You will find Patricia O'Rourke listed as Patricia Chase, a member since
1985 or so, apart from last year when ill health and inability to work
resulted in a sudden reassessment of financial (and life) priorities. My
member number is 4092. When I joined AERC if memory serves me right, the
dues were $30-$35. They are now twice that, and I don't feel that I am
getting twice as much value. In fact, it seems that individual members have
less of a voice and less opportunity to shape the direction that the
organisation is heading, as well as the fees charged to get there. Policies
such as the current fee increase, the drug-testing mess, the new computer
system the hefty raise for management were all implemented without a vote of
approval from the membership, which I find offensive, as it resembles a
little too closely what is happening in our state and federal capitols.
In my opinion, the current membership benefits are no longer worth the fee
being charged. AERC has relatively little to offer the non-competitive
rider who does only a few rides a year.
Patty and The Roan
Rainbow Paso Fino Ranch
4331 Garden Spot Rd.
Clayton, WA 99110