02/01/06
REALTORS - POLITICS - PRIVATE
PROPERTY RIGHTS
Many years ago a U.S. Congressman friend of mine
said that 'like it or not, politics affects all of us from before we're
actually born until after we die.' How true. REALTORSâ are involved
in politics in many ways and at many levels. Perhaps the simplest level
of involvement is through RPAC, the REALTORS Political Action Committee.
For lack of a better term, it's like business insurance and every single
REALTOR should be making a contribution each year to RPAC. Why? Easy
- it helps support private property rights and elects people to public
office that care about such rights and are supportive of REALTOR issues
and concerns.
2005 was another great RPAC Year in the WEST MICHIGAN LAKESHORE ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS. I am pleased to report that at the recent Achieve Conference
hosted by the Michigan Association of REALTORS, in Grand Rapids, WMLAR
walked away with three special recognitions for its RPAC involvement,
including Highest Percentage of Member Participation and highest dollar
amount over goal. Nearly 70% of WMLAR members did their part and contributed
to RPAC. The said thing is that 30% left it up to others. We expect
to do better in 2006.
RPAC's track record of success in 05':
• Revised Seller's Disclosure
Statement - improved notice and protection on flood insurance, appliances,
property tax information, sex offender registries and indoor air quality.
•Tax increases - opposed retroactive tax reform that would have
resulted in a $10 million tax increase for commercial rental properties
in 2006.
• On-line Continuing Education Act - provided greater flexibility
in acquiring con-ed credits.
Looking ahead to 2006 -
•Oppose unnecessary government
bureaucracy that would delay real estate transactions.
• Eminent Domain issues by supporting a constitutional amendment
prohibiting government taking of private property for private use.
• Price of Government - change the way government approaches budgeting
and protect against increased taxes and fees.
• No Tax On Services! Enough said.
•Land Use issues.
• Appraisal Standards.
On the NATIONAL Level -
•Work tirelessly to protect the Mortgage Interest Deduction (MID).
• Support Small Business Health Plans to provide REALTORS access
to affordable health insurance for their families.
•· Keep large banks out of real estate brokerage.
RPAC is one of those things that every REALTOR
needs to support as we all work for the protection and enhancement of
private property rights in America. Additional information regarding
RPAC can be found on the website of the Michigan Association of REALTORS,
www.mirealtors.com
