If you can earn some positive media (get the press to accurately pick up your news) in an age of shrinking newsrooms, particularly when you are a state motor vehicle agency, you get an "A plus."

And, if you are a media outlet and you find it within your news judgment to grant "space" to the "good deeds" and "progress" of a state motor vehicle agency, then the teacher gives you an "A plus" as well.

So, who are the two kids that recently nabbed an "A plus" in my opinion?

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Mary Beth Schneider, reporter, Indianapolis Star.  Read it all here!

Nice work; both of you.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King,
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

Last Saturday the New York Times published an op-ed, written by Stefan Lonce that illustrates the challenges motor vehicle administrators face in managing both vanity and specialty license plate programs.

Lonce successfully distinguishes between the two types of plates.  And he even recommends a solution to the vanity plate conundrum:  a national database of offensive terms and alpha numeric combinations.  He suggests this would serve as a national clearinghouse for motor vehicle agency employees to vet potentially offensive terms and perhaps prevent state agencies from being sued for denying a potential plate's message.

The verdict is still out on whether or not his suggestion could be implemented, or even funded.  But, while it may have its own set of problems, it's actually the ONLY potential solution on the table.  (Personally getting rid of both vanity and specialty plates altogether just isn't tenable.)  You can rest assured he'll bring this topic to the AAMVA Motor Vehicle Traffic Law Institute in a few weeks.

What do you think about a national database of offensive terms?

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

By Jason D. King

Ok, so maybe I should explain some of the "racing" motif I have inserted into the blogs about the soon-to-hit-the- road "I Believe" religious specialty plate in South Carolina.

It's simple.  South Carolina is located in the heart of NASCAR country and is home to the "Darlington International Raceway."  Nuff said.

Now, it is my understanding Gov. Sanford has, or will soon have, the bill on his desk to either approve or veto the "I Believe" plate.

Surprise!  The issue is percolating up and out to the mainstream press.

I see the green flag.  And I hear the American Jewish Congress is urging the Gov. for the caution flag.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org




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On May 7, 2008, I predicted the ACLU would sue the State of South Carolina over the proposed "I BELIEVE" plate currently buoyed in the S.C. House of Representatives.

Well, I'm almost right.  The ACLU is already weighing in on the matter.  Of course, I have not seen the lawsuit...yet.

Again, stay tuned!  And I welcome your thoughts on the plate.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, PR & Info. Serv
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

License plate controversy erupted a week ago over the proposed, and now DOA, "I BELIEVE" specialty license plate in Fla.  And now, the South Carolina legislature is poised to direct the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to issue the nation's first specialty license plate decorated with the image of a cross.

Who could have ever imagined a little old piece of metal could prove to have so much mettle?

Now, I'm sure most have an opinion of whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing.  Personally, I would just like to know what organization stands to benefit financially from the revenues of the plate sales.  Perhaps no organization will benefit save for the Palmetto state itself.  Ok.  State budgets can always use additional revenue streams, right?

Here's what I predict.  The ACLU will most likely sue the State of South Carolina.  And the state will wind up spending time and resources (taxpayer dollars) defending their decision (should the plate pass).

Stay tuned.  The horse is at the barn door and he's almost out!

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel

Jason D. King
PR & Info. Serv
AAMVA

Guest Blogger:  Alan Cockman

Six years ago, while I was Chair of AAMVA, I was in New York City with other members of the Executive Committee to attend a meeting.  I forget its purpose but I vividly remember why we chose the location.  It was to show in a small way our support for the City, which just a few months earlier had endured the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  On our first evening in town we went to the site of the World Trade Center towers, not as tourists, but to pay our respects to the victims.  My recollection is we didn’t say much, but rather each of us was left to our own thoughts.  It was a moving experience.

