Ask Mike S: Region Chair Candidate

[Christine Grice]

A place where you can ask Mike questions without taking over Jayson's post.

Ask away.

[Christine Grice]

Mike's Statement from the other thread:


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

[Mako Koiwai]

If Jayson wins, and since Max has said he probably won't be his sidekick, even though he's the only Vice Prez candidate, would YOU entertain the notion of being Jayson right hand person?

[Mike Simanyi]

If Jayson wins, and since Max has said he probably won't be his sidekick, even though he's the only Vice Prez candidate, would YOU entertain the notion of being Jayson right hand person?

Sure, I'd be fine with that. Jayson and I work very well together. We carpool to the board meetings, and I was one of the stewards for our event in the divisional series, working closely with Jayson.

That said, I'd very much like to be our Chair for '09. The ball is in motion for several exciting improvements to our operation and I'd like to ensure we keep it moving in the right direction.

Mike

[Rick Brown]

Questions from George in Jay's thread:

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?

[Mike Simanyi]

I'm going to keep my answers positive, but I'll open with the statement that the Chair doesn't vote on these matters and is supposed to refrain from expressing their opinion. It's the Chair's job to remain neutral, guide the discussions both on-line and in the meeting and provide a solid framework for the board to render their decisions. Communication is key.

That said (and since I'm not currently our Chair):

Optimum participation at championships is not a valid question without more parameters. The fact is we currently average roughly 170 paid run sets. Do we want more than that? Most likely. Can we accommodate more than that? Absolutely. Are we profitable at any of those levels given our current pricing? Without a doubt: yes. In fact we're reducing the Points Card price for '09 partially as a result of our financial strength.

Do we have a problem in view of a recession? Even Paulson, Bernanke and the best minds available can't identify The Solution that will solve the country's - and the globe's - current economic trouble. They're trying a number of new, creative solutions. We're doing the same with our pricing, no-work X runs, flexibility for Time Only on the primary runs, etc. The board is already monitoring and adapting well, in my opinion.

Long Beach. We have two venues available to us already and we receive extremely favorable terms from Cal Speedway that we will lose if we take too much business away from them. Again, I believe this is a decision made by the board, not the Chair, and I'm confident the board will consider the risks and benefits and make their decision. Do I think we should explore the option? Yes.

I don't understand the "timing home project" reference. If that's the motorhome, we're in the process of evaluating the needs of the region and the cost-effective updates to the motorhome.

Since we're going public on that, let me provide some of the background on the subject. The motorhome has been "held" in probate for years now, with the title only coming to our organization recently. Now that we have that title, we're clear to do with it as we please. Should we sell it and look for another solution? That's a question that was discussed and answered by the board. Our alternatives included buying a dedicated trailer like the S.D. region uses (too expensive, logistical problems), buying a used short school bus or another RV and modifying it (why, when we have a good chassis to work with) or modifying what we already have. The board has assigned a committee to the project and they are progressing with the effort, pending approval from the board.

Cordless scanner. I'm not sure where I stand on it, but I know the board has authorized research on the subject. That will be presented for consideration. I won't call it fluff, but I'll say it isn't an absolute requirement to host successful events. It's likely a very useful tool when we're time constrained (i.e. during shorter days or when participation increases substantially from our current levels.) I do know this - it's a technical tool and we won't be able to hit the ground running 100% with it immediately. If and when we need it, we'd better be looking far enough ahead that we provide adequate time to roll it out.

Most important issue: Teamwork. Our communication breaks down simply because we're a volunteer organization and everyone has their own lives to attend to. The way to see extraordinary results in any team is to clearly communicate the organization's goals, delegate responsibilities effectively to achieve those goals, and monitor to ensure work is progressing properly. Nobody's perfect, but with the right organization and communication, we're capable of hosting some truly impressive events.

By the way, if you had asked me that question a year ago I'd say the most pressing issue was our profitability. Our prices were low, participation was dropping and fees and other expenses were increasing markedly. I believe the E-board struck a successful balance for the past year and I have no doubt about our pricing structure going forward.

We can improve further with some simple marketing, to be timed so it coincides with our new Points year and other improvements we're rolling out for '09.

Mike

[Mike Simanyi]

P.S. George tells me I didn't answer his final question. George, your taxes are now waived. Please contact your banks and update your accounts to be sent to my home address. I'll take care of the rest for ya.

Mike

[Steve Ekstrand]

Mike-

I have some important questions for you. You have my support and I support Max and KJ as well. That's should doom you as much as I doom Jayson if I run as his vice chair.

But things need to be answered.

1. Where did you develop your keen fashion sense?

2. Is it true that algore has contacted you about the use of your hat to solve global warming?

3. Is the rumor true that you and Max have secured a fleet of Segways for use by courseworkers?

4. Is it true that one of those Segways is going to be the new region Trophy Dash "car"?

5. What is your stand on Bikini Clad Trophy Girls?

6. Would you support moving the Annual Banquet to Spearmint Rhino?

7. What is your stance on web weenies?

8. Miatae: Gay or Queer?

9. McLaren or Ferrari?

10. Nader or Barr?

11. LiLo or Alba?

12. Cummins or Duramax?

13. Credit Default Swaps or Root Canals?

14. Boxers or In-line 6's

15. Reposado or Anejo?

16. Sweepers or slaloms?

[Kurt Rahn]

Mike-

I have some important questions for you. You have my support and I support Max and KJ as well. That's should doom you as much as I doom Jayson if I run as his vice chair.

