As the one who coined the term "Cajun Army", I think we need to stand on our own merits as separate disaster responders, so we do not take anything away from their good work, or be seen as trying to hang onto their coat tails. I actually see FMV owners as complementary to them as we each have limits and advantages. If needed, we might reach out for their support (see item 3 below).
As mentioned in the other thread, my M923A2 was issued a ORV title when I registered it a couple of weeks ago. I have a number of other MVs already registered normally that are threatened, and have already lost one truck sale due to this arbitrary regulatory interpretation. I'm starting to get a little peeved! I'm about 1 hr from Baton Rouge. I'm also retired with time available to devote to the issue, and spent my last 40 working years reading and interpreting federal and state regulations to ensure my company's compliance. (Two major things I learned quickly is that you can't just start reading a regulation in the middle - you have to start at the beginning of the section to determine applicability. The other is that you cannot expect government regulations to have any correlation to common sense).
I've kept quiet during recent discussions, just to hear everyone's ideas, and have been reading all the posted links to get a good background of other states' histories. I've also re-read Sarge's trip during Katrina (which was the impetus for me to get my first FMV), the 2017 Harvey TX and LA flood rescues, and the 2016 LA flood rescues. I'm also trying to download the parade, rally, and rescue photos and narratives as part of a presentation package to bolster our position.
Some thoughts:
1. I like the idea of attending the OMV Commision (or what ever it is called) hearing, but don't think that hearing will provide quick results.
2. The meeting with the Governor could be productive if the discussion is kept short, and the major position points are clear, concise and in writing for him to delegate to check out. We need to be clear in what we want to achieve. If he can override lower level policy, this might be the quickest solution.
3. We need to prepare a draft or suggested letter of support to our position statement for signature by local sheriffs, mayors and/or fire chiefs (and possibly the Cajun Navy head) who have worked with our people during disasters. Then we need to take the draft personally to them along with photos and our statement.
4. Once we get a position statement prepared, each owner in the state should use this to meet with their state representative and senator. My state representative was in my hunting club with me a while back, so I know he will take me seriously, but I want a complete position statement before I bother him. Our basic position should be something like "whereas" :
A- existing federal and LA state regulations allow the highway use of former military vehicles,
B- legal precident has determined that the various mil-stds are comparable to the FMVSS, and vehicles older than 25 years are not required to meet FMVSS,
C- privately-owned FMVs have been a critical and effective part of disaster response along the Gulf Coast states,
D-privately-owned FMVs are used in rallys and parades to honor our servicemen and women who traveled into harms way in these vehicles,
E- ....
5. Not sure if we should split HMMWV's with off-road stamped SF-97s as a separate issue from the rest of the FMVs in the state with unrestricted SF-97s. This is something we need to come to a consensus on, or offer as a two-tiered problem, as including HMMWVs may complicate and delay the outcome.
6. A lawsuit at this point would be costly, and probably also delay any resolution, as the "other" side can just point to the suit as an excuse not to act until the suit is settled. There is also the risk of losing the suit, and an appeal just adds cost and time. This should be the very last resort. I wouldn't spend any time or resources on this until every other avenue has failed. A mass media event on the capital steps would probably be scheduled just prior to filing the lawsuit. Local TV investigative reporters or something like "2 On Your Side" interviews could be useful maybe prior to the demonstration.
7. Lets not argue with, bad-mouth or harrass the agents we normally deal with at OMV. They are not the target, and can't change anything.
Sorry for the long post. Nothing above is cast in stone, and civil constructive discussion is very welcome.
