Ask Jayson W: Region Chair Candidate

[Jayson Woodruff]

I wanted to start this thread for several reasons. First and foremost, I'd like to be elected. But I believe I'm the underdog so I'm doing a little self campaigning. But secondly, I think it should be advertised to the general population that there is an election coming up, Oct 15th to be specific. And for the first time in a very long time one of the seats is contested, namely region chair.

For information, the way the election process works is much like our electoral collage system. The club representative’s (CASOC, GRA, Morgan+4, No$, PFM, PSCC, SCNAX, SVTOA, Team Blew and TCC) place the actual votes which are weighted by several factors. So if you have a candidate in mind, you have to inform your club reps to get your opinion counted. I implore all club members to do this, as part of my philosophy is to get more membership involved outside of the club reps.

My sales pitch is simply this: I work very hard at everything I do. I research items and think out obstacles. I'm good at learning from mistakes and adjusting paths to meet needs. I believe the Chairman's job is to guide the solo group to keep it self sustaining, not to simply rule and react. I'm also good at making myself available; I think most who know will say I respond to e-mails, phone calls and physical attendance well.

The next message is basically my resume. It's there to give background info to those that don't know me well and remind others of the benefits I have brought to the region.

I invite everyone to ask me any questions they want in this tread, let just not stray into irrelevant conversations.

I e-mailed Mike last week so we coordinate similar postings, but never got a response.

Jay W

[Jayson Woodruff]

Started racing Solo with CalClub at end of ’00 season. Joined No$ in ’01. Started attending committee meetings in ’04. Sound Chair of San Diego 04-05. SCNAX LA Club rep 05-06. President of SCNAX SD 06-present. Treasurer of SCNAX LA 07-present. National RallyCross Board member ’06-present

Some of my original ideas:
SCNAX Cup Scoring
ProSolo Practice
Trophy Dash Cameo
Chili Cook off
Drove acceptance of 3 day holiday race weekends (T-giving in LA, Labor day in SDR)

Divisional in ’08 – Large Event Experience
Drove idea of Divisional in 05
Coordinated Series with SFR and SDR
Designed system to incorporate regional points
Drove idea of profitable Test & Tune
Organized $$ for left out popular regional classes (SK, CSM and HIST)

Attended ’08 SCCA convention – Know what to expect
Way is paid to ’09 convention – No cost to the region

Have raced in 3 outside regional events (outside of LA and San Diego) – Great way to pick up ‘better ways’
Raced in 24 National Events, 10 states and countless regional events
Chairman of over 25 events

Plans for the region.
First and foremost I want to get the clubs deeper involved. Recent movement appears to have centralized the region’s decision making to Coco’s every 3rd Wednesday. I would want to make sure each and every club rep takes the relevant issues to there members for input and discussion, something I’ve been pushing pretty hard for the last few months. I also believe we’re at our strongest when several clubs are firing on all cylinders. In recent years we’ve moved to more and more e-board event, where it’s typical for the same people to do the same jobs too often. A few years ago each of five teams took about 2 events each and there was maybe two e-board events. In my opinion, this was our best year in terms of sharing the work load.


Declining participation is obviously an issue in recent years. There are many methods to try out to attempt to increase participation that are being explored and will continue to be explored. But the other side of this that I think is getting ignored to adjust ourselves to withstand a down turn. This means finding ways to reduce flat costs and/or consolidate costs, or at least taking precautions to get good value out of our regional dollars.

One specific example is the wireless bar code reader for Timing and Scoring (grid). It sounds ‘neat’ and the idea seemed to gain momentum in the recent meetings. But this wireless reader is expensive, and while reducing known troubles it will introduce unknown troubles (which we assume are less). With our participation numbers on a down slope, I would lobby against items like this that don’t have great value to the region. Leave it for ‘up’ years.

Jay W

[Grant Heathman]

is part of your self campaigning more events at el toro? that sure would be nice...

[Jayson Woodruff]

is part of your self campaigning more events at el toro? that sure would be nice...

Yes. But the problems are the '09 calendar is mostly worked out in late '08, before a new chair takes over. I am the new El Toro liason though, and I've had a good working relationship with AMCI over the Div and some other marquee events and will be pushing the following El Toro concept.

Regional champ before the pro
ProSolo - March
Evo - I like Robert's idea of mixing this with a regional to consolidate costs.
Regional Champ - after the Pro
Motorsport Z event - Late Apr
Rent an RV space for 2 months at El Toro to accommodate the above (yes, it can be done fairly cheap).