September 11 was the defining moment of my year as AAMVA’s Chair.  It impacted all of our actions and activities, and also in several respects changed the focus and operation of the Association.  Two weeks earlier I had presented “What’s Next?” as the theme for the year to highlight the strategic planning activities that would be accomplished by the time my year concluded at the AIC in Saskatoon.  After September 11 the phrase “What’s Next?” took on a quite different meaning for many people and it was decided to expand it to “What’s Next –Identifying our Future”.  This provided some clarification and, for the first time, emphasized the importance of identification security as a paramount issue.

Within a few days after September 11, we knew the issue of access to driver licenses and the associated issue of confirming identity were rapidly assuming a higher profile in government, the press and the general public.  We also knew unless AAMVA reacted quickly we risked the distinct possibility that the Association would loose any ability to take a leadership role in a subject where we should be recognized as a significant source of expertise.

In October at a meeting in Ottawa, we developed the strategy for addressing the issues and by January 2002 we had identified and outlined the components needed to meet the requirements of a more secure driver license.  We quickly followed this work by getting into the communication mode with an announcement at the National Press Club; visits to the Capital to brief senators and congressmen; and, a special membership meeting.  As we developed our solution over the next few months, we held further meetings to obtain advice and input from industry and each of the four AAMVA Regions.  By the time of the AIC in August, and with the approval of the membership, we were able to create a series of working groups tasked with developing various components of our solution, which eventually became the DL/ID Framework.

In retrospect, I always thought one of the successes learned from all the work carried out by numerous AAMVA members and staff, and our colleagues from industry was that we took the ‘high road’ and concentrated on developing a solution, rather than reacting to the negative environment created by some press and government representatives.  In doing so, AAMVA became recognized as the place to go for information and comment relating to driver licensing and identification issues.  Our profile and recognition increased significantly.

My involvement with AAMVA, and it was certainly true during my year as Chair, continually reminded me of the importance of teamwork, that a consensus approach can be the better way to reach a decision, and that you can usually gain more by giving a little.

Of course I gained a lot more from another attribute that AAMVA is famous for.  Namely, that it is a great place to meet colleagues and that many of those colleagues become good friends.  I am proud to be able to boast I have friends across the United States and Canada.  We often refer to ourselves as being part of the AAMVA ‘family’.  So I am looking forward to being a part of some of the family gatherings this year as we celebrate our Association’s seventy-fifth anniversary.

Congratulations, AAMVA –and all the best for the future!

Alan Cockman
(retired) Administrator, Saskatchewan Government Insurance

and

Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2001-2002)

Alan Cockman is presently involved in management consulting projects in the U.S. and Canada.

From time to time I use this forum to celebrate the hard work of journalists, as well as to "set the record" straight where reporting has gone awry and ventured into sensationalism.  The way I figure it, as PR folks, we spend enough time complaining when a reporter gets the story wrong we should spend just as much time applauding when they get it right!

With that said, I am happy for this to be an occasion where I celebrate a journalist with integrity.  This time, it's Morris Jones, Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief, Sinclair Broadcasting, and host of "American Crossroads."

A few weeks ago, Morris called me and asked if someone from AAMVA could talk on camera about issues related to at-risk drivers, repeat DUI offenders and licenses for illegal aliens.  I let him know that while AAMVA is engaged in those issues, there was only a certain depth we could go to in a discussion.

Having this upfront discussion is so vital in building successful relationships with the media.  Because, as a public relations practitioner, my job is to not only put my company's story into words, but also to help the reporter write his or her story.

And I wanted AAMVA to be a part of the story.  But I didn't want the reporter to have expectations and intentions we could not meet or deliver.  That makes me, and AAMVA, look bad and gives the reporter unnecessary holes in his story to fill.

Morris listened patiently to what AAMVA could speak authoritatively about, and assured me his intent was not to place us in an uncomfortable situation or debate, but to report the facts as the experts (in this case, AAMVA) sees them.

You've heard that before right?  Famous last words.

So, Morris and I ran through a mock interview of sorts on the phone.  And collaboratively we agreed that there was truly a fit for AAMVA and its message.

The interview went well.  Morris kept his promise.  And the boss man, Neil Schuster, did a great job representing AAMVA, its membership and the issues.

