Ballot measures give voters a voice in 2004 elections.

November 2nd saw voters in 34 states decide on 163 ballot measures on issues ranging from stem-cell research to bear baiting.

Voters in eleven states overwhelmingly approved amendments to their state constitutions that codify marriage as exclusively being between a man and a woman. The states are Mississippi, Montana, Oregon, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Utah.

In California, voters narrowly defeated a measure that would require small businesses to provide health care to employees. Known as Proposition 72, this measure was opposed by the California Restaurant Association and many other pro-business organizations.

In South Carolina, voters approved a measure that would change the state's longstanding laws on the use of mini-bottles in the service of alcohol. This measure was supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the South Carolina Hospitality Association.

For more information on these measures, please visit CMAA's Legislative & Regulatory Summary at http://www.cmaa.org/legislat/summary/legislation.asp.

Private Club Member Preferences in Club Security

Club Management, as part of its new partnership with Club Metrics. launched its inaugural survey last summer, studying attitudes of club members around the nation about levels and types of security in their private club environments. Over 70 percent of survey respondents indicated that their family's security is of primary importance while at the club--no big surprise there--but here are a few additional findings from the survey:

* Over 60% of members nationally feel their clubs do a good job with security.

* 37% would like their clubs to update levels of security.

* Women (41.5%) are more likely than men (36.2%) to desire security updates.

* Main areas of security concern are the golf course, pool areas, and locker rooms.

* The larger the club, the greater the percentage of members who report security concerns.

For managers who are in the midst of examining different security options, members overwhelmingly prefer traditional manned security entrances as the first step, followed by traditional swipe badge systems and closed circuit cameras.

Club managers who participated in the survey launch by forwarding the online survey link to their memberships received the benefit of a free executive summary, comparing the national percentages to those reported by the club's own membership. A full version of the report is available to CMAA members for $500, and non-CMAA members for $1,000. For more information, visit www.clubmetrics.com, or call Dee Kaplan ([e-mail]) at 1-800- 333-7993.

Club Management and Club Metrics will launch their second national survey immediately following the CMAA show in February, and there will be a signup kiosk for manager participation in the CMAA Member Services area. The survey will address member preferences, usage patterns, and levels of interest in fitness and spa facilities and equipment. Once again, Club Metrics will offer managers who participate a free executive summary of the findings. Fore more information, write to [e-mail], or visit www.clubmetrics.com. You'll also find information regarding Club Metrics.