Divisional (or Div like event) - July
Regional - Late July, early Aug to avoid Fontana heat.
Borrow some AMCI space for the RV to accommodate the above, if not, rent some RV space for 1 month.

That would give us two big events there and a total of 4 or 5 points days there (assuming Div will count as 2 like '08) with only 2 RV trips from Fontana to El Toro.

Edit: BTW, I live in Irvine. I think that makes my position on events at El Toro pretty clear cut

Jay W

[Mike Simanyi]

I e-mailed Mike last week so we coordinate similar postings, but never got a response.

I didn't receive any e-mail from you Jayson, but I'll add some comments for consideration.

I'll keep this brief. Anyone who has attended more than one event probably knows me. I'm committed - I"ll even say over committed - to autocross (see Nationals, co-driving with Bill Schenker ;) ), and it shows in everything I do for the sport, from instructing both with the BMWCCA and our region, to doing challenging and fun course designs for us and helping generate new ideas to improve our operation.

I'm our Vice-Chair. I'm the Street Touring Advisory Committee Chair. And I'm foolish enough to work hard so we can host the best events possible. I pushed hard for X runs without the second work group, Time Only runs so participants can run in any group they choose and improvements to the motorhome so it meets our needs (work is about to commence on that.)

When our banking was "interrupted" a couple months ago, I worked out a plan with Gio that allowed us to host the NOTLD event, paying the lot fee and lights myself.

When the trailer tire blew out, I took care of it. When the right side trailer tire stopped holding air at our last event, I took care of it.

Yes, I work hard for us. I'm not afraid to get dirty and make the effort. But more important I've developed a lot of friendships with our local members and I know I'm well-positioned to help the region make some great strides. It takes a team effort - not a solo one (pun intended) - and great communication to make this region operate where it should: at the top of the SCCA autocross ladder.

That said, I'm extremely glad we have options for our Chair. A choice of one isn't a choice.

Mike

[Jayson Woodruff]

I didn't receive any e-mail from you Jayson, ...

My sent file says: Thursday, October 2, 2008 10:34 AM, using the same to and from accounts we've recently to converse. Maybe the spam filter (sometimes catches yahoo.com addresses).

Jay W

[Max Hayter]

Firstly, I would like to say that I like, respect and consider both candidates good friends.

However, I agreed to be Mike's Vice Chairman since I believe he has some great ideas for the club and I believe we can work well together. It should be noted, that since Craig died, Mike has been leading this club and you would all be shocked at the amount of effort/personal time he has been putting in to keep this club running. He deserves our thanks and he gets my vote as he has demonstrated that he has the club's best interests at heart.

[Jayson Woodruff]

...However, I agreed to be Mike's Vice Chairman ...

I don't mean to pick on you Max, and mean no disrespect. But this right here is a sample of what made up my mind to run. It's become the norm that the only three elected officials we have in this region get effectivally 'appointed'. I sure would like to change the attitude from 'X agrees to take position Y' to 'X is going to run for position Y'.

What I'd really like to see is some others step up to run for Vice Chair and treasurey. While I expect the two single nominees to do fine jobs, it would be healty to have actual elections for all the positions.

Jay W

[Max Hayter]

I don't mean to pick on you Max, and mean no disrespect. But this right here is a sample of what made up my mind to run. It's become the norm that the only three elected officials we have in this region get effectivally 'appointed'. I sure would like to change the attitude from 'X agrees to take position Y' to 'X is going to run for position Y'.

What I'd really like to see is some others step up to run for Vice Chair and treasurey. While I expect the two single nominees to do fine jobs, it would be healty to have actual elections for all the positions.

Jay W

Jay - don't get me wrong, I completely agree with you. Do you have a Vice Chairperson in mind? I only agreed to run with Mike, since we are on the same page. I acknowledge that some may view me as the "Sarah Palin" of this election, but gosh darn it, what else are ya gonna do, you betcha.

[Christine Grice]

but gosh darn it, what else are ya gonna do, you betcha.

A lot of the things that Max posts I read in my head with a british accent... this just kinda threw me for a loop

[Sebastian Rios]

Jay - don't get me wrong, I completely agree with you. Do you have a Vice Chairperson in mind? I only agreed to run with Mike, since we are on the same page. I acknowledge that some may view me as the "Sarah Palin" of this election, but gosh darn it, what else are ya gonna do, you betcha.

Does that mean if Mike is not elected you will not serve as Vice Chair?

