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Public Affairs
Protecting your business and your community.
2011 Election Year: Roller Coaster Ride to the End
In January, 2011 we anticipated a relatively quiet year in terms of elections, but it turned out to be more complicated than expected. Once the scandal hit in February with former Congressman Chris Lee, a chain reaction throughout the region took effect. Among the changes were:
- Erie County Clerk Kathy Hochul upset Assemblywoman Jane Corwin for the 25th Congressional seat
- Buffalo school board member Chris Jacobs defeated Erie County Legislator Maria Whyte
- Erie County Comptroller Mark Polancarz, in a repeat of the upset in the 26th District, upended incumbent Chris Collins
- Jim Hayes announced his retirement from the NYS Assembly and will be succeeded by former EC Legislator Ray Walter, who defeated Craig Bucki
- Assemblyman Mark Schroeder ran unopposed for Buffalo City Comptroller, replacing retiring Andrew SanFilippo.
- Assemblyman Sam Hoyt resigned to join Governor Cuomo’s staff and was subsequently replaced by Sean Ryan
- In Lancaster, EC Legislator Dino Fudoli upset long-time Supervisor Bob Giza for the town’s executive position
- Erie County Legislator Barbara Miller-Williams was soundly defeated by Tim Hogues in the 1st Legislative District
- Clarence Supervisor Scott Bylewski was unseated by Clarence IDA Chair David Hartzell
- Grand Island elected Mary Cooke over incumbent Peter McMahon
- The Erie County Legislature was downsized from 15 seats to 11
Buffalo Legislators Pass Property Management Licensing Law
Despite efforts and warnings by BNAR representatives, the Buffalo Common Council passed a resolution and Mayor Brown signed into law an ordinance which calls for the licensing of all property managers conducting business in the city who manage three or more rental units. In an effort to placate the Realtor community, anyone holding a real estate license will be required to register but the annual license fee, the amount of which has yet to be determined, will be waived.
The BNAR has long supported Property Management Licensing, but felt that it would be more effective at the state level. Association officials also cited the conflict between state law and the local regulation. Article 12-A states that only those with a real estate license can collect rents on a third-party basis, but the city’s law blurs the regulation. By permitting anyone, regardless of whether they hold a real estate license, is tacit approval for bypassing the state regulation. The backlog of cases in city housing court plus the local government’s inability to effectively track companies were also mentioned as reasons the BNAR preferred state licensing over local regulation. The Department of State is now looking into the licensing conflict and may take action to remedy it.
RPAC Goal Achieved for 7th Consecutive Year
Led by Chair Lisa Avery, the BNAR membership once again hit its RPAC goal in 2011. The target, which is set annually by the National Association of Realtors, was $39,975 and represents the combined targets for BNAR and the newly merged Genesee Valley Board of Realtors. 753 members contributed with an average donation of $59.90 per person.
The financial objective for 2012 is $37,920, and the contributor goal is 724. Sharon Ciminelli is the new RPAC chair, and she intends to achieve both objectives by June of next year. “Political advocacy at all levels of government is one of the key benefits of our association,” the new chair stated. “It is during the difficult times – when officials look for new sources of revenue through licensing and taxes – that we need to increase our oversight and influence.”
Public Affairs Committee Moving Into 2012 with New Leaders
Come January 1, 2012 PAC Chair Lou Vinci moves from head of the local government affairs effort to his new post as 2012 BNAR President-Elect. Replacing him at the helm will be Shelia Ferrentino. Shelia is a 4 year member of the committee who has been active in Grand Island and area politics. Her vice-chair is Deborah Kilbourn-Fries, a Board member who has participated in a number of the association’s committees. The focus of the 2012 PAC committee will be greater involvement of Realtors in local government including getting out the vote, the Broker Involvement Program, and have Realtors run for public office.
Anyone interested in participating in the Public Affairs Committee or wanting more information should contact Dan Locche at dlocche@BNAR.ORG, or calling (716)923-4152.
