1998 Oregon Election Information

Oregon GOP "pro-Biker" platform plank

BikePAC of Oregon
Press Release

August 6, 1998
For information, contact:
Ken Ray (503) 645-3376, or
Brian Stovall (541) 298-1317.

For Immediate Release:

On Saturday August 1st, the Oregon Republican Party met in Portland to consider changes to the party platform. Among the changes made was a new plank in the party's platform stating opposition to helmet requirements in Oregon.

Ken Ray, Legislative Director for BikePAC of Oregon and also a delegate to the state GOP convention, inserted the helmet plank in a caucus Friday night, then guided it through the floor debate Saturday. Debate was limited to a few speakers, so Ken Ray grabbed the microphone and then yielded to State Senator Gary George who spoke in favor of the amendment.  "Instead of Big Brother it seems government has become 'Big Mama'," said Senator George. "They keep getting more restrictive of our personal freedoms and that's not what we stand for as Republicans."

Bob Avery, another BikePAC member and Vice-Chairman of Lane County
Republicans, helped build the coalition that eventually led to the adoption of the plank in the Oregon GOP platform. The actual wording in the party platform is as follows:

"We (Republicans) believe Oregon citizens are as responsible as citizens in other states in making free choices regarding transportation options.  Therefore we call for raising Interstate Highway speed limits in lower density areas and removing helmet and seat belt requirements for free citizens."

BikePAC of Oregon is a nonprofit organization incorporated as a political action committee. BikePAC was formed to protect and enhance the interests of motorcyclists through legislative and campaign activities.

Brian

This is the kind of stuff that Bikers can accomlish by working within the "system"!!!  If enough Bikers become PCPs, we can control almost anything that Government tries to pull on us.  Tired of being a victim yet?  Being a PCP will take up a handful of hours a year but will reap invaluable rewards when it comes to restoring freedom to our lives.  Let's get Bikers elected to Party Chair positions for every county in Oregon!  We can do it, but only if you file to become a PCP.  E-mail me for info.

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