July 2007 Field Report -
Southeast Michigan
By: Tony Daunt – Southeast Michigan Field Director
The Importance of Being Involved
Now that summer weather has arrived (and wasted no time making some of us wish it was September again) concerns about the latest developments in Lansing will begin to fade from your mind, and understandably so. This is the traditional busy season for REALTORS® (if there is such a thing in Michigan these days!) and most of you will be out pounding the pavement and working tirelessly on behalf of your clients. Some of you will also be quietly anticipating the well-deserved weekend on Lake Michigan or the yearly excursion to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Florida or the Carolinas.
However, we must continually be on guard for ill-conceived proposals or unreasonable decisions being made in Lansing or your local community, or even in Washington, D.C. As we saw with the U.S. Supreme Court’s Kelo decision last year, regarding the issue of eminent domain, a decision that initially affects only one corner of the country or one street in your neighborhood can ultimately have a profound impact on the rights of anyone who owns personal property, which is especially troubling for REALTORS®. We are lucky to have great leadership at the local, state, and national levels as well as an active membership that is committed to sound public policy on behalf of real estate professionals and who keep a vigilant watch for anything that could be harmful to our industry or to your rights as an American. REALTORS® have a long history of excellence in this area.
In order to continue this tradition of excellence, we need each and every one of you to get involved, stay involved and make a contribution to RPAC. You are the eyes and ears for Southeast Michigan. Whether you attend local planning commission meetings, serve on your local association’s government affairs committee, or donate $25 to RPAC, your contribution is greatly appreciated and ensures all REALTORS® of a thriving business climate in the years to come.
We are at a crucial time in our state’s history and need effective leadership to put us on a track to recovery. The policies being discussed in Lansing will have a long lasting impact on the economic health of this beautiful state. It is important for us as REALTORS® to stand with our friends and let them know that we support them when they make the tough decisions that we expect from our leaders. Your involvement and encouragement will have a great impact on them as they move forward with the bold strategies that are needed to, once again, make Michigan a national model for economic success.
Field Staff Office Visits
We are lucky to have such a capable staff of lobbyists and advocates working on our behalf in Lansing. As your area MAR representative, it is my responsibility to work with these individuals to keep you informed so you are aware of what your state legislature is doing for (or, in some cases, to) you.
Having said all that, the best way to share the latest news with the largest number of area REALTORS® is to attend your weekly sales meetings and speak to you in person. I am willing and able to travel to any office, at any time, on any day of the week. If you are a broker or an office manager, please take this offer to heart and call me. My number is: 517-812-4134. If you’re a sales agent, mention this to your broker and get them to bring me in to your office. Not only will you get the latest from the State Capitol but I’ll also bring in bagels, donuts and any other “health” food you request!
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