Don’t wait for 2016 to take action

Now that it is the spring of 2015, we are that much closer to being almost ready to possibly consider candidates who might run for office in 2016!

All joking aside, I’ve read more than one article about candidates in both parties getting ready to start campaigning for the primaries in 2016 and speculation around possible candidacies. People on both sides are getting excited about how the 2016 election could impact the future.

However, I think it is important to focus on the change we can affect now with the elected officials currently in office, and this is particularly true for the marine industry.

With the Renewable Fuel Standard continuing to push ethanol levels higher and the importance of reauthorizing the Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include the recreational fishing industry’s needs, we need to work with existing legislators to ensure our issues remain active in Washington.

That is why it is so critical that we take action now rather than waiting for someone who might be a contender to potentially be elected and will maybe do something to address boating’s needs in the future. If we wait too long to voice our concerns, there will be no one left to listen.

If you haven’t signed up for the American Boating Congress yet, now would be a great opportunity to do so. It’s an excellent opportunity to unite as an industry on the issues that impact us the most and appeal to politicians who are in office right now and can unite with us.