Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame

I would like to congratulate Todd Vandermyde on his recent nomination and
induction into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame in Sturgis, South Dakota.
The official induction will take place during the Sturgis Rally in August.

Todd is Illinois' first and at this time only inductee from Illinois.

Todd has been the Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Illinois for the
previous 10 years, retiring in November 2002, he is currently the Lobbyist
for ABATE of Illinois as well as consults with our current Legislative
Coordinator, Cheryl Pearre.

During the past 10 years Todd has been instrumental in maintaining Illinois'
status of being one of only 3 states in the county to be totally helmet
free. Through his leadership ABATE of Illinois had defeated several helmet
bills in committee and a couple on the floor. We are currently to a point
that helmet legislation is not even attempted.

Todd has also led our lobbying team on our annual trips that has produced
success with our Illinois delegation in such things as the blackmail helmet
bill of the 1990's.

When Chicago banned motorcycles from Lake Shore Drive, Todd led the charge
to take away home rule from Chicago and pass legislation that prohibited any
city from banning motorcycles from any road that was built with, or
maintained by federal tax dollars.

Recently when Gov. Ryan vetoed an ABATE bill to protect off road parks from
litigation if a housing development popped up next to it. Todd was once
again in leading the way to over-ride the Governor's veto.

Todd (along with Tom Wyld) has also met with the EPA to discuss the proposed
EPA emission standards for on-road motorcycles. Todd also conceived
"Operation Wrench" to fight these standards.

These are just a few of the things Todd had done that comes to mind, I could
supply a never ending list of Todd accomplishments as well as his wife and
child's sacrifices for Motorcyclists Rights in Illinois and Nation wide.

Thank you,
Sidecar
State Coordinator
A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois
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Congratulations to my Brother Todd.
~ olbmwrider ~
visit ABATE of IL
http://www.abate-il.org
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