My Bid For Reelection As President Of The Silicon Valley Chapter Of AUVSI (updated)

Over the last three years, I have attempted to show through hard work and dedication that there already is a vibrant and growing small business sector. The chapter has flourished as the interest in what we are doing has grown. I have made the chapter and its members a global community by broadcasting our meetings live via Google hangout. Professors use the content for classwork and others get a glimpse of what makes Silicon Valley special.

Together as a community we have shown the FAA and advocates that we are here and that we as stakeholders deserve a voice in the airspace integration process. They are now well aware of our presence but it appears we still have much work to do to convince the powers that be that we, in fact, deserve representation. That is why I feel compelled to seek re-election.

There are currently some naysayers, suggesting that national and myself may not share the same goals. I can only speculate as to what corporate’s goals and interests may be. However, there is no need to speculate about the community’s goals.

My interests and goals have always been and continue to be the most inclusive and open regulatory climate for as many academic, amateur and business end–users as possible. If you feel that these are your goals, I encourage you to reelect me and we will continue to work together and with national, in bringing this to fruition.

Again, and as always, thank you for your support.

Patrick Egan

Silicon Valley Chapter President

UPDATE –

Fellow Silicon Valley Chapter members,

Hello from your sitting President! While I am excited to wish you all a happy holiday season, unfortunately, I am reaching out with bad news. I am a firm believer in walking ones talk so in that spirit, I am sharing with all of you in an effort at transparency.

If the vote is held today, I will not be attending the meeting. Behind the scenes of the upcoming election process, there have been instances of impropriety. I just can’t, in good concise, participate in a process that causes me to be in conflict with what I feel is right. I am not suggesting any malicious intent per say, but more an overall diminishing of the integrity of the voting process; something I hold dear! Frankly, I feel at this point that there is an attempt, intentioned or otherwise, to disenfranchise me. With too many fingers in the pie, the process has become convoluted. It has begun to feel like a clamoring for an ousting rather than an ethical, fair, untainted election. I refuse to participate under these conditions. I want ALL candidates and voters, to be heard. To count. Please know that I am so proud of our accomplishments together these past three years & do sincerely hope for more to come! I am not sure how this road block will conclude at this point, but whatever the path the Chapter chooses, I wish you all success and continued excitement for the future of this technology.

With sincere thanks,

Patrick

The election