Comments on: Effective 2011 Political Investment No Longer Voluntary

By: Gene Wunderlich

Gene Wunderlich — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 18:20:09 +0000

I believe CAR’s legislative agenda is, for the most part, very attuned to members needs although representing the wants of 180,000 diverse practitioners across the entire state is not always easy. I think in a lot of cases the message isn’t being brought to the members or explained as it should be – and that is partially CAR’s fault but mostly rests on local associations who have no political bent. And yes, I do believe 81% of my colleagues are freeloaders even for $4/month. I know it’s been a tough couple years for the market but if $4/mo makes the difference between being in business or not, then they should re-evaluate their career choice. Without CAR’s advocacy, recognized as among the most effective in the state, the plight of the Realtor would be much worse today. You’re either going to be at the table or you’ll be on the menu – it’s just that simple. If you disagree with what is happening or what is being represented on your behalf, I encourage you to get involved, attend association meetings, discuss the issues with your association leadership and government affairs people at the local and state level – they are very approachable. And if you have a better idea on how to raise the funds necessary to stay relevant in this political climate – please share it. The rest of us were unable to come up with a more palatable solution – hence the $49 assessment.

By: Cathy Asbury

Cathy Asbury — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:24:43 +0000

I think you ought to ask yourself if 81% of your colleagues are ‘free loaders’ unwilling to spend $4/month for your agenda, or rather is the CAR board out of touch with 81% of its membership, so that it has to FORCE the people that placed them in a leadership position to IMPOSE this fee. Who decides they have the time and information to e/m me a call to arms on some legal issue, but not the time and information at hand to ask me if I believe in what they are ballistic about? Or maybe its just that 81% of the membership aren’t able to understand what’s best for them? Do NOT get me started on the Teacher’s Union! The last thing I want to have is my trade association mirror that bunch of self-serving bureaucrats…

By: Gene Wunderlich

Gene Wunderlich — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:22:09 +0000

Thanks Harrison. No doubt Realtors in your area will view this with mixed reactions as they have out here but in the long run it’s the best thing we could do. Just getting that 3% withholding defeated yesterday saves our members hundreds of dollars in advance payments.

By: Harrison

Harrison — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:30:42 +0000

Thanks, Gene, for this post and explanation of the CAR board adoption of program for mandatory opt-over for the Realtor Action Fund starting next yet.

Let’s continue to tell our REALTOR friends … “Get Into Politics or Get out of Business”.