[Max Hayter]

Does that mean if Mike is not elected you will not serve as Vice Chair?

That is correct.

[Steve Ekstrand]

I'm really eagar to see what Mike and Max can do and am supporting their team to lead the region. That said, Jayson is one of the best event chairs we have and did a tremendous job with the divisional. I had to eat my early criticisms because it turned out to be one of the best events I've ever run and I'm pleading with them to do the series again.

We as a region are fortunate to have people like Mike and Jayson and Rick Brown (who is smart enough to no longer volunteer to be chair) and of course Renee and Gayle who for years and years have made CSCC Solo the center of their lives. And of course also in our region helping and offering their expertise we have the 2010 Nationals Co-Chairs--Mr and Dr Clements. And we have one of the owners of the Evo school, Robert Puertas who literally grew up in our region. And of course the nations premier autocross family bringing home three national championships this year the Berry's. And Marshall Berry and Aaron Goldsmith who are becoming big contributors. And then a whole host of fantastic people like Will Kalman, Lisa Severy, John Fendel, Tom Phillips, Ken Lord, George Schilling, Mike Sullivan, The Rios Family, The Robertson Family, The Stewart Family, and literal another 50 people I ought to mention.

With this collection of talent and just fantastic individuals, we should be the envy of the nation. I'm really saddened when often we aren't. I've talked a lot with Mike about what goes wrong and what my criticisms are. I think there are easy solutions there. We certainly have the talent. And I hope regardless of who wins that we don't alienate the loser because we need the talents and energy of both Jayson and Mike going forward if we're going to meet our challenges and reach our goals in 2009 and beyond.

My respect to both of you for stepping up and running.

[Mako Koiwai]

What do the Candidates think about exploring a new venue like Pier S in Long Beach. I know both of you live near El Toro, so of course that works well for the two of you. Since we've lost Hollywood Park, those of us who live North and West of El Toro and Fontana (and Qualcomm) always have the longer drive.

[Jayson Woodruff]

Jay - don't get me wrong, I completely agree with you. Do you have a Vice Chairperson in mind? I only agreed to run with Mike, since we are on the same page. I acknowledge that some may view me as the "Sarah Palin" of this election, but gosh darn it, what else are ya gonna do, you betcha.

I would work with any Vice Chair that won the election. This goes for treasurer as well. This is not a presential election where we pick running mates or parties. I did not know your acceptance of the nomination was contingent on Mike winning, and I'm not so sure others did either (unless I miss it). I've got to say, this isn't the way I'd do it.

Jay W

[Giovanni Jaramillo]

Does that mean if Mike is not elected you will not serve as Vice Chair?

That is correct.

So it's like the U.S. politics where you vote for a "ticket" (i.e. Simanyi-Hayter) as opposed to "ala carte" (item from column A - J. Woodruff, item from column B - M. Hayter). But in our region it's not like U.S. politics.

[Giovanni Jaramillo]

Damn Jay, you beat me to the punch. I was thinking the same thing, though I personally knew if Mike didn't get voted in, Max wouldn't run. I'm okay with that but I agree with Jayson's view. Treasurer I believe should be someone EXTREMELY TRUSTWORTHY, and have some financial background (aka accountant, etc...)

[Giovanni Jaramillo]

Since we've lost Hollywood Park

I drove by there not too long ago and we DEFINITELY lost it. It's like Norton....big containers or back-ends of 18-wheeler trucks, and I believe tents everywhere.

[Jayson Woodruff]

What do the Candidates think about exploring a new venue like Pier S in Long Beach. I know both of you live near El Toro, so of course that works well for the two of you. Since we've lost Hollywood Park, those of us who live North and West of El Toro and Fontana (and Qualcomm) always have the longer drive.

I'm a fan of multiple sites. As many as we can get. The two things you need to watch tough is that we don't lose too many 'favors' at an often used venue (like lower lot cost and free RV storage) and the health of the motorhome to make it to these other venues. In my memory of 'the glory days', we had Hollywood park, Norton, CalSpeedway and Buttonwillow all on line at the same time, we sort of just ignored El Toro that year. I tried to chase down Big Bear this year, but with the Divisional so close, it fell off my radar. I've also kept the Lake Elsinore site in mind as an alternative, just ask Brian Robertson how many times I've bugged him about their availability.

