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STEVE ZURL
As an active member of Chester County ABATE, and a Life Member of ABATE of PA, Steve served as Chapter President and Public Relations officer. At A.B.A.T.E.'s 2004 Leadership & Legislative Seminar, Steve was the honored recipient of the Ed Fruecht Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.
Steve is also a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) where he serves as one of Pennsylvania's Assistant State Representatives. “While ABATE of PA works for motorcyclists at the state level, the MRF performs a similar function at the federal level. Working with the MRF, we can ensure motorcyclists are given consideration with EPA, healthcare (HIPPA), and highway safety issues.”
“Throughout my life, everything I’ve ever been involved with, from outdoor sports, to motorcycles, to model planes, to skateboarding has been subject to government interference and legislation. If you want to responsibly enjoy a leisure-time activity, you have to be informed, and work with government to be properly represented. ABATE is the motorcyclist’s voice in Harrisburg.”
In his professional life Steve’s broad technical background prepared him for his career as a Systems Administrator for a global manufacturing company. Previous positions include Mechanical and Electrical design. To prepare for these technical roles, Steve received a B.S. Degree in Information Systems from Widener University, and an A.S. Degree in Applied Technology from Delaware County Community College.
As an active member of the community where he lives, Steve began his involvement in local politics, serving in several elected positions, and an appointed position in the Municipal Authority. Steve has been an active campaign worker for his party and individual candidates. Through his current elected position as Committeeman, Steve has been able to serve as a direct link between the residents and his party, making legislators aware of local issues and concerns.
Today, Steve continues to work motorcyclists’ issues, both at the state and federal level. When Steve is not working for us in Harrisburg, he’s on the road on his Harley Davidson Electraglide. “This is a beautiful country, and Pennsylvania is one of the most scenic states. From the small villages to the big cities, Pennsylvania offers something for everyone.”
STATE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
Steve Zurl
610-212-1820
Email PR Officer!
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In the Media
It’s always somewhat of a relief when April is over. While it’s a time to be thinking about the summer trips and warm riding weather, there’s still the black cloud of April 15 – Tax Day. I’m one of those that purposely wait until the last minute to mail my tax forms. As I filled out the forms, I thought to myself, I must be missing something. I was looking for the “Biker Exemption” in the tax forms, but couldn’t find one. But the newspaper said…
With the coming of spring, motorcycles leave the garages, and the news media begins to run the annual helmet articles. The articles really haven’t changed much over the years. In recent weeks, almost every major newspaper in the US ran helmet articles, most likely prompted by the initial article that appeared in USA Today, “Motorcyclist Deaths Spike As Helmet Laws Loosen.” I found it interesting that the papers continue to use the same “social burden” clichés, and attempt to differentiate motorcyclists from taxpayers, as if to draw battle lines. Then I thought, let’s take the median income of a biker, times the 800,000 motorcyclists in PA, multiplied by the average tax rate, and WOW! Big numbers! As I said, I didn’t see a Biker Exemption on my tax forms!
Naturally, the newspaper articles resulted in a few phone calls and a few interviews. I think most were rather fair and neutral, basically looking for a response to the claims made in USA Today. In all honesty, I was happy they called on A.B.A.T.E. of PA, and allowed us the opportunity to respond. I approach these interviews from the position that which ever side of the debate you’re on, we all want the same thing: Less fatalities. Training & Education equates to less collisions, and therefore less fatalities!
A couple weeks ago, I received an e-mail from one of our friends in A.B.A.T.E. Of The Garden State, Janet, regarding a contact she made at our L&L. Apparently, the cost of the L&L ticket paid for itself MANY times over!
In a casual conversation with the folks from the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA), Janet discovered a grant that could be used for their Motorcycle Awareness Campaign. When she returned home to NJ, she followed up on the opportunity, and received a commitment for $20,000 to finance the same campaign in New Jersey!
I bring up Janet’s success to emphasize the importance of networking, and the value of events such as the Leadership & Leadership Seminar and the MRF’s Meeting Of The Minds. The exchange of information is invaluable! Not only can we build on the successes of other SMRO’s, but we can avoid the failures. And, in the case of A.B.A.T.E. of the Garden State, there can be significant financial gains. When you have a chance to attend Motorcyclist Rights seminars, or the L&L, take advantage of the opportunity, or send someone from your chapter. Planning our strategies together, and sharing our successes & failures is what advances the MRO’s! There’s no limit to what we can accomplish as a team! Network!
Finally, the USA Today article points out that this battle is far from over! What can you do as an individual to protect your Freedom Of Choice? Be a part of the Rights Rally on May 19! Make your voice heard in support of Freedom Of Choice, and do what you can to spread the word to other bikers. You WILL leave the Rally with a real appreciation for work that goes on in Harrisburg on a daily basis, both by A.B.A.T.E., and by the legislators that support motorcycle safety and Freedom Of Choice. And as our friends at the capitol will verify, our opponents haven’t gone away.
If you’re new to A.B.A.T.E., and not familiar with the Rights Rally or Freedom Weekend, I encourage you check both events out. Freedom Weekend gives those with the longer rides a place to camp and meet prior to Monday’s Rally. It’s a weekend of Bike Games, Music, Food, and Fun. Even if you just go to the campground for the day, it’s a nice ride and a good time.
See you in
Harrisburg!
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