SAR Government Affairs Mission Statement  

Through active involvement in all levels of government, the Association strives to preserve the American dream of homeownership, protect private property rights, and protect the right to do business as an independent contractor.

Government Affairs Committee Goals are:

Increase Presence at REALTOR Day @ Capitol	Follow our GAC at www.facebook.com/wvgac
Engage in a Proactive Approach to Government Affairs
Increase Government Affairs Committee  Membership & Participation
Engage & Educate Membership
Increase Coordination with Oregon Association of REALTORS
Political Activity: Walks for Candidates, Council Recruitment, Political   Action Committee (PAC) Giving
Increase Political Action Committee participation
Active Participation in Neighborhood Associations

2011 RPAC Chili Throw-Down!
2010 RPAC Chili Throw-Down!
1st Place: Ronda Wymore 2nd Place (a four-way tie): Peggy LeGrande Greg Gysin Stephanie Moore Brian Pollinger 3rd Place: Hector Garcia
The chili throw-down RPAC fundraiser turned out to be a great event filled with wonderful smells and tastes!  We had 21 chefs participate and the variety of chili recipes was quite amazing from Greg Gysin’s pumpkin chili to Brian Pollinger’s seafood chili, they were all so interesting! The Meridian’s lower level space was donated for the contest location and was just the right size for the number of tables and people who participated. It was a perfect summer evening for the event, which took place from 4:30 to 7:30 and was filled with laughter, many friendly faces and nice loud, upbeat music, as well. The event raised $960 in contributions that will go to RPAC.  RPAC (Realtor Political Action Committee) is a member driven political action committee whose funds are used to support local, state and national candidates from all parties. As an example,  RPAC was instrumental in getting the home buyer credit started as well as getting it extended. Funds are now being used to combat the national debate as to the “value” of home ownership. Some are saying there is no true “value” in homeownership RPAC funds are being used to counter that false notion. Unlike some organizations, all RPAC funds are voluntary contributions from members of the Realtor Associations throughout the country. For more information on RPAC you can visit Realtor.org.

REALTORS Take Over the Capitol!

On Wednesday, March 4th Oregon REALTORS created a lasting impression with Oregon's legislators as almost 600 REALTORS spent the day in Salem at the Capitol. This is the largest turnout we have ever seen as an Association! The enthusiasm was contagious as members from all corners of the state spent the day supporting policies that will attempt to improve the real estate market and protect their business interests. At the event, the Oregon Association of
REALTORS shared with attendees the following top legislative priorities for 2009: Opposition to Home Taxes / Improvements to Real Estate Licensing / Increasing Flexibility in Land Use Promoting Housing Affordability / Increasing Health Care Access. http://oregonrealtors.org/.docs/pg/400/rid/10933/f/2009_Legislative_Agenda.pdf.

This was an exciting event that generated a tremendous amount of energy, featured a complimentary barbecue and provided a chance for members to meet and share personal stories with their state legislators at the Oregon State Capitol. Specifically, it gave members a chance to highlight the following real life examples of issues that personally impact their families, their business and their communities: The loss of affordable health care and the challenge it creates as they attempt to take care of their families and manage health problems; How land use restrictions and a lack of flexibility in Oregon's land use system have detrimental impacts on local markets, and how proposed legislation would virtually bring economic development to a halt; and the challenges in today's housing market and the potential threat that new taxes pose in further depressing the market and negatively impacting the buying and selling of real estate.

REALTORS from all across Oregon came together to unite for a common purpose and without the support and efforts of local associations, this display of political strength would not have been possible. Buses from Medford, Eugene and the Commercial Association in Portland; as well as organized car pools from Coos Bay, Bend and Roseburg helped to bolster attendance. These creative ideas created an opportunity for networking and continuing education credits. A radio talk show host from Southern Oregon even made the journey to join in the excitement, and to inform the community of the efforts of local REALTORS. Thank you to each and every one of you for helping make this event such a success!

Commitment is Key Your dedication to REALTOR issues and participation in REALTOR PAC has come full circle, as is evident from the showing en masse at REALTOR Rally at the Capitol. Through your recent efforts, Oregon legislators are acutely aware of REALTOR issues and the level of engagement of our membership on each public policy proposal that potentially impacting real estate in Oregon. REALTOR PAC cannot be successful without your commitment. This commitment comes in many forms, such as the issues we have educated elected officials on at REALTOR Day, and in the form of an investment in your business. There is no contribution that doesn't ultimately make an impact, and now it's easier than ever to commit. It is now possible to make monthly installments on your annual RPAC investment through our online system. Just call the Public Policy department at 1.800.252.9115 and set it up today! You can also go online and invest with a contribution today at: Donate to RPAC

Remember, RPAC is “Our PAC”.