From what I've seen of the Long Beach site, I think it looks fantastic. I can't think of a better place to run in the dead of summer, since even El Toro can get kinda hot. I've minorly delt with the city of Long Beach looking for some dirt lots, from an 'outsider' point they point you to the Movie and Flim department where they want obsene amounts of money. An insider is what we would need, or at least someone who could persist, a Long Beach resident would probably be best.

Jay W

[Jayson Woodruff]

Since we've lost Hollywood Park

I drove by there not too long ago and we DEFINITELY lost it. It's like Norton....big containers or back-ends of 18-wheeler trucks, and I believe tents everywhere.

This can change monthly. With economy down, I'm surprised there's still demand for storage like that (and at Norton). Maybe our economic fundementals are sound.

Jay W

[Max Hayter]

Well, as you may or may not know, Mike and I are pretty close (in a non sexual way!). Frankly, in order for me to put in the time and effort required to be vice chair, I would rather that I do that in conjunction with Mike. We have talked a lot over the last few months about the responsibilities and the future of the club, and we see eye to eye most of the time.

I would be uncomfortable serving under anyone else, because I do see the Chair and the vice chair working very closely together, and I know I can do that with Mike. This is no slur on Jayson - I just know that I can work with Mike, and I do not know whether I could with anyone else.

In my mind, it IS important that the chair and vice chair have a great working relationship, so I do see the two positions tied together (in a non-sexual way!).

[George Schilling]

Since we've lost Hollywood Park

I drove by there not too long ago and we DEFINITELY lost it. It's like Norton....big containers or back-ends of 18-wheeler trucks, and I believe tents everywhere.

This can change monthly. With economy down, I'm surprised there's still demand for storage like that (and at Norton). Maybe our economic fundementals are sound.

Jay W

Flying back from Kansas, it looked like the Norton pad was still filled with containers and the Hollywood Park lot looked like a movie set had been built on the site.

I have questions for both Mike and Jayson.

1. What do you see as optimum participant levels at championships? Have you thought about how we will get there considering the obvious recessionary pressures we'll be under?
2. How will we survive the recession? Should we be promoting ourselves?
3. That Long Beach pad looks like the perfect summer playground. Will you make it a priority to make a serious attempt to secure that site?
4. Where do you stand on the timing home project?
5. Where do you stand on the cordless scanner issue?
6. What do you see as the most important issue facing our region?
7. Can you lower my taxes? Never mind that one, I'm pretty sure were all screwed.

For the record, I think both Mike and Jayson are both wonderful, hardworking individuals that are both qualified to serve as our chairman. Either one will make us proud.

[Renee Angel]

I would like to thank both candidates for responding to the message board and posting their ideas for Solo 2. As Steve said, I have made the Solo 2 program more or less my life for the past 28 years. When Craig died unexpectedly in July, I totally fell apart. Mike picked me up off the ground, dusted me off, kicked me in the ass and told me to get with the program. However, he did do a lot of "behind the scenes" work to make the Solo 2 program continue without any hiccups. Mike and I have worked well together and are continuously on the phone throwing ideas back and forth.

I would also like to give kudos to Jayson for the successful Divisional. He did a bang up job and had numerous obstacles to overcome, but he handled them professionally and quickly.

Good luck to both candidates.

Renee

[Jayson Woodruff]

It is important to have a great working relationship, but I would think it's VERY important to be confident you can have a great working relationship with anyone. Well, since its my tread, I guess I can ask Max some questions. You've already said you wouldn't take the VC job if Mike didn't win. What if 3 months down the road the chair couldn't fulfill the duties? Would you be able to take over as Chair? What if Mike accenentally ran over your $300 helmet you put under his car and you two had a falling out? Would the working relationship withstand?

Jay W

Well, as you may or may not know, Mike and I are pretty close (in a non sexual way!). Frankly, in order for me to put in the time and effort required to be vice chair, I would rather that I do that in conjunction with Mike. We have talked a lot over the last few months about the responsibilities and the future of the club, and we see eye to eye most of the time.

I would be uncomfortable serving under anyone else, because I do see the Chair and the vice chair working very closely together, and I know I can do that with Mike. This is no slur on Jayson - I just know that I can work with Mike, and I do not know whether I could with anyone else.

In my mind, it IS important that the chair and vice chair have a great working relationship, so I do see the two positions tied together (in a non-sexual way!).

[Steve Ekstrand]

I could sabbotage Jayson's campaign by running as his vice chair. I'm good with the major vices and even some of the minor ones. I could be the Dan Quayle of Solo. Oh wait.... Bush-Quayle won that one???