“Unfortunately, our predecessors set unrealistic expectations with the entire ARPA campaign . . .” I cannot let this pass without amplifying Mickey’s comment. It was worse than unrealistic expectations. The reality is that we had, to be diplomatic, folks leading the charge that had no experience with actually dealing with ham antennas and HOAs, regardless of claimed experience and expertise. We do now. Dick, you know what I am referring to as you brought that all to light and made an issue out of it and took heavy flak. I sure remember what resulted in that conflict and it changed the board for the better. I also agree with you and your members it is difficult to have sympathy for HOA dwellers. I preach this but in populated areas it is a challenge. Why can you have a blanket federal exemption for broadcast antennas but not small amateur antennas? But the reality is that many newcomers have no idea that their neighborhood development restrictions, CC&Rs and bylaws will affect a new interest they never contemplated years before. I get those HOA ham calls once a month or more as a volunteer council. Usually in the context of “ they told me to take my antenna off my railing” or whatever. I’ll bet Fred gets more. So, the fact that we spun wheels before was an issue related to project management, which did not really exist for the effort and budget, or lack of one. The problem with the HOA draft our earlier representatives were pushing was that it went backwards with ham/HOA rights. We spent money in my experience that was not well regulated or planned. When those of us with real experience in asserting such things in the judicial process finally saw the language and barked as to the interpretation (and not that it did not go far enough because reasonable people can differ on compromise), we were sidelined and dismissed – even disqualified if you will recall, for calling out the BS. I believe your accounting of the attitude Dick, regarding your members. You ask and they tell you. My experience is otherwise as a VC. When I give VC presentations on antenna law, I get the same pushback from members as Ria and Mickey see. My director W3TOM and I get questions on better definition of PRB-1 or more formal codification of PRB-1 exemptions and HOA relief as well. It is not an easy thing to do and we may not succeed, so we do not address it? Didn’t we poll members some time ago on such questions to get a sense of interest in that regard? That would be useful info to reconcile division attitudes on this matter. Bob Famiglio, K3RF Vice Director - ARRL Atlantic Division 610-359-7300 www.QRZ.com/db/K3RF From: arrl-odv On Behalf Of Mickey Baker Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2020 11:56 AM To: Richard Norton <richardjnorton@yahoo.com> Cc: ODV <arrl-odv@arrl.org> Subject: [arrl-odv:31211] Re: Time to Refocus the League's HOA-related Efforts in Another Direction Dick and all, Unfortunately, this is not the sentiment of the Southeastern Division, from my point of view. Yours is a pragmatic statement of the problem. Unfortunately, our predecessors set unrealistic expectations with the entire ARPA campaign going back at least as far as 2014. I invite you to publish this to your division and invite public discussion. The members that I represent remind me of ARPA almost every day and would reply emotionally. We are going to need to continue our legislative effort until we're defeated, IMO. An implementation of an OTARD type rule would be a win! 73, Mickey N4MB Mickey Baker, N4MB Palm Beach Gardens, FL “The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead." Robert K. Greenleaf On Thu, Oct 22, 2020 at 11:48 AM Richard Norton via arrl-odv <arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> > wrote: As reported on September 25 in message ODV-31049, I had an interchange with an Arizona ARRL member regarding the League's HOA legislative activity. My reply to him, covering the lobbying history, was included. This is a follow-on report covering interchange with more League members on HOA-related legislation lobbying. Executive Summary I saw no support for the League continuing the HOA-related congressional lobbying effort. If the extent and cost of our activity is explained, some even expressed irritation with our effort, essentially saying that people should read and pay attention to what they sign. Details I forwarded my message with mention of thirty years of lobbying and the seven-figure cost to two groups of Radio Amateurs totaling fewer than 100, asking for their comments. The first group consisted of some radio contesting friends located all across the country, and the second group contained ham radio leaders in the Southwestern Division such as SM's, club presidents, and representatives to the Council of Radio Clubs. Responses were received via emails. Discussion also took place at a Zoom meeting of the Los Angeles Area Council of Radio Clubs. The responses were unanimous in their appreciation for receiving the information and not supporting further lobbying efforts. Among comments such as "outstanding," "excellent," and "well-written" was the suggestion to "make it a guest editorial." The most positive thing said about the lobbying was that it was OK to have tried, but it is time to move on to something else. Some gave histories of their experiences in HOAs. In all cases, people understood what they signed up for and worked with it, not expecting someone to come in and absolve them of their promises. Support was given to assisting amateurs with conflicts with government, but not with private contracts. Suggestions In formulating your actions on this subject, it may be useful for you to communicate with League members. If you do so, it would be pertinent to include the following two facts that are important in deciding whether to continue: 1) thirty years of lobbying 2) seven-figure cost to date If in the end, anyone feels continuation is advisable, I'd appreciate hearing any proposed strategy, not just that you think it would be nice if it happens. Why is the legislation at all likely to be enacted now? Why should we be spending $100K+ a year on it? Preferred Activity A program, consisting of QST stories about specific successful HOA installations and HOA club-stations, eventually resulting in a book about dealing with HOAs, seems worthy of consideration. I'll continue to try to get something like this underway. I'd be happy to distribute my original message more widely, asking for more member input, but hope the Board will act without my doing so. Conclusion The Southwestern Division has spoken loudly to me. There is no support for the League to continue the HOA-related congressional lobbying effort. It is time for something else. All hams that I've discussed this with from other divisions feel the same. Let's attach our ground wires, and work on a plan that has a chance of succeeding. 73, Dick, N6AA _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org <mailto:arrl-odv@reflector.arrl.org> https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv
