MAR members to take part in monumental shift in Michigan government history

I’m not one to look back. Other than to reminisce, which I’ve always done with fondness, the past is past. It’s what my present and my future have been built upon, and I’m satisfied with the foundation I created; satisfied with my path, my decisions and where I am now. On occasion, however, it’d be nice to go back ... for even a brief time, especially if it meant being a part of a process of historic proportions, such as what is taking place in the legislature this year.

The legislature has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to totally change the way government works. As lawmakers struggle to balance a huge budget deficit, they have new tools and a new plan, thanks in part to the Michigan Association of REALTORS® and the book The Price of Government, which can make our future, both as citizens and as REALTORS®, much brighter indeed.

Imagine a state government where the question of what taxes to increase is never asked; a state government that is focused on only what the state’s citizens have so generously given them and no more!

I kind of wish I could personally take part in it and be a legislator again ... just for a couple of months working through this process.

Thinking back on own my eight years as a legislator, I can remember just two opportunities of this magnitude. One was when we eliminated general welfare assistance for able-bodied citizens, and the second was when we abolished property taxes as we knew them, starting us on the path for Proposal A. Those were monumental tasks that changed the future dramatically, and I was proud to be a part of the process. But this ... well, I hope the legislators who are taking part in this process realize what a rare and wonderful gift of an opportunity this is! It’s a chance to strengthen the foundation of the future by upgrading the way decisions are crafted, and utilizing this to shore up our budget and stabilize it again.

I’ve read some of the criticisms, the majority of which simply want to rely on historic memory in going through the process. But, as the old saying goes, “you can’t keep doing the same thing and expect a different result!” The Price of Government employs a new way to deal with old problems in a disciplined, objective and orderly manner. It requires courage to change, to be sure. It requires time and patience. It requires cooperation and exploration of new ideas. Wow! What an opportunity!

I am encouraged and inspired when I see the level of enthusiasm of new legislators as they read The Price of Government and ask tough questions that some of our more seasoned veterans hadn’t thought of. I’m equally encouraged when I see the concept embraced by those who know the old way but are willing to try something new.

This process is not easy. It requires change, tough decisions, that will bring out resistance, oppositions and frustrations. Change always does. Ultimately, however, the process will call upon legislators to work together and show courage in seeing it through to the end.
That’s what I’ll miss being a part of.

But, what I can be a part of — and what I am a part of — is an association comprised of members who have seen the value of budgeting for outcome and have shown the courage to introduce, endorse and support it. Our courage is shown in our being an association to encourage our legislators to see this through.

We will encourage them to take a stand. We will encourage them to work through this process of outcome based budgeting, and watch the results unfold before us. It can strengthen our future by providing services and programs that have been determined objectively and logically to be in the best interest of our state and its citizens. How exciting for all of us!

So, even if I can’t literally be there every step of the way, I will still have that opportunity to reminisce, to look back proudly at our part in this endeavor ... when the process has been completed and the results are in. We’re still a part of something revolutionary, so, for that, I guess it’s really the best of both worlds — the past and the future, bridged by this monumental effort.

It will take courage and encouragement. I can be satisfied with that!