August 2006 Field Report - West Michigan
By: Kyle Olson – West Michigan Field Director
You Win Some and Lose Some: November Ballot Takes Shape
The August 8 primary election narrowed down the ballot for November and set the races for governor, U.S. senator, and seats in the U.S. House, and the state House and Senate. Governor Jennifer Granholm will be facing Dick DeVos of Ada and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard won the Republican Senate primary and the right to challenge U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow.
Several state House and Senate districts had primary races and many local associations held candidate interviews to endorse REALTOR®-friendly candidates. Local associations, along with MAR, will be announcing those endorsements in the coming weeks.
While the MAR was successful in the election of many REALTOR®-friendly candidates, some that were not endorsed by the association also won. It is not that they are not pro-property rights or differ with the REALTOR® philosophy, the selection committees felt another candidate was better during the interview process. Nevertheless, we are reassessing those decisions and working to make inroads with those candidates that were victorious.
The race that gained the most attention and one that NAR was heavily involved in was the renomination of Congressman Joe Schwarz. Congressman Schwarz has been a big friend to REALTORS® both during his time in Lansing and in Washington—having a 100% voting record for NAR and standing up for important issues such as Small Business Health Plans, keeping the Mortgage Interest Deduction and keeping banks out of real estate. Nevertheless, he faced a more conservative opponent who campaigned on social issues and was more effective at getting his supporters to the polls. The district leans heavily Republican and it is likely the winner of that Republican primary, Tim Walberg, will win in November.
Be aware of who will be on your ballot in November and find out where they stand on the issues. Candidates of both parties agree with the REALTOR® philosophy and some do not. It is important to be an informed voter because with the issues looming next year, you literally cannot afford to have the wrong person get elected.
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Single Business Tax Repeal Update
On August 9, 2006, the Michigan Legislature voted to push the repeal of the Single Business Tax (SBT) forward by two years to December 31, 2007. The Michigan Association of REALTORS® agrees with the legislature that this is an onerous tax that does more harm than good to the economic prospects of this state and believe that a more equitable business tax is attainable. And although the repeal of this tax should not create any undue stress among our 34,000 members, it is important for us to remain vigilant as they begin the work on finding a replacement for at least a portion of the roughly $2 billion that this tax brings to the state's coffers. We are lucky to have outstanding relationships with the legislative leadership in both parties and have made our opposition to a sales tax on services very clear to them. Though that's not to suggest that our work is done by any stretch of the imagination!
We are working closely with the leaders in the Michigan House and Senate to ensure your voice is heard. Abi-partisan, joint committee has been formed to examine this issue and we will have a seat at that table. As events warrant, we will be seeking the input of our membership to help ensure are placement that does not target your commissions.
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Convention Update: Gubernatorial Debate?
Each year, The Michigan Association of REALTORS® Annual Convention attracts REALTORS® and vendors throughout Michigan to one central event. Besides being a venue to gather industry-related information, there is an opportunity for continuing education, networking, and establishing working relationships. Michigan REALTORS® have been highly active in legislative issues this year, from affordable health care coverage to mortgage fraud concerns, which are sure to be topics of conversations among members. Given that this year is an extremely important election year, and the convention has the potential of hosting over 30,000 REALTORS®, the MAR is excited at the possibility of holding a gubernatorial debate during this year’s event. A debate format will provide for each candidate to share their views on the real estate industry, business regulations, and private property rights. The MAR has invited current Gov. Granholm, and her challenger, businessman Dick DeVos, to participate. To date, the MAR has received confirmation from Devos’ campaign that he will be able to attend, and contacts at the Granholm campaign are currently checking on her availability. Be sure to check out next month’s field report for an update and details.
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RPAC Putting Challenge
Be on the look out for the RPAC Putting Challenge booth again this year at the MAR Convention & Expo, September 25-27 in Grand Rapids. Golfing novices and experts will have a chance to putt for another great prize. MAR staff, along with the RPAC Trustees, will be manning the booth. Stop by and say hello!
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