2008 Governmental Affairs Committee Report

Under all is the Land

By Ted Oatts, Chair
Governmental Affairs Committee

Under all is the land. Everyone everywhere has an interest, a right and responsibility that is affected by their living conditions. Our United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights address private property rights, guaranteeing our right to own property and pursue the enjoyment of its use. There are those who would try to limit and control these freedoms. In recent years, even the Supreme Court has begun narrowing and restricting this basic right we have historically enjoyed.

The Governmental Affairs committee at the Columbus Board of REALTORS® is charged with the responsibility of being the eyes and ears in all of our central Ohio neighborhoods. REALTORS® are actively involved in their neighborhoods volunteering at community events, schools, etc. and making significant contributions of their time, talent, and treasure enriching their communities. I like to say there is a REALTOR® in every community!

One task we gladly bear is helping protect private property rights. We do this through bipartisan efforts as a grassroots organization. We get directly involved in important real estate related issues such as eminent domain and other land use issues; environmental issues that look at cost benefit analysis legislation; growth limitation policies; property tax relief such as the property tax rollback relief for homeowners; impact fees, preservation fees, transfer taxes; and the list goes on and on.

REALTORS® are also directly involved with supporting candidates and elected officials who are private property rights advocates. We do this individually and through donations to CORPAC, our central Ohio REALTORS® Political Action Committee. Last year we raised almost $150,000 to help support our causes and candidates. The importance of building relationships with those who write the laws that affect us cannot be overstated.

One of the goals we have for this year is to create a Local Political Network -- LPN. The LPN will consist of a smaller group of REALTORS® who are already involved from both residential and commercial areas. The LPN can gather information quickly when the need arises concerning a legislative issue, elected official, or candidate, and respond more timely to the Board with a recommendation. Our larger committee meets quarterly, and sometimes the need for information and decision-making is more pressing. Creating a smaller group will make CBR and its leadership more effective.

In our larger Governmental Affairs committee, I am asking every member to find out who their elected officials are including Township Trustees, City Council members, the Mayor and/or Administrator, County Commissioners, State Representative, Senator and other elected officials. Find out their names, contact information, and send it to Kathy Elliott at CBR.

Build relationships with each of them and when there is a need to speak to someone in a specific community about an issue, you will be asked to help us contact the individuals who can assist in solving a potential problem or can help create a solution. Together, we can do more. Your participation in the process is needed and valued.

Everyday is a new day and new opportunity. Make the most of it. Get involved!