Now the interview is "in the can" and on the air.  Heck, it's probably on youtube.  But to make it easier on you, here's the link to the piece that aired last weekend entitled, "Who's Behind the Wheel."

No reference to the title of this blog intended.

Let me know what you think!

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Services.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org


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For the second time in a year, the New York Times' Chris Jensen has dug into motor vehicle fraud crimes and exclaimed, "Eurkea, NMVTIS." 

Jensen has done his homework on this piece just as he did his previous articles. 

During the course of his research for this story, he spoke with me numerous times.  I can't even begin to tell you the number of emails we exchanged.  And all of his communication with me, and other affected parties, was, for nothing more, but the pursuit of the truth. 

In my opinion, he covered all the angles here and brought much-needed attention to a consumer protection system that motorists deserve. I am thrilled he continues looking to AAMVA for technical expertise in this arena.

As Jensen rightly pointed out, it was George H.W. Bush who signed the Anti-cat Theft Act into law. So let's hope the remaining states receive the support they need to fully-implement NMVTIS before someone gets the wise idea to introduce unnecessary legislation to create another motor vehicle title database like NMVTIS.

That would be tragic, when millions have already been spent to bring 60 percent of the U.S. vehicle population into the system.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
jking@aamva.org



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As AAMVA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, it is good time to reflect on why AAMVA continues to be a successful organization. 

For me, AAMVA's successes were achieved through a unique combination of willing volunteers and a staff that is willing and able to support the needs and efforts of its membership.   In my judgment, AAMVA's greatest value is the opportunity it provides for members to interact with each other.  And, without a doubt, I believe its greatest asset is the cadre of volunteers, that come from the jurisdictional DMVs and law enforcement agencies.

During my years as a DMV administrator in North Dakota, AAMVA, and its membership, were a great source of information and support for me.  Through the network of friends and contacts that my participation in AAMVA provided, I was never more than a phone call away from sharing a concern with, or seeking an answer from, a colleague I had met at some AAMVA meeting or function.  The concept of "no need to reinvent the wheel" aptly describes AAMVA's greatest value.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of AAMVA.  They provide the knowledge, skills, interest and information that make AAMVA so valuable to its membership.  I would strongly urge all chief administrators to be actively involved in AAMVA, and provide volunteer opportunities for their staff members as well.  I had the opportunity to serve as an AAMVA volunteer for more than 25 years in a number of capacities, and found it to be some of the most professionally rewarding opportunities I ever had.

Now, as an AAMVA employee for the past two years, I have gained a renewed appreciation for the value the AAMVA leadership and staff bring to the organization.   They have a genuine desire to help DMVs and law enforcement agencies find common solutions to identified problems, promote highway safety, strive for uniformity, enhance customer service, protect the motoring public and promote a positive image of all the jurisdictional employees who work each day to deliver the best service possible.

I hope you will take some time this year to reflect on the value that AAMVA has brought to you, your organization and your staff.   Please remember that AAMVA is your organization and you have a vital role to play in its continued success.

Keith Kiser
(retired) Director, Motor Vehicle Division
Vice President Vehicle Services
AAMVA
kkiser@aamva.org

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2003-2004)

It was just one month ago when I last blogged about full 100 percent state implementation of the nation's only online, real-time vehicle fraud reduction machine:  NMVTIS.  And if you missed the blog, you should definitely listen to my two part podcast with DOJ's Jim Burch to hear where things are headed.

Now, just this month, Reader's Digest freelancer Mandy Matson gets out the magnifying glass in her latest feature story and examines vehicle safety issues with airbag deployment, theft and the connection to NMVTIS.

It's a long one and a must read.

I applaud Mandy for digging so deeply into this critical highway safety issue and fleshing out the solution to the problem:  NMVTIS.

You know, this system is really starting to sound like, excuse the 2007 terminology, a "no-brainer."  Let's hope others share those sentiments.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Serv
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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