Making your voice heard

SAN DIEGO—In the previous issue of The Log, managing editor Parimal Rohit noted in his Standing Watch column the lack of an advocacy organization for SoCal boaters. Organizations such as the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), BoatUS and Recreational Boaters of California do a good job advocating for their particular boating industry niche, but no existing organization focuses on regular boaters’ interests. That doesn’t mean that you, my fellow boaters, can’t have an impact on shaping the outcome of current proposals. Perennial issues include imposition of greater ethanol additive requirements in fuel, with potential damage to engines; reconfiguration of marinas, including elimination of smaller slips; and redevelopment of harbors with reduction of space allocated to smaller boats and essential services. When I worked in Washington, D.C. for legislative advocacy on wide-ranging issues, including recreational boating, pending before Congress, state legislatures, city councils and county boards, I frequently heard from citizens that their views didn’t count – that only “the big guys” mattered. Not true! Working in grassroots advocacy, I learned it took only five letters sent to a U.S. representative and eight to a U.S. senator to catch their attention and potentially change their views. I don’t mean the hoard of requests numerous advocacy organizations...