. Without the budget in front of me I can’t cite specific percentages, but the bulk of Cascade “income” goes to support GENERAL advocacy work, the nationally recognized excellent FREE Daily Rides Programs, and the CBC Education Foundations myriad of programs for children, low-income and disadvantaged children and adults. Very little goes to the PAC.

I not only support but encourage all Cascade members to VOTE THEIR CONSCIENCE; but I also urge you, Tom and Tim, to reconsider your decision regarding continuing as a Cascade member.

By: Tim Shields

Tim Shields — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 18:09:27 +0000

I agree with Tom. As near as I could tell, there were two non-Democrat candidates endorsed. I can only assume the Democrat candidates in those races have been convicted of hitting cyclists with their cars. Several points that I would like to make are as follows:
1. I find it rather Chauvinistic given the current economic situation we find ourselves in and the fiscal trouble the state is in, that our cycling issues should be at the forefront.
2. The endorsement process by Cascade costs the organization money to prepare. The funds could be better spent elsewhere.
3. If the endorsements are to continue, then please be more discerning. Only make an endorsement when there is a clear, cycling specific, distinction. I would think that there would less than a handful of races to look at.

The status quo is straining my desire to continuing to fund an otherwise great organization.

By: M.J. Kelly

M.J. Kelly — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:16:57 +0000

Hi Tom,

As a member and reader of the newsletter and the blog, you probably notice the breadth of wonderful programs and activities the organization is actively engaged in, like recreational rides, bike tours, riding classes, a nighttime lights clinic, advocacy leadership, and much more. Political work is one aspect as well.

Every year, we work through a rigorous process to provide our 14,000 members, and any interested voter, with information regarding candidates running for office. Cascade’s endorsed candidates understand and support our vision of a community that bicycles, where bicycling is normal, convenient and safe for everyone.

The bottom line is this: if we want a future where everyone has the freedom to safely ride their bike, we need elected officials committed to building this future.

Voters like you and me have many issues to consider when casting their ballots, and our endorsements will help you see how you can expect candidates to lead on bicycling issues. We’re not “telling” you how to vote; we’re doing research so people know where candidates stand on bicycling issues so a) you can decide if you want to support them and b) we can hold them accountable to our mission if they are elected.

I also encourage voters to review our 2012 legislative scorecard, which provides a quantitative account of how every legislator voted on issues that support making it easier and safer to ride, while providing a qualitative look at the real story behind the scenes. Many organizations put out a scorecard, and it’s effective to help with accountability.

Interestingly enough, the Political Action Committee was established in 1970: http://cascade.org/about/history.cfm, the year Cascade was founded. If you’re not interested in politics, you don’t have to be. That’s the great thing about Cascade — there’s something for everyone.

I love riding, too. Having elected leaders who support and work toward our mission will make it better and easier for more people to love riding as well.

M.J.

By: Tom Reagan

Tom Reagan — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:56:22 +0000

I just read the latest issue of Cascade Currier, and to my disappointment inside it had a page telling me who the paper believes we all should vote for.
i joined Cascade years ago because of a love of riding, and have watched it slowly become less about the riding and more of a Political Action Committee.
The two should be separated.
I will not be renewing my family membership this year.