Anchoring Rights Lobbying Volunteers Needed
If you are able to participate in person with the lobbying efforts in Tallahassee, please contact Mike Bodin. Even if you are uncomfortable offering personal testimony, your presence in the group is a big help. See /162138.
ANCHORING RIGHTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Marine Trawler Owners Association 2/10/17
As many of you know, we have formed a coalition of boating groups to represent our “Boaters’ Rights” position with force in Tallahassee. Donations from fellow boaters (primarily AGLCA, MTOA, SSCA, and DeFever) allowed us to secure Capitol Access as our lobbyists.
At times, we must also show up in person to serve as a visual commitment to the legislative committee in Tallahassee to support our position to legislators.
Presently, we are conducting a general survey of boaters who might be able to assist.
This would entail a day commitment two or three times during the legislative session in Tallahassee to attend committee hearings.
We need Florida boating residents as well as out of state users of the AICW for in-person testimonials at the state capitol. In Tallahassee, anchoring committee hearings will commence within the near future and about a dozen boating representatives are needed. They will testify in person to committee members expressing their desire to anchor, the burden of not being able to anchor, as well as, their use of the AICW.
Anchoring committee dates have not yet been scheduled but we should prepare for this future event and coordinate our presentations.
If you can be available to participate please contact me.
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
(captmike12@gmail.com)
And from AGLCA:
Unfortunately, I haven’t had a rush of volunteers sign-up for our new Advocacy and Fundraising Committees since my post Monday. Thanks to your generosity, the fundraising is not an immediate issue. But we do need some help on the advocacy committee. Bills pertaining to anchoring are expected to be introduced in the near-term by legislative committees in Florida. As they are issued, I’ll be looking to a small group of members to provide feedback on which provisions are acceptable to us, and which are not. If you are willing to provide this feedback, but are hesitant to “officially” join the advocacy committee, please email me.
Kim Russo
Director
America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association
krusso@greatloop.org
843.879.5030
Comments from Cruisers (6)
I am a retired marine mechanic and towboat captain/ owner, currently owning a 49′ trawler which I plan on cruising down to FL next year. I have spent a fair amount of time in FL on both coasts as I was in the USCG in the 60s mostly on a 82′ patrol boat. I also have pleasure cruised on the west coast too.
I feel the water belongs to the people who use the water and has traditionally been free to use without abuse. This of course includes those who are fortunate enough to live on the water. If they do not like looking at boats then they should not try to ban their presence.
During last years Florida Legislative session I spend a lot of time and effort working on the Anchoring issues. I sent over 60 e-mails to State Senators and Representatives. I wasn’t counting the phone calls to their offices. I talked to the BoatUS Political People in Washington and their Lobbyist in Tallahassee.
I made posts on this forum asking for help from members. I got none or very little support.
I don’t understand why no one participated. As cruisers, I thought you would have time and the want to participate in this effort. I am going to work on it again this year but I am real disappointed in the members of this forum who would seem like they have the most to loose from the beginning of real anchor bans. Bill Conlyn I would be happy to work with you on this. My e-mail is tomrealest@aol.com
Tom,
Your assistance is most welcome, our lobbyists is extremely active and closely following the bill as it proceeds through the various committees. We will notify you when open testimony is sought for pro anchoring legislation. Your attendance would be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
My email address is pmarble1@gmail.com I am a liveaboadd in Florida and a member of this forum. Please let me know what I can do to help.
Paul,
Again, we appreciate your volunteering to assist us with the Florida state legislature anchoring bill. We will advise you of upcoming open committee hearing dates as they are made aware to us.
Best,
Mike Bodin
MTOA Public Advocate
Bill,
The concern with waterside residents are not with the transient or cruising boaters but in fact with the boater that anchors for seasons or years in front of the residence. Furthermore, they do not like boats that are stored and ones that are derelict (junk). Cities may have to dip into their local taxes paid by the waterside resident for the removal of junk boats that sink. We promote safe, environmentally friendly, and courteous anchoring.
Best,
Mike Bodin