Protecting the American Dream?As REALTORS® in central Ohio, we have long dreamt of and now enjoy a favorable climate in which to conduct business. CBR’s own Larry Metzger, our CORPAC Governing Board, as well as our OAR and NAR staff constantly work “behind the scenes” to resolve governmental issues and legislation that would affect our business environment before they become problems. Until recently, many of us have taken this for granted. Good government has its cost.
Last year, Governor Taft’s proposal to solve the state’s financial debacle served as a major wake-up call, banding together our industry in what we hope will be a continuing victory in this common cause for good government. We all know that good government doesn’t come without cost. Former President Ronald Reagan referred to politics as the second oldest profession and said in many ways it likens itself to the oldest. Indeed, good government DOES NOT happen without cost! The Ohio Association of REALTORS® pledged $125,000 to fight Taft’s tax initiative which would have placed undue burden on the back of the real estate industry. While Taft’s proposed taxing of real estate services, title insurance services and the reduction of commercial roll back in property taxes was defeated, there are undercurrents which may bring it back to the forefront. Continued vigilance is necessary to protect our industry. | | Louise Potter
Co-Chair Scott Hrabcak
C/I Co-Chair Ronda Sullivan
Affiliate Co-Chair | | 
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From where does the money come?
Unlike some other trade associations such as labor unions, our lobbying costs cannot just come from our membership dues. That is why CORPAC was founded 10 years ago. In those ten years, CORPAC has raised over $760,000 from CBR members, of which 67% went to OAR and NAR to support our industry beliefs and to protect on the state and national level the property rights of all individuals. The remaining 33% has been used locally to support the real estate- friendly candidates and issues in central Ohio.
Where does the money go?
On the national level, REALTORS® have supported, among other issues: the continued deductibility of mortgage interest for federal income tax purposes; continued increases in FHA loan maximums; and worked toward lower federal taxes on capital gains. Another example nationally, is that REALTORS® have opposed “do not call” registries that would apply to real estate sales.
At the state level, REALTORS® have supported, among many other issues: Ohio’s new commercial lien law; computerized testing for real estate licensing; and continued increases in Ohio Housing Trust Fund. REALTORS® opposed the state sales tax on real estate commission, management fees, title search fees and home inspections; reductions in the commercial property tax roll back; and bans on car phones. Our OAR continues to monitor other important legislation, such as: statewide licensing of home inspectors, and Ohio’s school funding issues.
At our local level, our board and CORPAC have supported such issues as: local schools; well-planned growth initiatives; and safe roads and bridges. We have opposed some issues such as: local growth moratoriums (as in Pickerington); the short-lived Columbus city tax on capital gains; and overly restrictive sign ordinances. We also continue to monitor local watershed protection overlays.
Seeing the Benefits
Our very own members, through CORPAC, have seen the need and subsequently have led the state in legislative participation with the largest amount of local board fundraising in Ohio, outdistancing both Cleveland and Cincinnati. Last year through our golf outing and auction we raised $111,612 with 2,541 members participating.
Our 2004 fundraising goal, which is to raise $117,000 this year, can easily be achieved if each member would pledge $20. That amount can hardly be too much to help protect the industry that has been so good to each of us.
CBR’s Auction 2004
This year our fundraising auction has been moved to the Hyatt Regency Ballroom, and this year’s event promises to be better than ever. Mark your calendar for May 26 and bring your checkbook. We already have some tremendous auction items and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to pick up something special while at the same time supporting our CORPAC.
Attendance for this year’s auction is limited and our tickets and reserved tables are selling fast. Don’t be left out. Call Vanita Green at CBR or contact any CORPAC committee member to get your tickets.
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