But things need to be answered.
1. Where did you develop your keen fashion sense?
2. Is it true that algore has contacted you about the use of your hat to solve global warming?
3. Is the rumor true that you and Max have secured a fleet of Segways for use by courseworkers?
4. Is it true that one of those Segways is going to be the new region Trophy Dash "car"?
5. What is your stand on Bikini Clad Trophy Girls?
6. Would you support moving the Annual Banquet to Spearmint Rhino?
7. What is your stance on web weenies?
8. Miatae: Gay or Queer?
9. McLaren or Ferrari?
10. Nader or Barr?
11. LiLo or Alba?
12. Cummins or Duramax?
13. Credit Default Swaps or Root Canals?
14. Boxers or In-line 6's
15. Reposado or Anejo?
16. Sweepers or slaloms?

I can hardly wait to see Mike's answers!

[Mike Simanyi]

Mike-

I have some important questions for you. You have my support and I support Max and KJ as well. That's should doom you as much as I doom Jayson if I run as his vice chair.

But things need to be answered.

1. Where did you develop your keen fashion sense?

Yoda.

2. Is it true that algore has contacted you about the use of your hat to solve global warming?

He requested I keep my huge cranium under thermal wrap, but it seems the UV bouncing back into space off the dome could help cool the globe.

3. Is the rumor true that you and Max have secured a fleet of Segways for use by courseworkers?

We have a fleet of operational 1/18th scale models on order.

4. Is it true that one of those Segways is going to be the new region Trophy Dash "car"?

I asked my operations manager to get in touch with you about the Neon. Are you telling me he hasn't made contact yet?

5. What is your stand on Bikini Clad Trophy Girls?

They're right up there with Bikini Clad Gate Girls and Bikini Clad Registration Girls. Obviously Max can't handle these tricky negotiations. My schedule's busy, but I'll make the time.

I'm a giver.

6. Would you support moving the Annual Banquet to Spearmint Rhino?

I'd really prefer a change of pace from the Board meeting facilities. I'll consult with Paul and Curt for a decent alternative.

7. What is your stance on web weenies?

I employ several utilities to filter 'em out.

8. Miatae: Gay or Queer?

Why the "or"?

9. McLaren or Ferrari?

Flavio keeps things entertaining, but if I have to choose between one of those I'll take...



Ferrari.

10. Nader or Barr?

Really? Can I call for a lifeline??

11. LiLo or Alba?

OoooOOOOOooo... Jessica!

12. Cummins or Duramax?

Not a bad choice there, but I think the Duramax is Forest Critter Approved.

13. Credit Default Swaps or Root Canals?

We'll *all* prefer Root Canals to any form of derivative before the current thrill ride is done...

14. Boxers or In-line 6's

Must... not... drive... Z06!

15. Reposado or Anejo?

16. Sweepers or slaloms?

Again... "or"??

[Steve Ekstrand]

Well done Mr. Chairman.

[Steve Ekstrand]

I left one important land mine, er question out.....

I'm glad you like both sweepers and slaloms, but do you enjoy the occasional tight box?

[Mike Simanyi]

I left one important land mine, er question out.....

I'm glad you like both sweepers and slaloms, but do you enjoy the occasional tight box?

The short answer: huge fan.

But let me just say it's all about the approach. It's way more than just BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP.

<Response edited by Moderator.> ;)

<Ever see the Family Guy episode, PTV?>

[Rick Brown]

I left one important land mine, er question out.....

I'm glad you like both sweepers and slaloms, but do you enjoy the occasional tight box?

The short answer: huge fan.

But let me just say it's all about the approach. It's way more than just $3r. What I really like is a good *()cy set of !19s wrapped around w9 m3m7@4 with a nasty little flick of u*4 bleep to finish it.

<Response edited by Moderator.> ;)

<Ever see the Family Guy episode, PTV?>

Hmmmm, might have to re-evaluate my choice if a candidate requires that much editing to be family friendly!

Of course it could have been fine and the moderator is attempting to influence the election............

[Mike Simanyi]

Hmmmm, might have to re-evaluate my choice if a candidate requires that much editing to be family friendly!

Of course it could have been fine and the moderator is attempting to influence the election............

Simplified!

[Steve Ekstrand]

Future Chairman Mike risks all spelunking the Rabbit hole. What will they think in the green, yellow, and purple states?

[Jayson Woodruff]

...I'll open with the statement that the Chair doesn't vote on these matters and is supposed to refrain from expressing their opinion. It's the Chair's job to remain neutral, ...

I'll take exception to this. While the Chair shouldn't pound on the table until they get they're way, the Chairman was elected in part because the people believe he/she has good judgement. Good Chair's won't be deemed so because they had absolutely no opinion. Making proposals and recommendations is well within the Chairman's authority (as it is within any member's authority), and I'd go as far as to say it is part of the Chairman's responsibility.

God know's I have opinions, and God know's I'll make them heard. But I also know that when an opinion has been expressed, that's pretty much the end of it.

Jay W