Hi All,

It looks like Kitty Stoops and I had the same idea at the same time. Both of us saw the mention in the last Chapter newsletter that nominees were needed for the 2nd Vice President job. I think we were both open for an opportunity to contribute to the Chapter and now you have the unthinkable - two candidates running for a job! Who woulda thunk that was possible?

I currently live in Mission Viejo, CA but my wife and I will be moving to Las Vegas later this year. We just couldn't handle that 4 hour drive for our Silver Strike fixes any more! Being in Las Vegas should prove to be helpful in coordinating convention planning and activities.

I retired from the Immigration and Naturalization Service in 1999 and have thoroughly enjoyed my "free" time since. That is if you can consider catching up on a lifetime of honeydos free time. Since we are moving into a new home, there should be far fewer of those leaving me the time and energy to devote to Chapter activities.

I will bring excellent organizational and people skills to the job. In my working life, I had considerable experience planning and coordinating conferences for attendees from throughout the country, so I know what to expect. I am also an active volunteer and have worked on and coordinated such activities as charity fund raisers. On a smaller scale, I have worked closely with Bill Brooks and other Southern California strike collectors in setting up very successful trading sessions.

I have been collecting silver strikes for the past 6 or 7 years. I began, as many probably did, collecting all denominations from all locations. I had great fun adding to the collection from playing the machines, trading and buying from other collectors and dealers. Retirement brought an entirely new view of things, mainly how to make do with less money! So, over time, I have settled on collecting only $10 strikes from Las Vegas. I thought that would give me the best opportunity to keep current and still add an occasional "oldie" to my collection.

If I am elected I will do everything I can to make every convention better than the last by listening to the membership and using that feedback to constantly improve. I have nothing but good things to say about past Chapter activities during the convention. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. But there is always room for improvement, no matter how good things have been.

You have the opportunity to choose between two candidates for 2nd Vice President who are capable and interested. The Chapter will be well served by either of us. Regardless of which candidate you prefer, be sure to vote in the upcoming election. It is YOUR club and your participation is necessary to keep it running well.

Doug Conley
CC>CC R-4430
Silver Striker Chapter SS-167