MADD Board Ousts Founder Candy Lightner
HURST, Tex. — Candy Lightner, who founded Mothers Against Drunk Driving after her daughter was killed by a drunk driver, said today she has been pushed aside and is no longer running the national crusade that now has 350 chapters in the United States.
The MADD executive committee has taken control of the organization and her contract has not been renewed, said Lightner, 39, who reportedly drew a $76,000-a-year salary.
“Communications have broken down with these people,†she said.
She said she was shocked in July when the board did not give her a $10,000 bonus she requested pending negotiation of the new contract and stripped her of her roles as chief executive officer and chairman.
“I have no idea what will happen to me,†she said. “I hope to go on with MADD. I feel I am being punished for its success.â€
Under Lightner, MADD drew the fire of both the Better Business Bureau and the National Charities Information Bureau. The watchdog groups issued reports this year contending MADD was spending too much money on administration and fund raising.
MADD revenues exceeded $12.5 million in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1984.
Lightner, then a real estate agent in Sacramento, Calif., started MADD after her daughter was killed in 1980 by a drunk driver.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
