Lewis A Wickens

1973-75

Change, Crisis and Challenge

During Mr. Wickens term of office, all state committee chairmen were made members of the Board of Directors; Dr. Arthur Corey, Consultant, was retained to evaluate CalRTA’s governance practices; inflation, rising costs and the energy crisis threatened CalRTA services.

Membership was emphasized: CalRTA Business Administrator Walter Hemmerling stated, “Memberships mean money and legislative clout.” A Professional Relations Committee was appointed to “Improve CalRTA image.” By 1975 CalRTA had 61 divisions with 34,096 members.

Some milestones of Mr. Wickens’ presidency included the birth of a CalRTA Leaders’ Newsletter, the sudden death of Business Administrator Hemmerling, the institution of 3 one-day meetings to replace Fall Council, and passage of legislation, which was signed by Governor Reagan.