Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Political Advocacy Summary Second Quarter 2012 Annually, the Northwest Multiple Listing Service contributes to the political advocacy efforts of the Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS. These funds make it possible for member volunteers and association staff to remain engaged in all levels of political advocacy concerning the real estate industry, property ownership rights, environmental concerns and economic development in the communities we jointly serve. This partnership between TPCAR and NWMLS consistently results in our industry s voice being heard on all local real estate issues. This report represents a summary of the activities undertaken during the second quarter of 2012. The activities of election years seldom fall neatly within calendar quarters and 2012 is no exception. This makes a written report out of date before it can be prepared. Additionally, the high visibility political activities of election years tend to over shadow ongoing efforts that influence policy. To that end this report is delivered in 3 sections, Public Policy, Political and Future Activities. Day to day interface with the activities of local, state and national politicians and policy makers is typically accomplished by the TPCAR Government Affairs Director, Catherine Rudolph. She provides the ongoing presence for the real estate industry in Pierce County. Additionally she coordinates meetings, testimony and direction with numerous politically involved TPCAR volunteer members. Respectfully Submitted, Craig Hill, President Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Political Advocacy Report - 2Q2012 Page 1
Public Policy Flood Control legislation passed, Flood Control District Created: The Pierce County Council passed legislation to create a Flood Control District, with the county council serving as the board of supervisors. They are now discussing funding mechanisms. TPCAR Government Affairs Director, Catherine Rudolph, successfully advocated for a business seat on the advisory panel and the county council appointed our Master Builders partner, Tiffany Spier, with Catherine as her alternate. A seat at the table ensures that industry considerations will be heard. Both women served on the Flood Hazard Advisory Committee. The new panel will advise the Pierce County Executive and Council on projects, plans and funding decisions. Follow up to PSCAA WOOD Smoke Legislation: In May, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency convened a meeting of the task force which had worked to develop its legislative proposal on wood smoke and other particulate pollution. The group was asked to react to various plans for improving public awareness of burn bans and enforcement strategies. Catherine Rudolph participated on this panel and is also exploring whether the National Association of REALTORS has grants available to support the public relations effort. TPCAR has received excellent support from Washington REALTORS on this issue. Northshore Soundbuilt vs City of Tacoma Appeal: At the request of the Master Builders Association, TPCAR s Government Affairs Committee re-considered their request to sign on to a BIAW amicus brief in favor of the Soundbuilt Homes. The committee sees potential statewide issues impacting land use, development and property rights and therefore forwarded the request to Washington REALTORS Legal Affairs committee for analysis, review and action. Women s Council of REALTORS (WCR) Mayors Panel: At the June WCR General membership meeting, Lakewood Mayor Doug Richardson, Sumner Mayor Dave Enslow, and Gig Harbor Mayor Chuck Hunter discussed their success in creating and retaining jobs, conservative approach to finances and planned infrastructure development. The Mayor s also answered questions from the floor. TPCAR Government Affairs Director, Catherine Rudolph, assisted in coordinating the meeting and served as moderator. Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Political Advocacy Report - 2Q2012 Page 2
Sheriff s Executive Advisory Committee: TPCAR continues involvement with the Sheriff s Advisory Committee which is strategizing ways to increase coverage in industrial zones, consolidate services, and implement new funding for communications approved by voters in November of 2011. South Sound Communities Military Coalition Briefing: Marie Barth, Craig Hill, Pat Brewer and Catherine Rudolph attended a briefing for community leaders and elected officials on activities at Joint base Lewis McChord. Each will have a continued involvement at additional meetings with the transportation, housing policy, and land use work groups. Pierce County Parks Advisory Group: Catherine is serving on the Parks Advisory Group, which is considering park system proposals for redevelopment, new projects on property the county already owns, and how to pay for it. Washington Policy Center Luncheon: TPCAR Officers, Executive Officer, Government Affairs Director, key contacts and invited elected officials and candidates attended this meeting hosted by Seattle King County Association of REALTORS(R). Speakers laid out ideas for a different way of being green, and pointed out that some environmental policy hampers business while producing few results for the environment. The headline was Forests, Fish and Free Markets: A More Sustainable Path for the Environment. Shorelines Citizen s Advisory Committee: The Pierce County Shorelines Citizens Advisory Committee: reconvened in May. The proposal is currently before the Planning Commission. TPCAR has expressed concerns about buffer width for new construction and the ability of owners of existing homes to expand the footprint of their dwelling. Volunteer Carole Holmaas is doing a fine job in representing REALTOR interests. Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Political Advocacy Report - 2Q2012 Page 3
