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Newly elected ERC chairman, Ed Joseph, with WDIV personality Chuck Gaidica and outgoing chairman Tom McCleary at January 23, 2003, meeting, Grosse Pointe War Memorial. >>More in the ERC Review
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TV Personality
Kicks Off 2003
Noted Detroit television personality, Chuck Gaidica, speaking on "Not what you sell, but how you sell it" addressed the Eastside Republican Club at its January 21, 2003, meeting.
Reflecting on the ideology of many members of his profession, Gaidica jokingly affirmed that there are conservative members of the media, adding, “I'm here!” Gaidica, himself an eastside resident, is an on-air personality for Detroit's WDIV-TV, where he has served as director of meteorology since 1987.
In response to an audience question as to whether or not he would ever consider a run for elected office, Gaidica merely commented, “I've been asked that before, and all I can say is that it's an interesting question.”
He is known as a passionate environmentalist, and believes strongly in conservation and environmental education rooted in sound scientific principles. Gaidica has participated in many river and lake cleanups, and became certified as a scuba diver, specifically to assist in the cleanup of Lake St. Clair.
The speaker reflected on aspects of recent Michigan election campaigns, noting that such non-ideological issues as eye contact, image, and body language can have significant influence on potential voters. With respect to the 2002 gubernatorial race, Gaidica said that when it comes to a photogenic image, “some candidates just seem to have a built-in, God-given advantage.”
Gaidica is currently president of several corporations including Gaidica Communications. He is also a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National Rifle Association, and a
sustaining member of the Republican National Committee.
In a special tribute following Gaidica's message, former State Representative and newly elected U of M Regent Andrew Richner presented outgoing chairman McCleary with a U.S. flag which had flown over the State Capitol in Lansing, and a memento signed by every member of the 2002 Michigan House of Representatives.
In an impromptu appearance Jared Maynard, Macomb County Young Republican and candidate for third vice chair of the Michigan GOP, explained his vision for recruiting other young people as GOP volunteers and voters. Members also elected ERC Officers and Board Members for 2003. The next meeting is set for Tuesday, February 18, 2003, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.
