2008 CORPAC Committee Report

CORPAC Update

By Nancy Byrd Bob Deis Rebecca Jarvis
Co-Chairs, CORPAC Committee

In celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®, we contemplated what our forefathers of Real Estate would think about our progress. The concept of political action committees had not entered the picture back in 1908. In fact the National REALTORS® Political Action Committee (1980's) and the Central Ohio REALTORS® Political Action Committee (1990's) came into the picture much, much later. One of the original reasons that local REALTOR® associations were started was to become a voice to speak for those in the industry and those who own real estate in protection of private property rights. We feel that we are blessed with the BEST REALTOR® Association in Ohio. As a member of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®, you are a member of a tremendous organization of volunteers and supporting staff that work together to lead our Board. CORPAC is an integral part of the Board's success in the protection of property rights, and truly a part of YOUR success.

Political involvement is crucial to our business. Had the real estate profession just sat back and let things happen, we would be in a very different arena today.

Property rights have been constantly challenged with tax issues, signage, eminent domain, etc. Over the years, the Governor and legislature in Ohio consider an unbelievable number of proposals that would have negative impact on our industry. RPAC and CORPAC help to keep those proposals from becoming reality. Nationally, REALTORS® have promoted continued increases in FHA loan maximums (we just received a new increase this past month), protected the deductibility of mortgage interest for income tax purposes, and fought to lower capital gains taxes. It takes a continued vigilance to protect our industry and private property rights, and it's not without cost. RPAC and CORPAC need your support, and the support of every member of our Board.

Help us toward our goal, and help us promote YOUR success by supporting CORPAC.

Our committee's goal - in this 100th year of the Board - is 100% member participation in support of CORPAC. If you didn't already just include the $20 voluntary contribution to CORPAC with your CBR dues, it's still as easy as buying a ticket to the annual CORPAC Auction coming up the evening of May 22nd at the Hyatt Regency. Your $30 ticket price provides you good food, great fun, a great night out with your REALTOR® family, plus the ticket price counts as your contribution to CORPAC.

CORPAC Committee members are very involved in area associations. For a ticket o the auction, contact a committee member at your weekly area association meetings, or contact Brianna George at the Board office, 614-475-4000, ext 247.