Where to start...what to do...Want suggestions? Have a look at this:
There are people towing for hire in unmarked trucks.
There are people towing for hire on "P" for private license plates.
There are people towing for hire without insurance.
As far as I know, the State Police, County Sheriff, or local Police Departments do not have these on rotation. And as far as the individuals above, I do not care if they are happy. I don't want them to be happy. I want them to be in compliance like the rest of who are responsible enough to do the right thing and stay within the confines of the law. Part of the problem here is there are current menbers on the board who are biased, are looking out, not for the towers statewide, but themselves first, and have an affiliation with an organization outside the board that is apparently on it's own agenda and attempting to garner statewide contracts with VDOT and other interest based on their rather large financial influence.

1. I would start by dismissing BTRO members who are affiliated with MIHROA immediately as it appears to be a conflict of interest and no one likes that. If you are going to be a governing body, do so without conflict of interest. Do you think you are politicians now?
2. I would ensure compliance with the regulations and statutes concerning unmarked tow trucks, uninsured operators, and using not for hire tags.
3. I would work closely with the Virginia State Police, the County Sheriffs Offices and local Police Departments and value their input and don't misrepresent yourselves to them if you expect to maintain any dignity and influence in this boards development.
4. I would initiate a cost effective two year (at a minimum) study committee to research all of the proposals thoroughly before feeding them to the legislature, who know little about what you are doing as you know, and stop trying to input submissions as earmarks on other bills to gain legislative approval. If you are representing the Virginia Towing Industry, show a little decorum, respect, courtesy and be mature and sensitive in your dealings with the towing community.
5. Stop trying to force the issues here. You are not gaining support of the towing community. It is very obvious isn't it? Many already don't like BTRO and in fact are against it and don't and will not support it. And you are not even there yet. That is not a great way to start off in this program.
6. We don't need a $500 drivers license...you do. Drop the requirement and stay with the present system until the atmosphere improves.
7. Want to legislate something? Put in a bill for tow truck driver training. Have the State fund 20%-30% of it in the interest of Public Safety.
8. Put in a legislative bill to stiffen penalities for improper plates, no insurance and private tags and no or improper license when operating a owing vehicle for hire.
9. Legislate to add to that more frequent DMV roadside safety inspections for tow vehicles including load security. Present this to the Govenor.
10. Put out a general memorandum to all thus far who have registered with BTRO, where the Town Hall is and to register for feedback, and that their input is welcome. That is where this note is going today.

Thank you, Thomas