Mid-Year Meetings/Reichert Meeting: The Mid-Year meeting featured a large REALTOR rally near the Washington Monument which championed home ownership. It was well attended (Park Service numbers came in at over 14,000 people) and the Washington delegation was good sized. The REALTOR meeting with Congressman Reichert in Washington, DC in May was cut short because of a roll call vote, so REALTORS set up a follow up meeting with Reichert in June. TPCAR representatives were 2012 President Craig Hill, President-Elect Pat Brewer and Government Affairs Director Catherine Rudolph in addition to the SKCAR team. The conversation was rather informal with Mr. Reichert demonstrating a firm grasp of our issues. Tacoma Public Utilities: The Chair of the TPU Board briefed the TPCAR Broker s Council on liens for unpaid bills which have been complicated by an increased number of REOs and short sales. Political Visitors: State Representative J.T. Wilcox, partner in a large business in the Yelm area and an expert on the business impacts of water law and environmental policy, met with the Government Affairs Committee. Other recent visitors include Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor and Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy who briefed members on issues affected by their offices. Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Political Advocacy Report - 2Q2012 Page 4
Political Activities State Legislation: TPCAR volunteers Pat Brewer and Kevin Mullin are members of the Washington REALTORS Legislative Steering Committee. Pat and Kevin have worked on the Committee to help review and edit proposed legislation affecting the real estate industry. We have several volunteers serving on the Washington REALTORS Recording Document Presidential Advisory Group; they are: Dick Beeson, Pat Brewer, Kevin Mullin and Bill Riley. Executive Officer Wanda Coats was reappointed by the Governor to serve a second term as the Real Estate Profession Representative on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. AHAB is advisory to the Department of Commerce on issues and legislation related to affordable housing. Political Candidate Support: TPCAR s Government Affairs Director was on the host committee and spoke at several fundraisers for REALTOR endorsed candidates for major office. She also coordinated attendance of TPCAR Officers, Directors and Government Affairs Committee members at these events. Rob McKenna for Governor fundraiser in Puyallup. 500 Attendees, $75,000 raised. A Denny Heck for Congress fundraiser in Olympia. 80 Attendees, $13,000 raised. A Derek Kilmer for Congress fundraiser in Tacoma. 300 attendees, $23,000 raised. Kim Wyman for Secretary of State event in Tacoma. Candidate Endorsements: TPCAR and Washington REALTORS interviewed and endorsed the following candidates: Pierce County Endorsements: Pierce County Executive: Pierce County Sheriff: Pierce County Council District 2: Pierce County Council District 4: Pierce County Council District 6: Pat McCarthy Paul Pastor Joyce McDonald Sharon Benson Doug Richardson Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Political Advocacy Report - 2Q2012 Page 5
Legislative Endorsements: Legislative District 2: State Senate: Randi Becker State Rep Pos 1: Gary Alexander State Rep Pos 2: JT Wilcox Legislative District 25: State Senate: Bruce Dammeier State Rep Pos 2: Hans Zeiger Legislative District 26: State Rep Pos 1: Jan Angel Legislative District 27: State Rep Pos 1: Laurie Jinkins Legislative District 28: State Senate: Mike Carrell Legislative District 29: State Rep Pos 2: Steve Kirby Legislative District 30: State Rep Pos 2: Katrina Asay Legislative District 31: State Rep Pos 1: Cathy Dahlquist State Rep Pos 2: Christopher Hurst National Candidates: Congressional District 6: Congressional District 9: Congressional District 8: Congressional District 10: Derek Kilmer Adam Smith Dave Reichert Denny Heck All TPCAR endorsed candidates were successful in the primary and will continue to the November general election. We are especially pleased that Sharon Benson, an active REALTOR and legislative key contact, was successful in her campaign. Sharon is running for Pierce County Council District 4. She has served as a Pierce County Planning Commissioner and on the boards of a variety of non-profit organizations. TPCAR made a substantial direct contribution to her campaign and also made an independent expenditure for advertising and advocacy phone calls. Upcoming Activities With completion of the primaries, additional candidates will be interviewed and endorsements made in several key races. TPCAR will continue to support endorsed candidates through the election. Ongoing Policy efforts such as Flood Control, Parks and Clean Air are already on the calendar and our government affairs committee is prepared to engage with other issues as they arise. Tacoma Pierce County Association of REALTORS Political Advocacy Report - 2Q2012 Page 6