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Don’t just sit there
You can make a difference.
by George Stephens If you think politicians don’t listen to their constituents, you’re wrong.
I bet most people who hold that belief have never even dipped a toe into the political process. In effect, they prove themselves right, since an elected official cannot address the needs of citizens who keep those needs to themselves.
I feel extremely fortunate to be part of one of the most politically active groups in the state. We REALTORS® don’t just sit back and hope things go our way. If we did, there’s a good chance you and I would be paying a direct tax on our commissions now. No, we get involved in campaigns and elect people who understand the importance of free enterprise and private-property rights.
That’s just a starting point. We also have to make sure the men and women we elect know about our issues and understand why they are important.
On April 8, many of you will join me in Austin to discuss our positions with elected officials. Believe me, when our senators and representatives see how many of us took a day away from our businesses to be there ... when they and their staffers bump into someone wearing a REALTOR® pin every time they turn a corner ... when groups of REALTORS® spill out of their offices into the halls because so many of us showed up, they notice.
If you’ve never attended our association’s Legislative Hill Visits, you’re in for an exciting day. You will come away from the Capitol with a real sense of pride for being someone who actively works toward bettering our great state. We will be addressing issues of major importance to Texans, like making sure homeowners insurance is available and affordable and that insurance companies treat policyholders fairly.
Those of you who can’t make it to Austin that day have many other opportunities to get involved. Make a contribution to TREPAC, sign up for the Legislative Liaison Newsletter to get weekly e-mail updates during the session, send letters and e-mails to your representatives voicing your support for REALTOR® positions, and meet your representatives whenever and wherever you have a chance.
I don’t mind if some people think elected officials don’t listen to them. They can keep complaining while they sit on their hands. As for me, I plan to make sure my voice is loud and clear. We REALTORS® don’t just sit back and hope things go our way. If we did, there’s a good chance you and I would be paying a direct tax on our commissions now.
Photo by Jerry Jones/JonesImages.com.
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Buyers & sellers,
visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.texasrealtors.com.
