If Not You, Then Who?

Posted by: Santa Cruz County Board of REALTORS® on: July 6, 2012

In: Association Matters | Communications | Legislative Affairs | Member Services | Public Relations | RAPAC
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The REALTOR® ACTION CENTER posses the question; If not you, then who? As REALTORS® we must be politically active. If not, who will take on the responsibility of protecting the values and rights we hold dear?

Be assured that someone will—someone who may not value wise business planning and could threaten property owners and their rights.

If REALTORS® do not speak out, get INVOLVED and help shape the discussion, someone else will. No one knows a community better than a REALTOR®. REALTORS® know the lay of the land, the families, the best schools, the neighborhoods and the leaders of any given area. REALTORS® work in every city, county and community in the nation. REALTORS® are on the front line as defenders of real estate issues.

RPAC is the voice of REALTORS® on Capitol Hill. Since 1969 RPAC has been promoting the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. During the last federal election cycle alone, RPAC contributed over $12 million to pro-REALTOR® candidates to Congress, making it the number one trade association political action committee in the nation. Why has RPAC been successful? Because RPAC is not a charity. RPAC is a business.

According to OPEN SECRETS, The National Association of REALTORS® is ranked 4th on the list for Top All-Time Donors (1989-2012) and contributes between 40% and 59% to both parties. In the past 20+ years, NAR has contributed $43,720,142 towards lobbying efforts.

In Arizona’s political scene, REALTORS® have long understood the importance of providing financial support for RAPAC – the REALTORS® of Arizona Political Action Committee. Because RAPAC receives such robust support from its members, it qualifies as an Arizona “Super PAC,” which allows RAPAC trustees to award financial support to candidates at a higher spending limit. RAPAC is currently one of 22 such higher participation PACs in the state.

At our local level, our Legislative Committee keeps our membership informed on local government issues. They actively represent our Association every week at our County Supervisors meetings. The committee monitors and protects public issues and helps maintain contact and opens the door for interaction and communication with our local city and county elected officials to help shape public policy that will best protect Private Property Rights.

SCCBR has recently revised our web site’s GOVERNMENT AFFAIR section. The Association is committed to being the voice in real state for Santa Cruz County. We will continue the rally to protect the AMERICAN DREAM by helping our membership and community stay informed and get involved!

Visit the Government Affairs section by clicking on the following topics: