District VIII
Lawrence Harville
Hurst, Texas
I am Lawrence Harville from Hurst, Texas. I am running for the position of District 8 Vice President. I am confident, with your help, I can succeed in promoting our hobby in all facets. Attention is focusing on us more each day as technology makes what we dreamed, come true. We must strive to stay ahead of rules others would impose on us and work to have our point of view recognized and included.
I am a retired High School Band Director, Principal and Safety Risk Manager. My background of working with insurance companies included Worker’s Comp and developing safety programs.
I started with plastic models from the drug store, quickly got into control line, but after years of turmoil and never rising to the level of adequate, I took up Radio Control in the 1970’s. I flew helicopters, free flight, soaring, pylon racing, combat and pattern all with the same success as control line--see above. I have found my niche with RC Scale. With my varied background in modeling, I have a good understanding of some of the needs in each group.
I wrote articles for Scale RC Modeler Magazine. I am a member of numerous clubs and served as President, Vice President and Newsletter editor. For over 20 years, I have been an AMA Contest Director and Leader Member and I serve on the AMA Scale Contest Board.
I am a modeler first and know if we don’t pay attention and stay active, the hobby we love could change very fast and sometimes not for the best.
If elected, I will do my best to represent you and be your “go to” guy in the AMA and keep you involved and informed with the actions and decision that affect District 8. I know enough to realize I don’t have all the answers, but there is a lot of expertise in our District and in AMA. I have never been shy about asking questions and getting answers. If you don’t already know me, you will find me quick to help and ready to work with you.
Mark S. Johnston, Incumbent
Albuquerque, New Mexico
I have served as District VIII VP for the last 3 years and hope to continue serving this great District. I served as the Associate VP for NM and El Paso for 6 years. I joined AMA in 1993 and am both a Life and Leader Member. I have traveled to many clubs across the district spending 75% of my time in the state of Texas. I have tried to be fair and base my travel on our membership. I have attended events in all of the states as well as events and meetings required by the Executive council. I have served as the Scholarship committee Liaison, and Chairman for the nominating committee.
I have served as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Newsletter Editor, Board Member and Contest Director for two clubs at various times over the years. I was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Albuquerque Balloon Park Commission. My mission there is to retain availability for model aviation at the Balloon Fiesta Park. I was also involved in the city’s 25-year plan for the park, as well as monthly meetings to discuss park events.
AMA continues to face challenges in the future that will impact modeling for the rest of the century. I want to continue to help move through these sensitive times as we negotiate with government entities and face new modeling opportunities with advancement in technology and creativity. At the same time make sure we do not lose what got us to where we are today.
If reelected, I will continue to
