Campaign statements for Rick Byrd and Ryan Gonsoulin

[Toyse_Woody]

Hello my name is Rick Byrd. I’m 34 years old, married to my wife Kim for 5 years, and we have a 9 month old son, Hayden. I’m running for South Central Region Director for 2007. My qualification for this position include many years of competition flying. This past year I have worked with Sequence committee developing Unknowns and Knowns for this coming year.

I started flying pattern in 1981, flying in numerous local, regional, and national competitions where I had a very successful career. My greatest accomplishments include winning the Nationals in Advanced pattern, 2 time finalists at the Don Lowe Masters, and participating in the 1998 TOC.
I began flying IMAC in 2002 in Unlimited. I believe this origination has many things to offer. The sport is growing tremendously and I want to be a part of it for many years to come. I would like to see this region become one of the top regions in the country. I have a few ideas for the region and for the Nationals. I’ve been to almost every National event since 1986, and I believe I can help the board of directors make the Nationals one of the premier events in the country. As it should be, its IMAC’s big show.
I would like to see a judging school each year and I would like to see the boot camp that was held last year continue. These activities promote our sport and educate the members that we already have. This is a great sport that we are involved in, so why not share it with other modelers.
In closing, I ask for your vote. I’m open to new ideas from the membership and look forward to leading the region into the future. Thank you,
Rick Byrd

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I've been involved in our great hobby for more than 20 years. In that time I have tried everything from sport flying to gliders to pylon racers to even control line (yes, control line, and I stink at it!). As most of you know in the past few years I have fallen in love with IMAC, both in regards to the competition as well as the comradery that comes with it. Over these few years I have learned a lot about our sport, both good and bad, mostly good though. In a continued effort to support and promote IMAC, I would like to become your next South Central Regional Director. I will strive to always be as accessible as possible to everyone needing to contact me and will listen with an open mind to anyone having concerns and/or recommendations. I (along with my to be assistants) will make decisions that are in the best interest of IMAC and our region.

In short, I want to continue to try and add new venues to our contest calendar, keep well established contest on the calendar, and increase overall participation. I would also like to make immediate changes to the Regional Points Challenge and possibly have the Regional Championship play a roll in the points challenge.
Looking forward to a great 2007! Sincerely,
Ryan Gonsoulin

[sweetpea]

I'm not in your district anymore, but I know Ryan pretty well. Great guy. Can't fly IMAC worth a crud, but don't hold that against him....LOL