Going local

An ounce of prevention ...

by George Stephens   What’s your reaction when you hear about REALTORS® in another part of the state who are facing a problem–something like a ridiculous sign ordinance or unreasonable zoning laws? If you’re like me, your first thought is gratefulness that the same thing isn’t happening where you do business. That relief quickly turns into concern that a similar problem might surface in your city.

Our association has a means to fight these battles and turn back bad ideas before they have a chance to gain momentum. We also can help promote good ideas and encourage their implementation. We do this through our Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee (IMPAC). You can think of it like TREPAC, only instead of supporting political candidates, IMPAC focuses on issues.

The Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee was formed in 2001, and has already had a significant ... dare I say it? ... impact.

Our association got involved through IMPAC when a proposition in Corpus Christi would have effectively stopped all development and investment in the waterfront area. Though the proposal looked like it would succeed, thanks in part to an advertising and grassroots campaign from IMPAC, it was defeated. Efforts from IMPAC helped pass another ballot measure–this time in South Central Texas–to make sure water rights weren’t taken away from property owners and siphoned off to out-of-town interests. There have been several other successes as well.

Currently, IMPAC is engaged in a radio and newspaper advertising campaign to gain public support for Texas REALTORS®’ legislative efforts to ensure fair, affordable homeowners insurance. (See the article on page 34.) All these activities and accomplishments have come without raising member dues or assessing a fee to fund IMPAC’s operations.

Most matters considered by the Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee originate with a request from local associations, because those are the folks who know the issues best and hear about them first. Approved issues-mobilization requests qualify for funds and other resources to assist the local organization’s efforts.

So, the next time you hear about a problem facing REALTORS® in another city, you can have a third reaction. Be thankful for IMPAC.

Photo by Jerry Jones/JonesImages.com.

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