Members: Meet your Cascade Board of Directors candidates
The Cascade Board of Directors represents the voice of the members and is responsible to the membership. Its role is to ensure that Club resources are being used to the greatest benefit for all members as well as the larger cycling community
For 2014 the Cascade Board of Directors will decrease from 14 directors to 12. With eight board terms set to expire this year, we will have six seats up for election. Over the past months we've received great nominations and after review, the search committee is happy to present an eight-member slate of candidates to the club’s Board of Directors. Three of these candidates are incumbents. If elected, the new or reelected board members will serve a three-year term beginning in 2014.
The candidates are:
Image"I would love to serve an additional term on the board. I am confident in and optimistic about the position and future of the club, and hope to help our new executive director build and expand upon the strengths that Cascade has. I bring important perspective, experience, temperament, and stability to the board and I’ve worked hard to strengthen the organization's community outreach and leadership. I believe in Cascade's mission and strongly support the club's work in advocacy, education, and recreation. Cascade provides wonderful opportunities to cyclists of all stripes: from kids to families to regular commuters to competitive cyclists, Cascade is a tremendous resource to Seattle and the region."
Image"As a father I fervently want the streets of Seattle to be a safe place for children to ride. I would like to see bicycle education integrated into the curriculum of all schools—for young riders and future drivers. As a resident of Southeast Seattle I feel our neighborhoods have been underrepresented in bicycle infrastructure. I would work to correct that."
Image"As a Cascade Bicycle Club member, volunteer and community advocate, I have been working hard for the last five years to make our community a safe, fun place for bicycling. I believe that service on the Cascade Board will allow me to make an even bigger contribution...Despite the fact that Seattle has fallen behind other major cities in investing in bicycle infrastructure, I love that every day I share the road with more cyclists. We are on the verge of a major shift in thinking about transportation options, and we have an exciting opportunity to increase public support for bicycling. Cascade has the reach and influence to make a major impact. My advocacy experience, skills, and strengths will help Cascade fulfill its vision of creating a community where everyone bicycles."
Image"Cascade Bicycle Club’s focus on safety, advocacy, legislative efforts and camaraderie is the gold standard of cycling organizations. It is this vision, along with my passion for cycling, that makes me want to contribute personally to the work of CBC...I am determined to help Seattle become the number one cycling city in the country. If elected, my focus will be on creating and encouraging women’s racing and non-racing teams and on creating more alliances with Seattle’s businesses, health care organizations, and universities. And it goes without saying, that I will continue CBC’s crusade for safe bike paths. Cascade Bicycle Club already does great work. As a dedicated physician and tenacious cyclist, I can bring a health-oriented perspective and fresh insight that will raise the organization to the next level."
Robbie Phillips has withdrawn her candidacy in order to accept the Commute Programs Manager position.
Image"As a member of Cascade’s board, my goals are to:
- be a strong voice for my friends who would like to ride bikes but are deterred by unsafe and confusing conditions in our communities;
- insure that Cascade is a welcoming club that reflects King County’s full range of diversity;
- expand efforts that encourage people to begin riding bikes, including the Major Taylor Project, Family Riding events and classes, and school-based events such as bike rodeos and Bike to School efforts;
- expand “easy” and “leisurely” ride offerings for beginning bicyclists, families and older adults;
- advocate for a transportation system that integrates biking with walking and transit to create vibrant, sustainable communities."
Image"Currently I work as a Program Manager at Commute Seattle and I’m also Chair of the Seattle Bicycle Advisory Board. Through my job and volunteer activities, I’m working daily to improve Seattle’s bicycling infrastructure and to create a supportive environment for all ages and abilities of bike riders. Cascade Bicycle Club has been instrumental in growing my passion for bicycling by providing access to a community of cyclists who bike for many different and wonderful reasons, by championing projects, supporting elected officials, and lobbying for the types of improvements I’d like to see in the Puget Sound Region. Biking is my hobby, my personal passion and a lifestyle choice for me and my family...My interest in becoming a member of Cascade’s Board of Directors is to use my skills, background and passion for biking to help the organization meet its mission and goals"
Image"I want to continue to serve on the board to help Cascade achieve the following vision:
- Significantly expand the free Daily Rides program, including increasing participation, diversity, geographical coverage, offerings for new riders and rider satisfaction
- Offer more event riding opportunities for members and newer riders, with a focus on enjoyment and safety
- Significantly increase membership by enhancing member loyalty, reducing turnover and increasing Cascade’s visibility
- Build the financial means and political power to influence cycling’s infrastructure and safety needs, including the development of greenways and safer cycling routes
- Provide the on-line tools and presence to support our members’ needs and our growth objectives
- Enhance the volunteers’ experience and involvement in all aspects of the club
- Use partnerships to help advocate for and support the cycling cause
- Invest in programs that get more kids on bikes, riding safely for fun, fitness and transportation"
Image"I’ve been on the Cascade board for nearly 3 years, the last two as the chair of the board. Why do I want to be reelected to the board? Because I want to continue creating more and safer riding opportunities for everyone who cycles or would like to cycle: commuters, recreational cyclists, those running errands, and anyone else wanting to use two wheels. The community needs safer and more bike routes, well maintained roads and trails, more alert, aware drivers, and more bicycles on the road. The club has proven its mettle in all these areas, and has the size and power to continue getting results as it strives to do more and more."
Click on the candidate’s name to read their full candidate statement.
*indicates incumbent candidate.
Voting in our annual election is a great way to participate in the future of your club.
There are three ways to vote:
- Online: Members can access the e-ballot via an email that will be sent on Oct. 1 to all current members with a valid email address in our database.
- By mail: Printed ballots are available in the October issue of the Cascade Courier and may be downloaded and printed.
- In person: Bring your ballot to the Cascade Bicycle Club office in Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Bldg #138, Seattle. After business hours, deposit it in the secure mailbox next to our front door. Or, bring it to the Annual Membership Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, 6 - 8 p.m., at the REI at 222 Yale Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109.
Do you have questions for the candidates? Visit the online candidate forums to post your thoughts.
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