I don't know windchaser or what area this is, so this is just a related question: Would it be bad form to recruit activists from other towns (say if there's a larger cycling presence in another nearby town) in stead of staying with in-town locals?

I'd assume a great place to find people would be the LBS whose employee(s) don't feel safe to ride locally. At the very least you may garner a few letters from them to support the cause. Better, you might be able to skim some cycling club contact info to gather even more names and faces for that list.

edit: If you're willing to make the expense, there are fairly inexpensive video cameras out there (480p resolution) made to mount on handle bars. It might make enough of a case if you can document a few incidents of harassment from motorists. I've seen them under $50.

Also, making sure your city government knows you're aware of cycling-related laws (by tactfully stating some highlights or ordinance numbers when appropriate) will help strengthen your argument. Take this as personal experience with some other similar situations.