4.17.09   A FOCUS ON REALTORS® & GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AT THE APRIL 16 QUARTERLY MEMBER MEETING A large crowd of LVAR members attended the quarterly member meeting on April 16 at Lehigh University's Mountaintop Campus. The meeting was focused on REALTORS® and Government Affairs. It featured special guest speakers Congressman Charlie Dent (R, PA-15), State Senator Pat Browne (R-16), and Pennsylvania Business Council CEO David Patti. The featured speakers were entertaining and often humorous as they provided important and relevant information to our members.     Congressman Dent discussed the Federal Economic Stimulus legislation, and well as the Federal Budget. Senator Browne provided an update on the State Budget and mentioned the Senate’s continued interest in tackling the controversial “spot” reassessment issue. Senator Browne also touched on the importance of advocacy and REALTOR® involvement in the public policy making process.     Keynote speaker, David Patti, provided members with and insider’s perspective of the political climate in Harrisburg and how it will impact REALTORS® ability to pass legislation important to the real estate industry. Mr. Patti also discussed hi organization’s efforts to work with government officials to make Pennsylvania more economically competitive and business friendly.   The Government Affairs Committee hosted a small silent auction at the meeting to raise investments for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC). Over $600 was raised for RPAC. A special thanks to the winners of the Auction: Therese Kelley (Goomzee subscription and Magellan GPS) Mark Molchany (2 full color LV Real Estate Weekly Ads) Bruce Stimmel (100 GB Portable Hard Drive) 4.1.09   EASTON CITY COUNCILMAN JEFF WARREN MEETS WITH LVAR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE       Shown above (from left to right) – Tiffany Hayward, GAC Vice-Chair; Councilman Warren; Frank Renaldi, GAC Chairman   This month’s Government Affairs Committee (GAC) roundtable series featured Easton City Councilman Jeff Warren (D). Councilman Warren discussed the Easton City Budget and the possible prospect of the City not having to raise taxes. Additionally, Warren provided an update on some of the economic development projects moving forward, including the Victory Brewing site, the Silk Mill improvements and Riverside project near Larry Holmes Drive. Warren also asked for LVAR input on a proposal he is working on called “CAN” (Cops as Neighbors), which would provide housing assistance to police officers to encourage them to reside in the City.   The Roundtable Series serve as a forum for local elected officials to share with our members’ first-hand information on ongoing economic development and revitalization projects, local politics, and other real estate related matters in their respective municipalities. The meetings also serve as an opportunity for REALTORS® to show elected officials that we are organized and interested in the being a part of the public policy making process. By cultivating meaningful relationships, REALTORS® have the opportunity to build vibrant, safe and livable communities in partnership with elected officials.