Taxation without representation, to borrow a phrase:
We are all patiently awaiting the outcome of the decision being considered regarding the future of this class on some significant issues going forward.
I am glad that many of the class members have taken an interest in the issues and the class and has expressed their opinion and written letters.
I do however have some concerns. Mainly that the decision is being made by the “Spec Miata Working Group†which is largely devoid of representation from representatives of the SCCA racing community. Generally our voice is heard and interests advanced in the rule making process by the SMAC,
There is no representative of the SMAC or an equivalent substitute, on the working committee. I mention “Equivalent Substitute†because I am aware that part of the reason for excluding some or all of the SMAC is because some perceived that they have contributed to the problem. My response to this is, that it does not prevent you from listening to what they have to say and weigh for yourself the value of the opinions given. Alternatively, you could look to other knowledgeable class members who may have good and valuable opinions to provide.
This is a concern because if the issue is what is in the best interest of the class up for debate, it only makes sense to me that representatives of the class participate in the debate.
Some of the best decisions are made when you bring people into the debate who voice totally opposite opinions, allowing all sides of the issues to be fully debated on both sides. One-sided opinions lead to one sided decision.
Transparency
We have been told that the intent is to be totally transparent in the process. We are told that we will be able to see the results of the independent testing that is underway which will be the basis of much of the decision making. This is a positive. I would also like to see a summary of the letters written in support or opposition, if you will, of the rules to see the collective opinions of the majority of the class. For example, it would be my view that the decision should be driven by what the class wants. At the end of the day you will need a majority to follow it. It would be sad if we were making 70% of the class bend to the will of the 30%, if in fact that was the case. I am just suggesting to let us see the underlying basis for the decisions that will be made and of course have a voice in the process.
I understand we have all had an opportunity to send letters with our opinion, but the next step in the process is that the letters, the data, the rules, the best interest of the class are going to be debated, and we should have a voice there too.