LA Auto Club: Members Vote Overwhelmingly to Approve Change to Appointed Board

LOS ANGELES--Nov. 4, 2003--Members of the Automobile Club of Southern California have voted overwhelmingly to change from an elected to an appointed board of directors. The change, which took effect Oct. 31, 2003, eliminates board elections and associated mailings to members, which in recent years have cost the Auto Club millions of dollars annually. The change was approved by over 82% of the more than one million members who voted.

More members voted to approve the change in the bylaws than voted in any of the recent board elections.

"We believe the overwhelming support by members is reflective of their trust and confidence in the Auto Club and their belief that contested elections are an unnecessary expense and distraction," said Thomas V. McKernan, President and CEO. "The Auto Club has built member trust over 103 years and nothing in this relationship will change."